Fishing Report Date: Tuesday 5/31/2016 Angler: Zach Andres

Fishing Report
✤ Date: Tuesday 5/31/2016
✤ Angler: Zach Andres
✤ Location: North Fork of the Tongue River
✤ Weather: Cloudy and cold, around 40°F all day, with intermittent periods of snow and rain. The
evening saw the sun peak through, the fishing picked up a little bit and I saw a few caddis come off.
This next week is showing highs in the 80s, meaning that run-off might pick up and make the water off
colored.
✤ Water Temp °F: I got a thermometer, but I forget to bring it
✤ Gear Used: 8’ 6” 5 wt with SA Sharkwave GPX WF5F line with varying amounts of leader depending
on what I was fishing
✤ Flies that worked: Cased Caddis (tan), Palomino Midge (both tan and red variation), small Woolly
Bugger type patterns in black, Grumpy Muppet in black
✤ Additional Comments: If you have not seen a moose, going up to the North Fork this time of year will
be your best opportunity. THERE ARE SO MANY! Scout where you are fishing before you even leave
your car… let the moose choose for you where you will be fishing. Be wary of walking around blind
corners, moose are big but they sure can be stealthy. Always bring bear spray, $35 for a can could save
you $1000’s in medical bills!! The fish are not yet rising consistently, I probably saw around 5 fish eat
off the surface. The water is clear and cold, and the fish are spooky so work the runs slowly. If you are
nymphing, the takes are so subtle that even a slight twitch to your bobber that you might think is the
bottom could likely be a fish, don’t be afraid to set at every little twitch! Again, pinch barbs… this will
let you get right back to fishing more quickly as you can pull the fly out with ease and I’m sure the fish
appreciates it as well.
Streamer eaters
Colorful brookie
I spotted this bull moose across the road while I was fishing and noticed it moving towards me. I
walked the other direction, got in my car, and moved to a different location.
This guy ate a cased caddis, incredibly soft take by a larger fish. Again, with the landing net
and pinched barb, I was able to land the fish, take the picture, and return the fish well under a
minute.