Is it the fly or the depth that makes or breaks you? By Brian Kozminski It’s fall and the river is reported to be high and blown out. Is there any reason to go out? Actually, a report like that gives me incentive. It’s a chance to hit the river in solitude and throw beefy streamers to hungry, pre-spawn brown trout that are about to get the feed-bag on. But which streamers give me the best chances to hit the 20-Plus Club? I recently asked a few friends and fellow guides and their answers varied. Some of the suggestions included the Boogie Man, the Hog Snare, the Circus Peanut, Schultz’s Swinging D 2.0, Chocklett’s Game Changer, Schmidt’s Meal Ticket, Galloup’s Sex Dungeon, and the Great Lakes Deceiver. So, do you have to carry multiple fly boxes, filled with dozens of options in multiple colors, to score? Kelly Galloup and Bob...

When we started this experiment last year with Vic Anderson of the Heaven on Earth Ranch in Montana, it was with an aim to test the claims of Zoetis against the generic cattle health products Vic had used the year before. Well, after a full year and a warm October ship date, we’ve finally got some numbers to look at. The one product we were really excited to test out was Dectomax Pour-On. The premium price tag on Zoetis Dectomax usually kept Vic using generic products, but we got him on board last year, and the results? Weight of steers in 2015—614 (w/o Zoetis products) Weight of steers in 2016—636 (w/ Zoetis products) *** Weight of heifers in 2015—565 (w/o Zoetis products) Weight of heifers in 2016—583 (w/ Zoetis products) That’s a weight gain of +22 pounds for the steers and +18 pounds for the heifers over last year, and...

Lahontan cutthroat trout live in waters not fit to drink. They thrive in alkaline waters that other trout cannot survive in. Okanogan County offers two lakes—Blue and Omak—that hold Lahontans. Omak is the standout for a couple reasons; it rests just 15 minutes from the town of Omak and grows fish that average three-to five pounds with a few behemoths that reach 15 pounds. Blue Lake also holds a good cutthroat population, with many of its fish stretching to 20 inches. The more popular of the two is Omak Lake. A 15-minute drive east of the city of Omak will bring you to the green waters of Omak Lake. Our other lesser known lake that has a good population of Lahontan cutthroats is Blue Lake north of Omak by Wannacut Lake. Fall fishing for these predatory fish can be a very rewarding experience. Omak Lake has fish over the 15-pound range...

—North 40 Omak Chopaka Lake The fall season is in full swing at this gem of a lake. It seems it doesn’t matter what you are using, the fish are going after a variety of bugs. Nighttime temps are dipping down into the high 20s with daytime temps ranging to a pleasant upper 60s to low 70s. So make sure to bring some warm clothes for the morning bite. Water temperature is holding close to the mid-50s. Time of day will determine where you fish. The chironomid users are fishing anywhere from 5' to 15’ down. The most popular chironimid seems to be Chan's Beadhead Chironomid Bomber in black and silver, or Chan's beadhead Chironomid Bomber in brown and red. Fish both of these in size 12. Don't forget your Balanced Leech's in colors black, olive or even red. Two bugger patterns that have been doing good are the Bread N' Butter Bugger (Blond...

Clearwater River, (ID) The Clearwater has been tough for most people. I’ve only had a few happy fisher folk throughout the last week. A majority of people just aren’t finding fish. I’ve been out a few times and haven’t had any luck either. Some of the local guys are finding fish, but only a few. Despite those troubles, I’ve seen more anglers on the water. So being the first one to step into a run will increase your chances—meaning, get out there early. Flows are running in the the 3,880 cubic feet a second range at Spalding, with water temperatures coming in at around 50.5 degrees. A couple solid fly choices include Green Butts, Lady Caroline, and Brazilian will work. Grande Ronde River Most people are saying that the fishing has been pretty darn good and I’ve seen some guides out and about with clients. And, I have hooked ...

—North 40 Coeur d’ Alene Coeur d’ Alene River Fishing is great and consistent.  The up coming rain in the forecast will have the fish up on BWOs and mahogaony’s in a big way.  But with the cooler temps the window for the dry fly activity will be midday to early evening.  The October caddis will get fish later in the day, and again make sure you give the fly some motion.  Running a small soft hackle or emerger of  your choice behind your mayfly will produce lots of fish as well.  Fish have become pretty selective during the hatch so make your first cast count.  Longer leaders and accurate presentations on rising fish are pretty critical, but don't worry you'll have plenty of targets.  Nymphing and streamer fishing early will produce fish as well, black or olive sculpins on the swing or slow retrieve will do the trick.  Sn...

—North 40 Ponderay Clark Fork River (ID) Fishing has been a little spotty, but good overall. I have heard of a few large cutthroat being swung up with small streamers, like an olive Slump Buster, or a Montana Mini Intruder. Now is the perfect time to break out the good old trout spey. Only have a full spey? No problem. I practice with my Beulah Onyx all year, including on the Clark Fork. When the time arrives to chase steel, I am ready. Not into the swing game? Match some October caddis with #12 orange stimulators, or try #18 Parachute Adams’ to match the mayflies. Nymphing is always a good choice this time of year. Personally, I throw a lot of big bugs with a small trailer. A simple #8 black Pat's Rubberlegs with a #16 red Copper John will hunt big browns. Lake Pend Oreille The bass fishing is slowing down for some, but not for all....

Missouri River (MT) The word from the river is good. Some days really good. My last guide trip was exceptional. The bite is strong. The cooler weather we’ve had since mid-September has dropped the water temps steadily and put the fish on alert that winter is coming. Their response is to eat like they mean it. If you want to plan a great day, fish streamers in the morning. Nymph for an hour or three mid-day and then get your dry fly action on in the afternoon. Also, don’t overlook the soft hackle. vDead drifted in the film or gently swung and lifted at the edge of a pod of rising fish, a softy can get you some big eats. If you are still out as the sun is going down, pull that streamer some more. Some Fly Choices Streamers: Montana Mini Intruder, TFP Polar Minnow, Bald Eagle, Smoke N’ Mirrors, Flash Minnow, Kreelex, Coffee’s, Skidd...

ICAST. It’s the fishing industry’s largest international trade show. With North 40 Fly Shop’s video team, I was there this year trying to shoot as many product videos of the latest and greatest fishing products as I could find. Three new baits took the featured spaces on the front of Northland Tackle’s bright yellow booth, and one of these baits piqued my curiosity. I was lucky enough to find Keith Eshbaugh, who happened to be the inventor and manufacturer of the new Northland Butterfly Blades. As a long-time Mack’s Smile Blade evangelist, my skepticism was palpable, but I was willing to give Keith and chance to tell me what was up with these new lures. Northland Butterfly Blades Tackle The first thing I learned is that the new Butterfly Blades are not meant to replace your Mack’s Smile Blades (although I’m sure Northland ...