Gettin' High

Finding and fishing small streams.

There are more miles of small, public-land mountain streams than there are of big rivers in Montana—why aren’t we exploring them more? While anglers shouldn’t expect large trout when fishing these high-gradient tributaries (maybe that’s why), the fishermen venturing into these environs are often seeking more than just trout.

The higher one goes, the steeper the gradient. Most small-mountain creeks are fast, shallow, and rocky. You’ll likely encounter an occasional meadow section where the depth can increase—and fish size with it—but by and large, it’s smaller fish and smaller water. But they’re eager fish, nonetheless.

The dense flora of our mountainous public lands often prevents back casts, so familiarity with roll casting—or even bow-and-arrow casts—is helpful.

Due to the limited depth, small-stream fisheries are generally dry-fly water. There simply isn’t the space to drift a nymph or pull a streamer. The fish see fewer flies than their valley-dwelling counterparts, so fly selection is less important. This is attractor water.

Attractors are flies that don’t match a specific insect; rather, they suggest several different bugs by having a size, profile, and color that trigger a trout’s feeding instincts. Some good examples  of attractor dry flies are humpies, stimulators, Chernobyl ants, and various sizes of purple haze.

High-stick “dapping,” or lightly touching the fly on the creek’s surface is often the best method of presenting these attractor dry flies. A 2- or 3-weight rod-and-reel setup is perfect for these creeks, and nothing stronger than 5X leaders and tippets is necessary.

Casting is often the biggest challenge. The dense flora of our mountainous public lands often prevents back casts, so familiarity with roll casting—or even bow-and-arrow casts—is helpful.

Slicks behind rocks, plunge pools, and anywhere with enough depth to hold a fish are all good places to look. Oh, and meadows. Meadows can be hotspots, providing fish with slow current to conserve energy, enough food to remain calorie-positive, and enough habitat to hide from predators.

In terms of timing, mountain-creek fisheries are only available from about June to October, depending on elevation. The fish need to make hay while the sun shines, meaning the fishing can be darn good throughout the ice-free season. These creeks also serve as nurseries for the larger streams they feed or the lakes above them.

Small creeks are ideal places for beginners, kiddos, and visiting family members.

Most of these small streams—especially those directly connected to either a lake above or a river below—hold fish. Ask a fly shop if you’re uncertain. These waters are the domain of the rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. These species are more adapted to cold water than are browns and often thrive here. The only native species is the cutthroat, and they especially should be handled with care and released alive.

Small creeks are ideal places for beginners, kiddos, and visiting family members. Even if the fishing is tough, or there is a lack of desire to fish hard, there is always lots to love about a trip into the mountains. The views are spectacular, the air is clean (unless it’s smoky), and good vibes reign supreme.

So, if you’re looking for a break from the big rivers, take a hike and enjoy the spoils of Montana’s alpine streams.

Josh Bergan has written columns for Montana Sporting Journal and American Angler, among others, and is the author of The Flyfisher’s Guide to Southwest Montana’s Mountain Lakes.