Every spring we get the annual runoff that turns our local rivers to turbulent, chocolate milk colored, raging waters. Fisherman run to the closest tail water or lake to get their fix while waiting for local water to drop into shape. Stillwater fishing can be a whole another ball game with a completely different batch of bugs to use. Here are some of our favorite stillwater bugs for Montana.

 

BH Mohair Leech:

"The Leech" is not a pretty fly, but is a absolute staple for stillwater fishing. Most lakes in Montana have leeches and are a huge food source for trout. The Mohair Leech is a fairly easy tie too.

 

BH Olive Scud:
Trout love their freshwater fresh water shrimp! Olive is usually a pretty good bet, but its a good idea to have pink, orange, and gray scuds as well.

Jumbo JuJu Chironimid:

One of our go to lake flies when the fish are being picky. Fish it deep or fish it shallow right in front of their noses. We recommend you fish it under a indicator with a very slow retrieval.

Barr's Damsel Nymph:

When the fish are on the damsel nymphs in Montana your going to want a couple of these. Barr's Damsel Nymph has been our most consistent damsel nymph for some of our local lakes. Great when fished under a indicator or stripped off of the shore.

Rowley's Balanced Leech:

Tied on a jig hook to give it a level presentation in the feeding column. Deadly when fished under a indicator.

Carey's Special:

The Carey Special has been around for a long time, and for good reason too. This bug just keeps producing through the years.

Marabou Cripple:

Our favorite cripple for when the callibaetis are hatching on our local lakes.

Craven's Parachute Damsel Adult:

Does it get much better than trout gulping down damsel dries? Craven's Parachute Damsel Adult has worked best for us over the last couple summers.

The Water Boatman:

Deadly when fish are cruising the shallows looking for a easy meal. A fairly easy tie well worth the rewards.

Chan's Las Vegas Booby Leech:

Booby flies are growing more and more popular in the stillwater world and work well when fished with a sinking line.