Mmm.... tastes like chicken!

Thursday was better fishing during the day than the evening.  In the early afternoon the sun was out, the bugs were thick and there was a foot or more of visibility in most places.  That big front rolled in around 5:00 and totally shut down the caddis factory.  Actually, it pinned them to the rocks and while the sleet and wind nocked a few off, the fish were not all that impressed.  We had a couple calm moments however and were able to work a few fish on dries.  We moved another big brown on streamers.   Easily a 20"+ fish, the fat brown rolled on the top fly but totally missed it.  Before his long, python like body disappeared back into the river, Hank and I slapped 4 streamers around him.  I thought for sure he'd eat at least one of them, but somehow the con-artist managed to give us the slip...

What about the mud?  Yes, that is a definite concern.  The Gardner has been pumping mud, as have a lot of the other tribs.  At best I'd say we'll have a translucent brown with a foot and a half.  At worst we could be looking at inches.  Fingers are crossed for good fishing, but I wouldn't be surprised if the river blows out tomorrow.  I also wouldn't be surprised if it came back in a few days like last year.  We'll keep you posted. Give us a call tomorrow for the latest clarity report.  406.222.7130.