Page 147 - North 40 Outfitters

One could argue that the Zebra midge is one of the best trout flies of all time. This is especially true on western tailwaters. As a fly tiers, we always tinker with the best patterns and try to make them better.  When midges and BWO’s are hatching, this version with a wing and tail tuft of CDC has proven quite effective. Materials: Hook: TMC 2488H #16-#20 Bead: Plummeting Tung 5/64" Thread: UTC 70 Wing/Tail: CDC White Wire: Small Chartreuse Ultra Wire or X-Small Silver   Color Options

We jumped at the chance to fly fish the state’s most diverse lake for Father’s Day this year. Who knows: Troll a bugger and you could get an 18 lb. Tiger Trout that was in fact the record breaking fish pulled from this 151 acre lake this spring! When we pulled up to the Bonaparte Lake Resort and Restaurant, we were surprised at the beauty of the area. Our camping spots were lakeside and launching in and out of crystal clear waters was a cinch. For Father’s Day, and being at over 3,500 feet, the water was bathtub warm and great for kayaking, canoeing and swimming all of which the kids did! But the question was: was it too warm to fish? The answer turned out to be Yes and No-. The multi-species lake did not exactly disappoint-..from the dock itself the kids caught Tiger Trout, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee and Smallmouth Bass. The trout wer...

Tons of bugs out there.  Great dry fly opportunities.  Solid nymphing. Caddis, caddis, caddis-. Lots of Brown Drakes.  Sometimes.  In the right places. The weather is going to heat up for the next week.  Go fishing early and then stop by the shop.  We are air conditioned!

Alter's Pike Slider is a good fly for chasing pike in the North West. This fly can be tied larger and longer by simply adding more length to the tail. This version is a slight variation by wrapping bunny around the shank of the hook and adding some arctic fox. Fish this fly on a floating line or sinking line. Materials: Hook: Gamakatsu B10S 2/0 Tail/Body: Barred Rabbit Strip Olive/Brown Flash: Flashabou Perch Head/Thorax: Olive Fox, Red Fox & Black Craft Fur Eyes: Living Eyes Fire Eyes Finish: Clear Cure Goo Thick  

For the past 26 years, I’ve spent summer solstice fly fishing in Alaska.  I usually fish until midnight or later into the following day.  Daylight is not an issue.  This was my first summer solstice in Montana.  It gets dark around 10 pm, but that left enough time after work to get in some great evening fishing. What a difference a day makes, or an hour, or even a moment.  So many bugs are hatching.  So many stages are available for the fish to eat.  Sometimes its mind numbing.  Sometimes it’s really basic.  I’ve had times recently where I’ve tried fly after fly and felt out of the game.  Then last night I tied one on and never looked in my box a second time. I was enjoying success with a new caddis pattern.  At the same time, Wayne Jordan was getting eats on his favorite PMD emerger.  Two different flies.  Two dif...

I think I may have some sort of innate connection to honey bees due to the Winnie the Pooh décor that hung in my room as a child. Now as an adult I find myself deeply interested in the beekeeping process. Could this be related to Pooh Bear as well? Today was the first day I've checked the hive since Al and I did a queen inspection a couple days after introducing the colony to the N40 hive. And after today's N40 hive inspection I'm now even more amazed at what these little bees can accomplish.   Going out today Jake and I (yes, Jake, the kid who is deathly afraid and allergic to bees) were hoping that the frames would be mostly filled with brood, pollen, and honey. This would indicate that it is time to add another box for our bee buddies to start mass producing honey. That was our hope, but of course I didn't know what to expect...

Our big flush of rain inspired run off has cycled through and waters all around us are dropping fast.  The good news is that Canyon Ferry has filled and flows on the Missouri should be normal this season.  Gibson has also filled, so the Sun River will have some water as well.  Belt Creek, the Smith and the Dearborn have dropped and are in good fishing shape once again. I got to experience a fine evening PMD hatch on the Missouri River last Saturday.  Both caddis and PMDs were plentiful and fish were rising and catchable.  Catchable on my 5th fly choice that is.  Picking the right fly for picky fish can be the key to unlocking success.  All I can say is don’t go out there with only a couple choices and be caught without options.  I’ve made that mistake.  You need various stages of each bug in appropriate sizes.  From my exp...

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What are you doing this Father's Day weekend? If you don't have plans, residents and visitors alike will be able to fish for free that weekend so if you don't know, now you know. This statewide tradition has been in effect since 2011, and will continue this Father's Day weekend, June 17th and 18th, 2017. We have equipment for gear fishers here and an entire site dedicated to fly fishing right here. Everyone can fish for free and we have some great employee resources. If you're interested, but haven't tried it out before, come in and ask about a setup to get you out this weekend and check out our #RippleEffect program designed to help new anglers get outfitted without breaking the bank. Remember to follow Montana's state regulations when you're out there. Here's some great waters to try out: Madison, Bighorn, Missouri, Bitterroot and ...

This is a smaller version of the Flash Bang Intruder I like to tie for Alaska Salmon.  The gold, silver and coppery/brown root beer combo is particularly effective on Brown Trout.  It’s flashy, has good swimming action, and is easy to cast on a little two-handed rod.  I like to swing flies.  This one’s a favorite. This music is from a local Montana band Backwoods Dreamers. Check them out. Thanks guys! Materials: Wadington 25mm Shank Senyo’s Standard Intruder Wire Gamakatsu Drop Shot Hook Spirit River Real-Eyes Plus Red Senyo’s Laser Dub Tan UV Polar Chenille Gold Hedron Flashabou Gold Hedron Flashabou Silver Larva Lace Angel Hair Root Beer  

You know it, we know it: Alpine Touch is the business. What you may not have known is that this local Montana company started in Whitefish out of a concrete mixer behind a grocery store. When Whitefish became too "touristy" for the owners, they went in search of a "quieter existence" and settled finally in Choteau, Montana. Who Owns Alpine Touch and Where are they Based? I got to catch up with Chad Ekegren, the owner of Alpine Touch and a dedicated small-town man, "What better place to live and work than on the Rocky Mountain front?" Chad bought Alpine Touch from the previous owners (Choteau residents as well) in a joint venture with his dad, the owner of a John Deere company in Choteau as well, "My family bleeds green and yellow." Here is our selection of Alpine Touch products you can order online. Chad went to school for a degree in bus...

AGM Batteries are a good choice for anyone looking for a new battery to put in their boat.  AGM's are spill proof because the acid absorbs into fine fiberglass crystals inside the battery.  Having a spill proof battery on rough seas and choppy rivers really boosts the confidence of any boater out on the water. You can see our selection of AGM batteries online here. AGM Batteries are a good choice for anyone looking for a new battery to put in their boat.  AGM's are spill proof because the acid absorbs into fine fiberglass crystals inside the battery.  Having a spill proof battery on rough seas and choppy rivers really boosts the confidence of any boater out on the water. Learn more about DuraStart--made in America batteries right here. AGM batteries have a low internal resistance while still maintaining a quick response time with hig...