Snacking Necessity

For those like me, there is little time on the water for such trivialities such as sustenance intake. In our minds successful fishing takes all of one’s concentration, so much so that we neglect our body’s basic needs. Now, while this may seem like the logical thing, there is a startling truth coupled to it. Not only is this practice foolish but it is also extremely dangerous. For those not in the know, fishing is a remarkably strenuous sport, burning large numbers of calories even on comfortable days. On tough days like those with wind, rain, cold or super-hot temperatures the human body has to work double time to maintain its internal temperature, necessitating the burning of calories to produce the requisite energy. For those of us who fail to take in the necessary fuel, we run the risk of fatigue related illnesses such as heat stroke, hypothermia, and severe exhaustion. Down the road, if there is prolonged exposure to this sort of abuse, permanent digestive and pulmonary damage can be possible. So, while it may seem like a hindrance, every angler should remember to regularly hydrate (with water, not soda) and snack in order to maintain a healthy, fishing ready body. A good rule of thumb is one water bottle and hour and a sandwich every two. Be smart, be safe. Fishing isn’t worth your health.

Fall Fishing

For those of you too busy hunting to keep up with fishing during the fall, let me fill you in. You are missing out! This, more than any other time of year, is the best time to catch big numbers of fish from many species. With winter on the horizon fish are starting to feel the need to eat in order to fatten up so that they can survive the impending cold. This ravenous hunger is drawing out even the most reclusive predators, like lake trout, and spinning them into schools who patrol relatively shallow water(10-20ft) in search of baitfish schools. If anyone desires success this fall get out and ask around where the bite is. The fish patrol relatively small areas, where the bait is, so if people are talking then there is a good bet the intel is still solid. Throw fast moving lures like crankbaits and topwaters in order to elicit a flurry of reaction strikes. Don’t forget that you need to match the hatch. The fish may be aggressive, but they aren’t stupid. On heavily pressured lakes giving any fish reason to question a lure can lead to immediate shut down of the feeding frenzy. Not, as I'm sure you’ll agree, an amenable situation. But don’t let trivialities discourage you. Put down that gun and grab a rod. The fish are a callin’!

Swimming Solutions

Like a doomed romantic relationship, fishing tackle evolves at a breakneck pace. New lures appear and disappear almost overnight with few examples becoming staples of any kind. Even rarer still are the "back of the tackle box" baits, those lures that don’t necessarily explode into success but remain a part of the production line. Cheifest among this category are the swimbaits. These baits have a tendency to pop in and out of the limelight every now and again when some pro somewhere does something crazy with them, but for the most part they sit on the shelves of tackle stores and gather dust, unknown and unloved.

Well, all that is going to change today. 

Being someone who has traveled all across the country and fished a myriad of waters, I can tell you that any angler who routinely fishes more than one reservoir needs one thing from their lures. Versatility. This is simply due to the fact that carrying a tackle store's worth of kit around with you looks and is completely ridiculous. You need a lure that can cover many situations to cut down on costs and fishing time. While there are many lures that can cover this for individual species (crankbaits for walleye and spinner baits for bass) only the swimbait, in my opinion, can perform the task equally well across not just all species but all situations as well.

But enough with the repetitive introductions. Onto the meat of it.

There are a number of ways to fish a swimbait. When I find myself in a heavily weeded area, I prefer to rig a hollow belly swimbait with a large wide-gap hook. I know some people prefer the hooks with screws in the eye but I find that those hooks have a tendency to tear up your bait faster than if rigged Texas-style. 

If I find myself in open water, such as on a flat, I like to use a soft, small swimbaits, such as the Keitech brand, rigged on a standard lead-head jig. While not as weed proof, these lures can cover lots of ground. Adding a little superglue to the bait and jig helps to keep the whole set-up intact.

Lastly, a great multipurpose technique in shallow water is to attach a swimbait, I like the four inch Swim-Senko, to a Chatterbait. This set-up combines the flash of a spinnerbait with the subtle swimming action of a swimbait to create a great sunfish imitator. 

Probably the easiest way to describe how to fish these baits is to say a single word. Slow. You never want to over fish these baits as they do all the work themselves. All you need to do is to reel the bait fast enough to keep it off the bottom, or weeds, with your rod tip high so as to allow you to fish even slower. It’s like to old Roadrunner commercials, "you can’t fish 'em wrong as long as you fish 'em slow." 

I hope to have a video up on this soon but we’ll see. Until then, good luck and tight lines.

Fish Genus: The Differences

Every multi-species angler knows that each fish species presents unique challenges and attributes despite their visual similarities. Despite this fact, there are many people who can not identify the numerous closely related species present in our states many waters which can lead to some embarrassing issues when it comes to taking count of the days catch. So lets clear the air, or water as it were, on this issue by pointing out the critical differences between species necessary for proper identification.

1): Walleye/Sauger:

Beyond fly fishermen,I'm almost certain that there is no person in the state that doesn't know what a walleye is. This species has become so big, both in popularity and actual size, in this state that teams from all over the country come to compete in our walleye tournaments. It is surprising then, that most homegrown weekend anglers cannot identify the difference between a walleye and its close cousin, the sauger. Now sure, some may not see it as that important a difference to make but in many of our rivers and reservoirs, Fort Peck included, there is a legal distinction made in the possession limits betwixt the two species, necessitating an understanding of their minute differences.

So what is the easiest way to identify the differences? When it comes to fish identification most people just look at a fish’s general color and give their verdict. Now sure that works with brightly colored aquarium fish from the equator but up here, where fish adapt to their environment by adjusting their coloration, it becomes much more difficult. For instance, someone once told me that the only way to tell a walleye and sauger apart was by their color. Walleye were always gold and sauger were always blue or grey. That was over eight years ago, and since then I have caught many more blue and grey walleye than I have gold. Why this is, I can only speculate, but it does go to say how wrong our assumptions can be.

Ok, ok. Enough waffling, time for the meat of the issue. Walleye can be easily identified by three factors; One, every walleye has a bright white tip on the bottom tip of its tail (on sauger this is a white line running the whole bottom margin of the tail); Two, On the spinney dorsal fin of each walleye there is a dark black spot between the last two or three spines (this is not present on a sauger, which has numerous small spots on the fin); and Three,  Walleye typically have a smooth coloration with and any with splotches resemble those of perch but are far less distinct (while splotches on a sauger are dark and randomly placed).

Follow these simple rules and you will be able to easily tell walleye and sauger apart. There is only one situation in which you will see an exception made and that is with hybrids, the mysterious “saugeye”. These fish throw a spanner in the whole works and more than likely require a geneticist to identify. So if you’re ever in doubt, throw it back. There are always more fish to catch.

2): Bass (Large and Small mouthed)

Now as I’m sure you can all imaging this is a topic close to my heart. However the state of Montana makes no difference between the species so it doesn’t really matter in any legal sense. But I don’t care! It’s important to me so now it’s important to you, deal with it. All joking aside though, properly identifying species of bass can help any angler refine their lure selection as each species seems to have its own unique preferences. But that is an article for another time.

So as we’ve established before, color isn’t the best way to identify fish species. Smallmouth are supposed to be brown and Largemouth are supposed to be green but I’ve seen that completely turned on its head before so who can say. If you really want an accurate way to identify the species, you can use these simple identifiers. One, on a largemouth the dorsal fin sections (you know, the spikey and not spikey fins on their backs) are barely touching if not completely separated where they are clearly connected on a smallmouth. Two, a largemouth’s jaw hinges behind its eyes (generally, if not directly below it) while a smallmouths hinges far forward of that. I know it seems obvious, but trust me, it matters. Three, the lateral line (a predominant sensory organ of fish, again an article for another day) on a largemouth is more often than not pronounced in the form of a dark black line or tight series of splotches down its flanks where a smallmouth’s is typically not visible in any form. 

3): PanFish

(Disclaimer: when I say ‘Panfish’ I am using it in the colloquial sense, meaning I am not limited to just the members of the Sunfish Family but am encompassing all small gamefish from across the state. Note the image above.)

In Montana there are many species of unique and colorful panfish. Each has their own unique niche that they fill while still remaining visually distinct. So I find it surprising when so many people fail to properly identify species from their visually similar cousins.

Bluegill vs. Pumpkinseed: The tiny cousins of the black bass are almost exactly similar in both size and appearance but there is one way to tell the difference. Now as much as I say color isn’t a way to identify fish species, this is the only possible vector in this case. Simply put, the Pumpkinseed is more colorful than the Bluegill. Now I know this is vague but I will try to be specific. A Bluegill has only one bright patch on its body which is a tab of iridescent blue on its gill plate while the Pumpkinseed is painted in a myriad of vibrant colors ranging from orange to blue. Seems simple but it is more difficult than most people think.

Black Crappie vs White Crappie: This is one of the strangest naming glitches in all of fishing. The Black Crappie (properly pronounced Craw-pee for those who insist on saying Krap-ee) is actually predominantly white with many dark splotches, while the White Crappie is more of a dark green. Strange? Yes. Clear? As crystal.

Yellow Perch vs Everything Else: This is by far the easiest distinction to make. While all of the previous specimens are members or close relatives of the Sunfish Family, Perch are actually of the (funny enough) Perch clan, relating closely to walleye, sauger and the European Zander. Meaning this fish is distinct because it looks like a walleye but colored green and yellow. Again, seems obvious but you don’t want to know how many misidentifications I heard involving this fish. It’s actually quite depressing.

Anyway, I hoped this has helped you and your fellow anglers out. Fish identification is important, if not for legal reasons then to make yourself look like a pompous arse when you have to put your knowledge in writing feel some sense of self-righteousness. J. Peace out and fish on.

This is quick, but it needs to be said. Properly dispose of you're fishing line.
There is nothing more infuriating or dangerous in the sport of fishing than carelessly discarded line. Not only is it bad form to litter but loose line can also kill animals and become a general nuisance for anyone or anything using a lake's shore. I can't tell you how many times I've tripped over or gotten tangled up in loose fishing line. Often in a spot I've been to several times before.
Now I know that knots in your line or bird's nests are thoroughly annoying and sometimes you can't just help but tear it all off the reel and dump it on the ground in frustration. I fully understand. However, after the moment has cooled, consider going back to the line and balling it up in your pocket. There are many ways to dispose of used fishing line now a days that present a far better alternative to littering. Just off the top of my head I can think of a cardboard box in Walmart that lets anglers dump their scrap line safely.
Ok, so I know this was a bit of a rant but that is only because of the severity of this issue. We're fishermen. We get to enjoy the outdoors in a fun and unique way. So lets not go off and ruin it for everyone else.

Top Multi-Species Lure

Those who know me know that I am a diehard bass fisherman. For me there is no greater pursuit in all of our sport than that of the black bass. But, as those Montanans in the audience can attest, it is very hard to limit yourself to fish for only one species in our state. With so many lakes chocked full of so many species (typically not the one you’re after) anglers here find themselves in the need to build multipurpose tackle boxes that can strike any occasion or any species. With that in mind, here is my personal choice for the top five multispecies lures.

5): Lipless Crankbait

This is one of my favorite baits ever. You can burn it, rip it, jig it, dangle it under the ice; there isn’t much that this incredible bait can’t do. Not to mention that its baitfish profile and myriad of colorations is appealing to many different species. However, as great as it is, this bait does have some harsh limitations. For one thing it isn’t weedless. Unlike regular crankbaits these baits have no lip or bill, hence the name, which means that they don’t have anything to knock rock, wood or grass out of the way. This can get really annoying, especially when fishing weed flats or shallow cover. So despite it being amazing I’m afraid this bait has to take fifth place.

4): Soft Swimbait

Now imagine our previous entry, but this time make it out of soft plastic and give it a curly tail. That is essentially what we have here in the swimbait. Why it is in the number four spot and not the number five though is a twofold answer. For one thing this line of baits is vast, with models as simple as the classic Storm baits with basic shad profiles all the way to beautiful aquarium pieces that run well into the double digits. Each has their advantages and disadvantages but the point is is that these baits can do what the previous entry did but comes in several more varieties, providing them with even more unique presentations. The occasional weedless quality is nice too.

3): Spoon

Perhaps one the oldest baits on the planet, this lure is likely responsible for more fish catches than any other on the planet. Walleye, Pike, Trout, Bass; all have fallen victim to this baits simple but effective allure. And until the scientists over at Pure Fishing’s skunkworks come up with some miracle bait, I don’t feel that we will be seeing this phase out any time soon.

2): Rapala Shad Rap

A true classic of the brand, the Shad Rap has been a staple of tackle boxes worldwide for more decades then I have been alive. I can personally attest that I have caught almost every game fish species in the state on this lure. What is it about this lure that makes it so great? Is it the tight action, or the tuned diving lip or even the beautiful color patterns? Who can say for sure, all that is know is that it works which gives it a worthy number two spot on this list

1): Jig

Ok, so a plain jig doesn’t really catch that many fish, but as a base model and bait delivery system this is the king. Whether it is trailered with live bait or dressed in a skirt or even dragging plastics, this versatile piece of lead and steel (or brass/nickel) has hooked more fish than perhaps any other setup in the world. Anyone who is worth their weight in Rapalas owns more of these than they know what to do with, and for good reason. They. Catch. Fish. Pan fisherman use them because they are a compact way to present tiny plastics and worms. Walleye fisherman employ them because of the pinpoint accuracy they can provide when targeting schools of fish. We bass fisherman use them because their more robust variants help us get our bizarre range of plastics onto the bottom or through matted grass.

This bait can go anywhere and do anything. Why? Because it is versatile. It can be modified and adjusted in ways that any of our previous entries could only dream of. And that, more than anything else, is why the humble jig deserves the top spot on this list.

Top Bass Lakes in Montana

It is no secret to my friends and colleagues that I favor bass more than any other species for my angling adventures. This fact is often baffling for most other fisherman I talk to because, like most of the country, when they think of Montana they see blue ribbon trout streams and trophy walleye lakes.

Now while it is true that there aren’t many waters in the state which hold bass that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. They’re often hard to find, yes, but they are there and far more numerous than most seasoned Montanans would expect. 

So, for all of those of you who keep asking me, here is my personal list of the top bass fishing waters in Montana.

1): Fort Peck Reservoir.

Yes, yes, get the noggin scratching out of the way. While most of you may think of this enormous prairie reservoir as the state’s walleye fishing gem, which it is don’t get me wrong, it is also the best lake on either side of the divide to catch a trophy bass, bar none. Every time I go I always love to ask the other fisherman (invariably walleye anglers) how the bass fishing is and every time they always give me the same bit about how weird it was that they caught several bass that day as they were trolling for walleye. Of course they throw them back, thank god, but still it astounds me how many three, four and five pound fish there are in this reservoir and how no one seems to notice the potential. And before anyone says a four pound fish is small for walleye, I’d like to see you try to tell me the train-like run of a smallmouth bass isn’t twice as rewarding as catching an 8 pound, sock-like walleye. All prejudice aside, though, this lake is an absolute goldmine and if you haven’t fished here yet you are missing out.

2): Noxon Rapids Reservoir

This is the bass fishing lake in Montana. There are more bass fishing tournaments held here than in any other lake in the state. This is because this lake is perfectly suited for both large and smallmouth bass. Rocks, grass, depth changes, ample food supply, everything is there. The problem, however, is that the lake has a tendency to under produce. Don’t get me wrong, this lake can churn out some big fish; but more often than not you get a handful of fish under fourteen inches and busted prop from striking a stump on one of the innumerable flats. It is indeed a double edged sword.

3): Echo Lake

Now I have to admit that this is probably one of my favorite lakes in the state. It has it all, unique aquatic biomes, ample food, wide open spaces and very few pike to cause the bass much trouble. Every time I go to this lake I can easily make a five fish limit of over fifteen pounds. That being said though there is one immense drawback to fishing here. Wake Boats. Echo Lake is by no means a big lake being made out of many interconnecting pools. This means that when a ski or wake boat goes by you get the full brunt of their wake. On more than one occasion I've seen small craft and kayaks capsize due to an overzealous wake boat captain. So yeah, big waves and big bass, danger and fun. Explore at your own risk.

Honorable Mentions:

There are numerous other bass waters in this state and while they may not produce like the above lakes they can still sate that bass fishing bug just as easily. Just a short list I’ve been to includes; Clark Canyon reservoir, Flathead River sloughs, Lake Upsata, the Muscle Shell River, Tongue River Reservoir, and the Lower Yellowstone River.

If you have any questions or would just like to point something out please feel free to shoot me a comment.