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Jack C. Mauer has more than a thirty year investment in fishing, floating and wading the waters of western Montana. He is intimately acquainted with the surrounding fisheries and their corresponding ecologies. It is his passion and enthusiasm for the art of fly fishing, a respect and knowledge of trout habitat, and the ability to expertly instruct the technical aspects of fly fishing that clients appreciate as they return to western Montana and Wapiti Waters. Contact Jack at 800-254-5311.

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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Fishing the Missouri River in late April with Jeff and Reed



Jeff and Reed had a fishing agenda in late April and it included fishing the Missouri River with Jack. It was pretty darn cold that day but they were up to the challenge. Fish were caught but the camera was mostly kept in the bag. Rowing was the priority to help keep the boat headed downriver in the wind.

All in all, it was a very good day.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

2012 spring runoff has begun in Bitterroot River late April

Air temperatures were in the 70 degree range beginning about April 20. These photos were taken April 24. Look at the graphs and you can see how the rivers have been rising. The last two days the Bitterroot Valley air temperatures have been over 80 degrees. These photos were taken when Bell Crossing flows were at about 4,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) - 2 pm. Right now it is 6:30 pm and the flows at Bell Crossing are at 5,480 cfs. That is a big jump. The gauge downriver (north) near Missoula measured 8,190 cfs at 8:45 am and now at 6:30 pm it is measuring 9,280 cfs - closing in on 10,000 cfs!!!
The snowpack in the Bitterroot River Basin earlier this month was over 100%. Today it is 89%.
The photos are all taken from Bell Crossing starting upriver looking southwest and rotating counter-clockwise to the east, then south, finally southwest into the parking lot. As I was there, a LOT of large woody debris was moving down the river.

Friday, April 20, 2012

A day of fly fishing on the middle Bitterroot River in April


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Fishing the Bitterroot in April 2012


We have had a number of boats out during these first few weeks but are waiting for some of the photos to come in. Some days fished very well, some not as well. Skwalas were out some days, Mayflies on other days...you just have to get out and give it a go. Every day is a little different due to temperatures, weather, and flow levels (all interrelated). Here are a few teaser photos taken today.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Fly fishing the Bitterroot in April with Rachel

Rachel has been fishing with Wapiti Waters since she was a little girl. We love it when she and her family are at their Bitterroot home. It is great to see them and share time on the river with them all. Thanks Rachel.


a closer view of Rachel and the trout.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Doc Bolton on the Bitterroot in April

cropped version so you can see the trout better

Beautiful day on the river
Doc is up again spending some time in his cabin on the river. He loves winding down, reading, exploring and of course fishing. And, he always get fish. Here he is with a nice trout on a day he fished with Jack.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Cool days fishing on the Bitterroot

Wearing wool and gloves, they still enjoyed the fishing
The last few days in the Bitterroot have been below 50 degrees. Cooler temperatures don't do much for the bugs or hatches but if you are hardy enough, you still hook some trout. Thank Jim, John, Gary and Ric. Hope it is warmer in California. Jack and Nick really enjoyed fishing with you all.