May 30 2008
Friday- Fly Day: Montana
Although the Montana, due to its name, may seem like the All-American nymph, it is actually quite the diplomatic fly, spreading its influence into northern countries such as New Zealand.
The streamer, theoretically, was used primarily in the Montana state, and other western countries, until it was discovered, and brought eastward to be fished along the New England area. While the Montana was quickly making its way to the front of fishermen’s boxes here in the US, it was rapidly making its debut into Canada and New Zealand, becoming a personal favorite for northern trout fishing.
Although extremely effective, the Montana is a very simplistic nymph, as far as fishing it is concerned. This fly is a very popular fly year around, and should be fished deep along the riverbed. It is extraordinarily productive if fished in stony areas of streams, on the upstream face of rapid or turbulent water. When fishing the Montana, like most other nymphs, there are two key methods, the ‘dead drift’ method, and the ‘tight line’ method.
The ‘dead drift’ method of fishing is very self explanatory. The nymph should be cast directly across the current, and allowed to bounce across the bottom at a dead drift. The fisherman should allow this to occur until it reaches a point where his line is parallel to the banks of the river, causing it to no longer drift. At this point, the fisherman should slowly retrieve the nymph, stripping the line in with shoot twitches of the line; pausing between each movement. When suing this method, the fish will usually strike immediately after the nymph moves, so be prepared during those pauses! Although it is more difficult to feel the slight strikes of trout when using this method, it is generally preferred by experienced fishermen due to the fact that one can cover more water faster, increasing ones likeliness to come across fish.
The second of the two fishing methods is the ‘tight line’ method. The ‘tight line’ method is almost exactly the same as the ‘dead drift’, except without the first step. When using the ‘tight line’ method, one should cast the fly directly downstream from where they are standing, causing the line to immediately become taut. Let the nymph rest at that place for a while. Then, slowly retrieve the nymph in short twitches, as explained above. This method is useful due to the fact that the line is always taut, causing strikes to be more noticeable, and making it easier for the fisherman to set the hook.
Because of the construction of the nymph being almost entirely of chenille, the Montana, if dry cast, will float. To counter this, the fisherman can be proactive, and weight the nymph with lead wire, or he can simply resort to simply role casting the nymph keeping it from drying too quickly.
