Current Conditions:
During September, Montana's Lakes and ranch ponds like the smaller private ranch lakes that we target such as Burns and Sitz vary in fishing action throughout the fall. This is mainly due to lake depth, springs feeding into them, and shade cover along the banks. Hatches of callibaetis are the primary insect on lakes in September. Terrestrials also can be blown into a lake. Anglers looking to fish the many lakes in Montana should contact us for the latest, lake-specific information.
Hebgen Lake is producing some good fishing in the early morning for the classic "gulper" fishing action. These fish are feeding on early morning midges and callibaetis. To have success on Hebgen Lake at the moment it is crucial to be able to cast at least 50 feet accurately. It is also important to pick a day without strong winds. The ideal "gulper" day on Hebgen Lake is one with light winds and overcast skies. The light wind creates some disturbance on the water making it a little easier to land a cast on the lake's surface without spooking fish.
Ennis Lake is still too warm for consistently good fishing. Within a few weeks time many of the lake's trout will begin to cruise the shallows or head to the inlet where the Madison River flows into Ennis Lake. This is the time to fish Ennis Lake again. Cruising fish can be spotted sipping on callibeatis or crushing the occasional October caddis.
The Month Ahead:
The fishing will really pick up in late September when we get a cold snap and the hatches of midges and callibaetis are strong again. Streamer fishing with full sinking lines will also produce. Terrestrials will still produce along shorelines in most of our lakes until our second or third major cold snap. In most years by late September the terrestrial fishing on our lakes is pretty much over.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
Lakes are always an interesting option in the fall. With hatches of fall mayflies and some good terrestrial fishing until late September or early October, fly fishing on lakes in Montana can offer a nice change up and the shot at sight casting to trophy trout can be addictive.