Blue Damsel Lodge Update

Is Your Blue Damsel Trip Booked Yet?

2012-02-06T14:26:00.001-08:00

It is definately time to make your 2102 spring, summer and fall plans for a fly fishing trip to Western Montana's Blue Damsel Lodge. The super bowl is over and spring is on the way. Snow pack looks good, but not crazy like last year.

All systems are go and we are anticipating a very good fishing season. There is still a good bit of availability, but, the phone is ringing with guests selecting dates. If you've been here before, you know what a great trip to expect and we'd sure love to see you again. If you haven't been yet, now is the time to get in touch and find out about available dates, fishing expectations and how simple it is to book maybe the best fly fishing trip of your life. You deserve a fly fishing adventure this summer and we suggest you take a few minutes to contact us about just that!

Happy New Year-in with the new, fond memories of the past

2012-01-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

As we roll into a great looking 2012, we are just reflecting on the past season. There are some great memories and photos of really good times, great food, good music, new friends, and wonderful fishing. We made some new friends and caught some great fish; We also lost some memorable fish and good friends and choose to fondly remember the missed fish, past days, and departed friends.
We would like to share two links with you that remind us of the essence of 2011. The first was produced and directed by Craig Chiesa, who did a summer practicum with us as part of his program with the University of Montana. His friend, Thomas Caywood Vincent shot the video and put most of it together. Also, a special thanks to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones for the original sound track. The link will take you to the video on the vimeo site. This is only about a 2 minute video, but it is hi-def, on a hi-def site so it may take a while to download. To keep it from pausing, etc, just start it, hit pause and let it download before you watch it. It's a really good little video that captures a lot of what the lodge and fishing is about.
The second link is to a You tube video of "US", the staff house band last season, aka, Maren Wing and the Rock Bottom Boys doing an impromptu cover of a Felice Brother's tune that was one of our favorite of the season. It is also just about 2 minutes and downloads really fast.
Enjoy and stay in touch. Still lots of good dates, but we are filling up fast for 2012. Hope to see you at the Blue Damsel this year.

Link to Blue Damsel Video:
http://vimeo.com/29176206

Link to youtube music video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GyKxAtRViOw

Nice Finish to a Nice Season

2011-10-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of Enrique, and guide Adam, with a very nice Blackfoot River brown trout. Enrique and Paul were our last guests of the 2011 season and they just left after spending a week fishing with us. Enrique caught this monster (really near to 2 foot of fish) on his second day. His fishing partner, Paul took the photo and shared it with us. Thanks to both of you for helping us put a good end to a good season. You are both world class sportsmen!

We wanted to get this picture posted now, before we get busy with the end of season party and closing up for winter. Today brings our 2011 season to a close and we want to thank all our guests, staff, guides, friends, and trout for making this the best season yet! Soon we will post links to the awesome video Craig made and some you-tube video of the Blue Damsel Staff, aka "Maren Wing and the Rock Bottom Boys" doing our favorite tune of the season. But for now, we are done... Signing out for a while from the Blue Damsel Lodge. Keith's going fishing!

The Rock Bottom Boys

2011-09-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Fred Crawford, we have a photo of the Blue Damsel house band- The Rock Bottom Boys. Technically, this season it has been Maren Wing and The Rock Bottom Boys. From left to right, we have Troy Lorenz on the stand up bass fiddle, (world famous?)guest guitarist Jim Cox sitting in on accoustic guitar, Josh Wing on fiddle and vocals, Maren Wing (Troy's wife and Josh's sister) on accordian and vocals, and Keith on lead guitar. This was a little session we did mid September on a wonderful evening after a great day of fishing.
We only have two weeks left this season to try and get a video/audio put together, but we are working on that right now. If it happens, we'll post the link here.

Farewell to a Friend

2011-09-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

We just met David this year, but he came out twice so we got to know him pretty well. We just found out David took his last fishing trip-one he won't come back from. We are so sorry to hear that and so very glad to have known you and honored to have fished with you. Goodbye buddy-from all the staff and guides.

The Trout Is Saved!

2011-08-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

This is not the typical conservation story, but this fish was saved by Kirk Kanady, one of Keith's lodge partners. Thanks Kirk! Any of you who have been to the lodge in the past several years know the trout sculpture displayed on the main level. This sculpture, by Missoua artist Jonathan Qualben, has been on display here for 4 years. Jothathan found a buyer for this, the last of his 8 foot trout sculptures, and told us he would make another one if we wanted to keep our old friend. And Kirk "threw down" and bought the trout!
Those of you who have been here this summer knew that we were concerned about being able to keep the fish and may be relieved to know that the big old trout stayes right where it is. Thanks again Kirk!

Unforgettable..The Blue Damsel Lodge

2011-07-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

7 o’clock. Pitch black dark back at home in my native Alabama. As I sit here and write, the images explode in recent memory. Deep diving Gorges lined with evergreen spruce and ponderosa pine, and river banks teeming with fresh hatchlings coming off the water, precisely at this same time that I am sitting in the aforementioned pitch black dark. Don’t get me wrong , I love being at my home and I love my state, but over the past week the Blue Damsel Lodge outside of Missoula Montana provided me with some of my fondest memories and experiences to date as a Fly Fisherman and Outdoorsman.

We arrived at the Blue Damsel early on our first day, ensured by our host Keith that we would not be intruding by getting there early. After a brief tour around the lodge, which was immaculate, we got a special little lunch packed by their amazing Chef and all around renaissance man Josh and we headed out for a little self guided fishing on Rock Creek. I had done my homework leading up to our trip and thought I had seen some of the beautiful vistas that rock creek could offer, however I was amazed as we trekked through the clear waters running slightly higher than normal at the authentic beauty of the river and surrounding mountains. A few rising fish were our first sign that there was a nice hatch occurring and subsequently we tied on what we thought to be a good match. Upon further inspection we realized that there was a large number of golden stoneflies hatching and the fish seemed to be turned on to them. On went a rubber leg yellow stimulator and the fish started to fall victim to our offerings. We worked our way upstream and ended the day with several nice bows, browns, and cutts. When we returned to the lodge we were greeted by the friendly people at the lodge and we got our fill of wonderful food and glorious tales of fishing greatness to come on our float trip the next day.

Sunrise the next morning brought about an eagerness to get out on the water, but not before another wonderful meal prepared by the lodge staff. We were met at the gathering place by our guide for the next two days Adam Spenner. Immediately I knew that Adam and I had a similar mindset as it pertained to Fly Fishing. Over the course of the next two days my fiancé and I experienced some of the best fishing I have ever been privileged enough to be a part of. Adam was a terrific guide and his knowledge of fishing was more than adequate to put us on the fish. Moreover his skills as a rower on the driftboat were downright amazing. I have been on a few driftboat float trips before and Adam takes the proverbial cake for the best driftboat guide I have had. Our first day on the Blackfoot river was spectacular filled with lots of dry fly action and good solid cutts , bows, and brows all in the 12-16” range. I was so thrilled for my fiancé to be able to experience the glorious vistas offered up to us by the blackfoot as well as fast and furious fishing action. In fact as much as I hate to admit it, she outfished me on that day! Overall 40+ fish in a day, wonderful companionship, and breathtaking scenery made for an amazing day, but what was to come was even more of a thrill.

Our second day on the blackfoot began similarly to our first, a great breakfast at the lodge followed by a drive to meet up with adam to head to the river. This time we went much higher up river and started our drift surrounded by ospreys and even more spectacular scenery. Adam decided that we would target the “mack daddys” by going deep and slow, dredging some larger bugs on the bottom. That strategy immediately payed unforgettable dividends when I hooked into and landed a 17” Bull which immediately inspired me to enjoy a victory cigar. I never thought I would have the chance to catch one of these beauties and reality was setting in as I kneeled in the river, fish in hand, surrounded by the ubiquitous beauty of the Montana wilderness. The day progressed on wonderfully as we witnessed several eagles fly over head and brought fish after fish to the boat, including this beauty of a 19” brown.

After several hours on the river we made our way down to the takeout saddened to be departing from our guide and new found friend but full of gratitude and for his effort and conversation. Overall the day yielded another large number of fish and all but a few being over the 14” mark. My largest brown, cut, and cuttbow, as well as my only bull all came on this momentous day, a day not soon to be forgotten.

We returned back to the lodge for our final night and were once again amazed at the hospitality and talent of Keith and everyone else at the lodge. After our meal we said our goodbyes and thanked them for one of the greatest weeks of our lives. There are experiences in life that one will always remember for the people, places and thrills enjoyed and our stay at the Blue Damsel Lodge was undoubtedly one of them. I cannot recommend the Blue Damsel enough and I can never thank them enough for the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Montana in with such class and care.
C. Bryan Crumpler
www.ReviveFlyFishing.com

July 23rd Fishing Report-Good news from Blue Damsel Lodge

2011-07-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Like this season, we’re a little late in “shaping up” and getting on track with our blog. Until a few weeks ago, we really didn’t know what to say and since then we’ve been busy gathering research (fishing). Our rivers really started dropping and clearing a few weeks ago-finally. Most of our waters have been fishing well the past few weeks and are really coming into shape right now. This has been a long time in coming.
Being cautious about the record snowpack, we booked our first fishing day this summer for June 21st, which has always been safely late. This crazy year, that was not even late enough for consistently good fishing on local waters. Everything was still running high and muddy. Fortunately the Missouri was fishing great and the Dearborn was fishing very good with good clear flows and good dry fly action. By our opening, we also would have either the Blackfoot or Bitterroot come into shape for a few days so no one had to make back to back trips all the way to the Missouri. All of our guests rolled with the flow, had some good fishing and caught some big trout. Both the Blackfoot and Bitterroot fish well in high water, if you know what you are doing, which our Blackfoot River Outfitter guides do so they have been pulling it off on those rivers for a month now. It has mainly been streamers and San Juan worms in the willows, but it has produced some big trout and, on the Blackfoot some non targeted bonus bull trout. Rock Creek has been flowing clear for about 3 weeks now and fishing very well with fish taking golden stone patterns and stimulators, as well as a broad variety of nymphs. Finally flows have dropped enough for wading the creek. The Bitterroot has had intermittently good dry fly fishing for a few weeks and is really looking good right now. And for the same few weeks the Blackfoot has gotten that still-cloudy-but-emerald green look that produces big trout.

Donna and Jeff fished 5 days and had great days on the Bitterroot and Georgetown Lake, as a few stellar days on the Blackfoot, as documented by her attached note and photo of a quickly released Blackfoot Bull trout. (Since a picture tells 1000 words, note the happy angler, smooth flows, and big bull!)

Hi Keith!

Thank you again for a wonderful stay at the Blue Damsel Lodge! As seen in the attached photos, we had an awesome trip!! Can't wait to come back, 51 weeks and counting!!

Keith was able to get out on the lower Blackfoot for the afternoon on the 21st and trout were looking up and crushed a golden stone pattern all afternoon. Nice! In addition to quite a few goldens in the air, hoppers have grown to about 1 inch and there were still salmon flies in the air. In fact, fly shops are reporting it as a salmonfly hatch on the Blackfoot-on July 23-unbelievable!
The Clark Fork has started to get some good color in the past few days. We’d fish it, but why, with the Blackfoot and Bitterroot getting better each day? The bottom line is, it’s been a long time coming, but flows on all our western Montana rivers have dropped and cleared. Fish are hungry and insects are hatching. Runoff is finally over and it’s just going to get better. It certainly seems that we are assured of good, cold flows all season and correspondingly good hatches and dry fly fishing. Call us or e-mail about the few remaining dates we have openings this season.

Springtime Dry Fly Fishing

2011-05-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up our short pre-run off spring season with some great dry fly fishing. The whole month of April was intermittent cloudy weather in the 40s and 50s (and good mayfly hatches) , or sunny in the 60s with some really great skwala hatches.
Here is guide Adam holding David's nice rainbow, on a very nice sunny April day with a great skwala hatch going on. Who says it's cold in western Montana in April? We had 14 guests stay and fish with us this spring and everyone got into some very good sized fish. Thats what spring fishing in western Montana is all about!
After this big spring runoff, we will be in full swing again in late June. Expect frequent posts through out the summer and expect some very good fishing reports. This is really shaping up to be a great water year. Hope to see you here.

Spring is here!

2011-04-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Our first guests of the season arrived on April 6th and fished their first day on April 7th.

Here is Jim with his classic steelhead grip on a nice rainbow. He had two good days and one not-so-good day, but caught two big fish that day. Bruce had three great days on the Bitterroot. The skwalas weren't really hatching for these guys and the air temps were in the 40s and low 50s. We were glad to see that. Warm weather bumped everything up two weeks ago and this is dropping everything back down. The Blackfoot and Clark Fork ars still a little off color, but should come into shape any day. Clear skys and sunny day time temps in the mid to high 50s are predicted for the next week. Fish on!

Chef Josh has added some wonderful new items to the menu, including a classic Boeuf Bourguignon, a seared duck breast, and some amazing new appetizers. yum!

We are off to a great start and hope to see you this season. Stay tuned for more reports real soon.

2011 Season Outlook-maybe best yet

2011-03-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

We are one month away from our first guests of the spring and are very excited about how well things are shaping up for a wonderful season. The great news is that it has been snowing since October in western Montana and we have a record snow pack. We feel assured of good, cold flows all season. And that comes on top of two previous good water years, so we are really expecting a lot of good healthy, hard fighting wild trout all season long. We still have availability, and availability and cost, both ours and airlines, aren’t going to get better, so what are you waiting for?The whole lodge is available for a few dates, and you can book the whole lodge with a minimum of 8 guests. Of course we are booked full for some dates, but, if you are somewhat flexible on arrival, we can accommodate small groups, couples, and solo anglers during any month of the summer season. (If you are a solo angler, ask us about what we can do for you this season) We are just now entering our busy booking time, so there is no better time to get in touch with us about a fishing trip this summer. And, we still have availability for a few anglers this spring (just about anytime between April 6 and April 20), but please contact us about that right away!We hope to see you at the Blue Damsel this year. It’s probably going to be the best season yet.

The 2010 Season Comes To A Close

2010-10-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

The streamsides are now crimson and gold and the flows are slick and cold. Bighorn rams are butting heads and guides without trips booked are bow hunting those rutting bull elk.. And the Blue Damsel check in file for 2010 is now empty, meaning the last of our guests for this season have come and gone. It has been a great season for us all, staff and guests alike. Some great meals, fellowship, fishing and memories for everyone! And we had quite a few "firsts". We saw some guests catch their first trout and some catch their biggest trout. We had some folks play music along with us at the campfire for their first time and we took our friends from France to their first rodeo.
Fishing has been good and the weather has been great. It is supposed to be overcast, rainy and cool next week so good dry fly fishing should return then. We enjoyed the fall weather last weekend for the staff and family blowout end of season party. Keith is doing a little more fishing and some grouse hunting before he heads back to Texas for the winter. Thanks to everyone for a great season. Over and out for 2010!

Fall Fishing at its Finest

2010-09-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

Pictured are angler Dawn Olson and guide Mark Elliott with Dawn's Big ol' Big Blackfoot cutt-bow. Dawn's husband, Chris, says their 3 days provided some of the best fishing they have ever had. Hoppers are still out but fall is in the air and water temps, mayfly hatches, and trout are responding.

It is hard to believe we are already into this final fall phase of our season. Like most of this season's guests, our good friends from France, Rene-Louis and Marc have come and gone. Josh continues to amaze with his meals and presentation and the fishing has really, all in all, been great all season. The lodge is full for the next two weeks with two back to back repeat groups and then there is availability from September 21 through Oct 3. We are looking forward to about one more month of great fishing and fun before we shut down for 2010. What a great year, thanks to all of you who have come out to fish and stay with us.

Great Fishing on the Last Day of Summer?

2010-08-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Pictured here are Greg Saltzman and guide, Adam Spenner, with Greg's 21 inch Blackfoot River Cutthroat. Keith and Greg fished the Blackfoot with Adam on what was the hottest day of the year. The mercury finally reached 100 for the first, and it looks like, only time this year. Fish steadily took hoppers all day long. Mid morning, a trico hatch started coming off and small mayfly patterns were catching larger trout, until this big boy ate Greg's hopper. The Blackfoot has been producing some incredibly healthy, thick, hard fighting cutthroats this season; an apparent benefit of the tributary restoration work and removal of Milltown dam.

We are looking forward to more great fishing on all our rivers as fall moves in on us. Just two days after this hot day, we are looking at a high of 58 today with misty rain, overcast, and tricos, PMDs, and Mahogany Duns having fish looking up all day. Fall is in the air, and there are a few slots remaining in September and early October. If you are interested, get in touch right away and ask about getting a free Helios rod.

Blue Damsel Staff Deputized

2010-08-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Police Chief Mike presented the Blue Damsel crew with caps, and the warning that they would carry no weight if stopped in his town! But they should come in mighty handy around the campfire in a few weeks. Pictured from left to right are Jamie, Chief Mike, Ariel, Barley, Josh, Keith, and Colin. If you are curious, you will need to e-mail or call to find out why Chef Josh is wearing that orthopedic boot? He is out of it now and able to limp around on his own power, somewhat. And he proved that he can keep wowing guests with his fantastic meals, even with "one leg tied behind his back". Anyway, thanks to Mike and Kay for the caps, the good times, and the repeat trip to the lodge.

Mid Season Report:

2010-08-08T17:50:00.001-07:00

It seems like the season just started and we are already half way through this summer season! Overall, the fishing has been very good, weather has been quite nice, and plenty of good food and fun at the lodge. High flows and salmon flies have come and gone. All the rain in May and June has kept flows and water temperatures very good and there has been enough cool weather in July to keep the weather and fishing good. July provided some very good golden stone, yellow sallie, PMD, and Green Drake hatches. Flows are dropping, and the August pattern of some mayfly hatches early and good afternoon hopper/dropper action has taken hold. But the days are already growing shorter and it won't be long until fall is in the air.

Stay tuned for some photo postings from our guests.

The Early Bird Gets The Worm!

2010-06-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Jordan Needham, along with his guide, Chase Robeson, logged the first trout over 20 inches at Blue Damsel this summer season with this nice 21 inch Blackfoot Cuttbow. Jordan is here with his brother, Shawn Michael and his mom and dad, Janet and Shawn.

The summer season opened very smoothly and a little early this year. Runoff from snowmelt is long gone, but it has rained for several weeks straight and everything is running high and off color. It has been a little challenging, but our Blackfoot River Outfitter guides have been getting it done. It has involved a lot of scouting on their part, ranging farther than we would like to, and some still water fishing, but, as Jordan has proved, folks are coming back with reports of good fishing.

Salmon flies are starting to buzz around on the lower creek and, as things clear up, the hatch should accelerate it’s way up the creek as flows and clarity get better and better. There should be a lot of very good water very soon, and we are looking forward to some great fly fishing from then on.

Although the lodge is booked for much of the season already, there is still some availability for now through the planned end of season in mid October.

The 2010 Season Is Upon Us

2010-05-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Here we are again, ready for another great summer season at Blue Damsel Lodge. We had fantastic weather and fishing this spring, which has now come and gone.

Steve had some good fish stories, but no back up photos, so, as you can see, Keith doesn't seem to be buying this without photo proof!

With a light snowpack, we are getting things started earlier this year and our early June anglers have an excellent chance of hitting that magic salmon fly hatch without much risk of significant runoff. As is usually the case by now, we have very few dates left when the whole lodge is available for a large group, but for smaller groups, we still have availability in all phases of our season-June through early October. We are currently having typical May weather-some cool weather with some precipitation, followed by warm days and some spring runoff. It is looking like the rivers will be in good shape by very early June and Jamie says he saw salmon flies this week already. Things are shaping up for a great season and we are ready. Hope to see you soon.

At Last, Spring Is Here!

2010-04-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well, after a long winter, life stirs up Rock Creek. Josh and Colin have been working hard re-opening the lodge for the past several weeks, and in just two days the first guests of the 2010 season will finally arrive.

And the fishing? Well, it's been nothing short of fantastic. Though double nymph rigs and indicators might be the ticket in the morning, afternoons have been all-you-can-eat dry fly buffets with trout looking for skwalas, march browns, nemouras, and/ or blue-winged olives. We've been fishing the length of the Clark Fork, the length of the Bitterroot, and several spots on the Blackfoot (it's a little colder, a little slower to get going), and are happy to report good to superb fishing just about everywhere.

So it's time to dust off the rod tube, unearth the vest, and take that old fishing cap out of the trunk. Let's go fishing! We can't wait to see you.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T06:48:00.000-08:00

To the Blue Damsel Extended Family,

It's been a few short months since we locked up on Rock Creek, but already we are looking forward to opening back up in 2010. Last season was one of the best in recent memory. Cool temps and happy trout kept guests, staff, and guides smiling all season long. Among the notable events: the Upper Clark Fork is starting to fish like the dam was never there (see blog post on Milltown Dam), several monster bull trout were hooked and landed (see proof below), and it's reported that Keith actually caught a trout (although there is no proof).

We wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. You are all in our thoughts, and we hope to see you again in 2010.

Thank you for being a part of our family.

Best wishes!

Keith, Josh, Colin, Jamie, Mac, and Barley

Fall Colors

2009-09-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

The aspens are turning yellow and the nights have been dipping into the thirties. Despite recent days in the 80's, fall is in the air, and the trout are happy about it. Yesterday, the Blackfoot coughed-up 3 Cutthroats over 17" all on hoppers. Tricos and baetis are going strong on the Root, and the Upper Clarkfork has been dynamite. The brown trout seem to be moving around a bit more, and we have had more reports of streamer fishing being a good morning strategy. We are looking for mahogany and hecuba mayflies to factor in a bit more in the coming weeks too, with lots of big fish working the surface for end-of-season meals. All this good fishing coupled with Chef Josh's usual meals has got everybody feeling pretty good.

September Caddis?

2009-09-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

In this neck of the woods, we are proud of the size of our bugs. Kicking off with skwalas in March, there is always something big and nasty for trout to eat. Whether salmon flies, green drakes, golden stones, hoppers, or hecubas, there is a good chance fish are eating size #6-10 dry flies. In the fall, yet another fly shows up on our rivers.

The past few days we have seen more and more October Caddis, Montana's largest species of caddis. The flies are enormous, sometimes covering two knuckles on your index finger, and fish love them. Skating huge elk hair caddis or orange stimulators at this time of year can be the ticket. And when a fish eats an October Caddis, they really eat it. It can be explosive--more akin to a largemouth bass eat than a trout--and the outcome is a pure adrenaline rush.

We are so pleased that the cooling days of fall are here. The fire place hasn't been used in a few months, and we are looking forward to the sound of crackling wood and the smell of burning pine in the lodge once more.

We hope to see you soon.

Long Nights and Happy Trout

2009-08-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Although mid-day temps have been in the low nineties, longer and colder nights have meant cooler water temps. This has made for some great fishing opportunities around the lodge. Hopper/ droppers are still the game of choice (a red chernobyl got the job done on some big Upper Clark Fork browns yesterday), but we are starting to see more mayflies. BWOs, hecubas, and mahoganies are all around the corner, and fishing a purple haze or parachute adams is starting to become a better bet.

Our guides have been spread out on all rivers as of late, with the best fishing coming from the middle Blackfoot and upper Clark. We have not seen a 20-incher this week, and that surely means we're due. Maybe today will be the day!

Things at the lodge are running smoothly. Josh has been busy picking cherries and huckleberries and creating some great pies, while Keith and Colin have been working on some new tunes for the campfire.

We wish everyone a happy end of summer!

Early Bird Gets the Worm

2009-07-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

After a week in the mid-nineties, we have finally decided to start our days a little earlier. The past two days we met our guides between 6:30 and 7:00 and were wetting lines by 8:00 am. The results have been great. Fishing hopper/ droppers right off the bat has had people landing quality trout within sight of the put-in. By mid-morning, we are fishing double-dry rigs in the warming summer air. The meat of our good fishing has been between 9:00 am and noon, with lots of golden stones and PMD's beginning to move around for the day. The guests in the lodge right now met their guides at 6:30 am. They will be back at the lodge for a cold drink and nap by 3:30. And then it's off to wade fish Rock Creek before flank steak and strawberry pie. That's what we call a good day of fishing!

Blue Skies and Big Fish

2009-07-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, mid-July in our neck of the woods can mean long, hot days, dry weather, and forest fires. Although the trout fishing usually survives (if not improves) under a smoky sky, we always prefer our beloved big blue. We are happy to report that so far this year there are no signs of fire. In fact, our summer has been so cool, and relatively wet, that river conditions are still favorable enough to catch fish right through the heat of the afternoon. This morning, our guests were chowing on Josh's famous buckwheat pancakes at 7:30 and fishing on the river at 9:00. And when fish are eating bushy #8 dry flies, life is easy. We are fishing hoppers, golden stones, and PMDs these days, and enjoying the extra rest and happy trout provided by this awesome Montana weather.

No News is Good News

2009-07-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Things on Rock Creek couldn't be better. We are now knee deep in the season, and staying busy despite earlier fears of a tough year (no one was sure just how the economy would effect our business). Every night we find ourselves thankful to have a dinner table surrounded by smiling guests, ready to share their stories of a day on the river. And there have been plenty of them. Now that we are fishing on just about every stretch of river, our guests are getting to experience the full spectrum of Missoula-area fishing. From the red rocks and rumbling rapids of the Blackfoot, to the green ranch land of the Bitterroot, to the big flat water of the lower Clark, people are fishing and catching everywhere. Nothing is new about that. That's the way we like it.

Warming Up!

2009-06-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Western Montana has settled into its mid-summer weather pattern. Warm temperatures, long sun-filled days, and cool, dry evenings have us all smiling. The lodge has been full for the past week, and the fishing has been hot. As of yesterday, we are officially fishing on all of the area's rivers. As expected, the Clark Fork was the last to turn over, and it was worth the wait. The notoriously powerful lower Fork rainbows were on the eat yesterday, and we are expecting some really incredible golden stone fishing in the coming days. For those of you who have never fished those lower stretches, we strongly recommend giving it a shot next time you are in town. The lower river is big and flat with tall stands of pine trees sprawling across steep canyon walls. The fish their are bigger; mostly rainbows, averaging better than 15" with lots of opportunities at 18" plus.

Full Swing!

2009-06-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

The wheels on the Blue Damsel van are turning! Despite rain and cool temperatures, the rivers are stable and/or dropping. Fishing on the Creek has been bananas: golden stones and green drakes are everywhere with every fish in the river looking to eat them. The Blackfoot has been getting hot too--big foam salmon flies with droppers have been providing all-day-long action for our guests. The Bitterroot seems to be right behind the pack, and we expect to be fishing dries on the mid-river by mid-week. The Clark Fork still appears to be a little ways out, but it will shape up before too long.

Grilled halibut with coconut rice last night. Pork tenderloin with roasted taters tonight. Life is good!

Mac and Colin prepare for the year's first camp fire

2009-06-17T15:17:00.001-07:00

What happens when Chef Josh gets his hands on some rhubarb

2009-06-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Open for Business!

2009-06-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it is finally that time of year again. The rivers are dropping, the days are warming, and huge stoneflies are crawling on banks and flying upstream--it's summer. Yesterday, we welcomed our first guests of the summer season and everyone at the lodge could not be happier. The lodge is looking good with new tile in the bathrooms, a remodeled pro shop, and aromatic herb gardens surrounding the fire pit.

And the lodge is not the only thing getting going. Salmon flies and golden stones have been abundant on the Creek, while hopper/dropper fishing on the Blackfoot and the Bitterroot have been supporting long June days of trout catching. We are still waiting for the Clark Fork to clear up a bit, and expect it to do so in the next week or two.

All in all, we could not be more excited to begin another season at the Blue Damsel. And to all our friends, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Spring is in the Air!

2009-04-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Our corner of Montana is special. Big freestone streams, cooperative weather, and relatively uncrowded rivers (compared to our neighbors like the Madison and Big Horn), are just a few of the things that keep us here. Along with all that, the four rivers area offers some of the greatest year-long dry fly fisheries in America. Whether salmon flies, golden stones, hoppers, yellow-sallies, BWOs, PMDs, green drakes, grey drakes, mahoganies, or tricos ( and the list goes on!), there is an opportunity for the enterprising angler to catch fish on top all times of year. But the dry fly fishing experience that makes Southwestern Montana truly unique is a big, dark-bodied stone fly that hatches in proliferation when everywhere else in the country is still hoping for the odd-ball day of good midge fishing.

Sometime in the middle of March every year, as the temperature creeps upwards and the sun hangs in the sky a bit longer, skwalas hatch. It is the first major hatch of the year, and the fish, feeling the pangs of hunger after a long winter, go nuts for them. The fishing on the Bitterroot this time of year can be finicky. It is still March and early April and we are still in Montana. Days of sopping snow and wind are common. But there is nothing quite like watching a big cutthroat slurp down a #8 dry fly as soft snow falls on cottonwoods. The skwala hatch is perhaps our last best secret, and we hope to share it with you.

2008 Wall of Fame!

2008-12-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

On behalf of the Blue Damsel staff, Happy Holidays! We hope all of you are finding ways to pass the time during these slow fishing months. If you need some help, we recommend tying flies, cleaning lines, or watching fishing videos on Youtube (search "Blue Damsel Lodge!"). If you are already doing all this and still can't shake the itch to wet a line, maybe some good ol' fish pics are what you need. So here it is: the 2008 Blue Damsel Wall of Fame.

Thank you all for another incredible season. You make us thankful to be in this business, and we look forward to making more memories with all of you.

Click on this link to view: www.bluedamselwalloffame.shutterfly.com

Is it winter?

2008-10-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Things are winding down at the Blue Damsel. There is an inch of snow on the ground, and it's still falling. Night time temperatures are in the mid-twenties and even in the sun, the wind keeps our days in the mid-forties. We are within four days of closing time, and with the wintry weather, it is probably a good thing. Fishing is tough, the fish have slowed down to their winter slumber, and fishermen have been opting for shorter days of angling and longer evenings around the fire with a glass of scotch and some of Josh's famous appetizers. And you could do worse--the lodge is a cozy place in weather like that, and we are happy to share it with the few remaining guests this season.

The End Approaches

2008-09-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

The leaves are changing and every hard, cool breeze sends a whirlwind of them from their limbs. Mahoganies and BWO's are hatching daily, bull moose and big bucks are moving through the meadows, and Lolo peak has a fresh cap of snow. It is fall in Montana and close to the end of the season--but it's not over yet. With just 2 1/2 weeks left in the season, the Blue Damsel staff is looking forward to a few more weeks of new friends, new fish stories, and, as always, good food.

Like the late September days, the lodge updates are becoming shorter. Things are cruising to a smooth and happy finish. The fishing is solid, the weather is beautiful, and we are constantly surrounded by friends. It is easier to write about bad news. We don't have any.

Dry Fly Dreams

2008-09-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

The last week has been good to Blue Damsel anglers. Yesterday, a raucous group of Texas boys spread out on stretches of the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot. They returned with goofy grins and stories of fish between 16" and 20" (and one 24", although the fish was "dropped" before a picture was taken).

With hecubas, blue-winged olives, and mahoganies on the water, the fishing scenario has changed from our usual summer pattern. Although prospecting for fish with a hopper-dropper is effective, most folks are finding success by fishing two dries--a big hopper in front of a smaller mayfly or mayfly attractor pattern. Catching a trout is catching a trout; always great. But seeing a big trout-nose break the surface film to seep down a dry fly is what we all dream about. Sweet dreams!

Fall is Here

2008-09-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

With shorter days, cooler nights, and the occasional rain, Fall has arrived on Rock Creek. And with it comes dry flies, streamers, and lots of active trout.

Mahoganies, blue-winged olives, and hecubas are out in big numbers on all our rivers. With mayflies on the water, we see lots of trout noses poking through the surface film, mouths open. The fishing can be technical, but it's some of the most satisfying angling we have all year--when the cast, the drift, and the hook set must be in perfect rhythm to stick that lunker.

The leaves have just started to blaze yellows and oranges and reds. Nearly every night there is a fire crackling in the fire place, surrounded by happy anglers telling stories of fall fishing in Montana.

Homage to the Chef

2008-08-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

There are no guarantees in fishing. Angling is a fickle game. We can always say, "the fishing was good, the catching not so," but sometimes it is difficult to truly feel that way. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, sometimes trout just don't bite. In Montana, perhaps, it happens less than other places, but it still happens every once in a while.

But for the off day on the river, we have a back-up plan at the Blue Damsel. One thing that can make up for a slow day on the river is a top-notch cocktail and a hot meal. And around the dinner table, we are always on. Unlike anglers, Chef Josh doesn't have off days. Whether he's working on slow smoked rib-eye, roasted corn chowder, pesto orzo, or maybe a fresh huckleberry tart, he seems to always be on his game. So for the day when the fish just won't cooperate or when your hook set is never on time, we say thank you, Chef Josh, for providing the bite everyday. Guaranteed.

Fall is Coming

2008-08-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

With two days of solid rain, most of us feel good about declaring us over the mid-summer heat hump. Sustained high-pressure systems brought lots of sun and high temps over the last week and a half, but it is safe to say the last several days have put the final nail in the coffin of potentially hard trout fishing conditions.

As I write this blog, rain is clanking off the tin roof of the lodge and our rain barrels are slowly filling up. The meadow is looking greener than it has in months and the low-pressure has gotten trout looking up for dry flies. Yesterday, guests fished the Clark Fork just above Alberton Gorge, west of Missoula. They brought about 20 trout to the net with lots of fish in the 15-18" class, and reported lots of silver heads gobbling hoppers and may fly attractors. We are still a far way from fall, but today it sure doesn't feel that way.

As the staff gears up for the Blue Damsel's busiest September ever, the prospect for trout fishing could not be better. Dates in the first half of October are still available, and we are eager to fill those slots. We have not had the opportunity to share fishing conditions like this in years. We think every angler should have the chance to experience Montana trout fishing during a cool, wet fall. So if you have some time in October, give us a call.

As always, tight lines!

Milltown Dam Update

2008-08-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

On March 28th of this year, the Milltown Dam was breached, allowing the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers to flow freely for the first time in over a hundred years. Though a definite plus for the long-term health of the drainage, the removal of the dam brought immediate concerns for Missoula anglers: toxins in the dam tailings, heavy sediment, and a surge of stagnated water might have a dire effect on trout and insect life for several years. Many fishermen felt the lower Clark Fork would not be much of an angling option for at least the 2008 season. I was one of them.

I was wrong.

No river in the area has been fishing as consistently and as well as the Clark Fork. Blue Damsel guests have been returning from the river with sore arms and smiles plastered on their faces. It seems our huge run-off this year washed dam tailings past our trout before much harm could be done. The run-off that had us pulling our hair out the last week of June is making us giddy with bent rods and 18 inchers now.

Here is some evidence:

2008-07-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Rock Creek! The fishing, eating, and relaxing continue to be stellar up at the Blue Damsel. The Blackfoot and Clark Fork have been treating anglers to great hopper and golden stone fishing, while Josh has been cooking up some memorable meals in the kitchen. Not much else to report (sometimes it's a good thing).

And check out this ragtag bunch! The staff at the Blue Damsel showing off their collection of mustaches.

2008-07-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

More Pics!

2008-07-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

George and Fritz, a father-son fishing duo from Maine, sent us these great shots from their fishing trip earlier this summer. Lookin' good, fellas!

Feelin' Good!

2008-07-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Today it: overcast, drizzling, and 67 degrees. Sounds like dry fly weather! The fishing has been nothing short of great the past week. Hopper-dropper rigs have been the ticket with fish willingly chewing on both ends of the set-up. It is hard to predict where the guides will want to fish the next day as all of our rivers look great.

And the fishing forecast is not the only thing looking great. Tonight, there will be a tasting from one of Missoula's local breweries, and the Texas contingent of our staff --Keith and Sam--are BBQing brisket and ribs on Thursday. All this, coupled with the return of our resident bull Moose, Marty, have got us feeling pretty good!

2008-07-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Life is good up at mile marker 10 on Rock Creek Road. A week of days in the mid-80's and nighttime temperatures in the mid-40's has made for some spectacular dry fly action and a cool and pleasant cocktail hour each night on the porch. We are pleased to report all of the area rivers are cleared, leveled and prime for fishing. We cannot remember the last time the late July forecast for trout fishing looked so good.

Just yesterday, our buddy, Al (a current Blue Damsel guest) was fishing the upper Bitterroot. He is new to the sport and had never cast a fly rod in Montana. His first fish, caught within sight of the boat ramp, was a 19-inch wild and native cutthroat trout. And did I mention it was his birthday?! Happy Birthday, Al--way to go!

In other news, there has been some solid eating going on up at the lodge. Last night, chef Josh cooked up a roasted corn chowder starter followed by a oak-smoked rib-eye with mashed yams and sauteed cauliflower. We aren't gettin' any skinnier up here!

PS : Check out this picture of our friend, Brad, and guide, Pete, with a beautiful Montana Brown!

2008-07-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this video our pal, Bill, made during his stay at the lodge. Thanks for the cinematic love, Bill!

Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Aprz0BEI5j8

2008-07-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

A year ago to the day, the trout fishing in western Montana went up in flames. Literally. By the second of July, we had already had two days over 100 degrees and lightning storms and high winds were starting and spreading wild fires in all directions. The Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Blackfoot, and Rock Creek were exceeding 73 degrees on a daily basis, and Fish Wildlife and Parks closed the waterways to angling after 2:00 pm. It was hot. It was smoky. And it was far from over.

Today, in 2008, the hottest day in the 10-day forecast is 88 degrees. The Bitterroot Mountains still have snow and the lower Clark Fork is just starting to look like a river we might fish this season. There is no telling what will happen over the course of the next month. It might be 100 for a week at the end of July and then this wonderful, cool, wet early summer was all for nothing. Fires are bound to start. It will warm up. But as of right now, the fishing situation for late July and August could not look any better. Literally.

2008-07-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Around here, the dinner table is where we get our fishing reports. Guests usually get off the river around 6, and by 7:15 they are cleaned up and ready for grub. The conversation inevitably turns to the trout that were, and in some cases were not, caught that day.

Last night, over hungarian mushroom soup and grilled pork tenderloin, the fishing reports came in. Five guided boats fished various stretches of the Blackfoot with similar results. "Maybe 10 minutes," one guest said, "longest time between hook-ups all day." Although mostly on deep, double nymph rigs, the fishing the length of the Blackfoot has been superb. Lots of fish are looking for big stonefly nymphs and bright red San Juan worms. And with more and more fish looking at the top end of a hopper-dropper, we expect the dry fly fishing is about to hit the fan.

Today, there are several boats on the Bitterroot. Tonight, it's cornish game hen for dinner. I'm forecasting another good report.

2008-07-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Will and guide Greg with a honker Blackfoot Brown. Way to go, Will!

The Root

2008-07-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

The East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River come together 90 miles south of Missoula. From there, the main stem flows north through fertile, green pastures and stands of huge, mythic cottonwoods. To the west, the snowcapped granite peaks follow the stream's progress to its juncture with the Clark Fork near Missoula. It is a classic freestone trout stream with wild trout dining on prolific summertime hatches of golden stones, PMD's, hoppers, and caddis. A good day on the lower Bitterroot with fat browns sipping #14 dries will make anyone believe that this truly is the last best place.

Yesterday, three Blue Damsel guests fished the upper Root, and we were relieved to hear them report that the Bitterroot is finally shaping up. They reported zealous cutthroats attacking big golden stone patterns all day, and a few larger fish taking pheasant tails and prince nymphs. With the upper stream running clear, it is only a matter of days before the whole river is back to its normal early-July self.

2008-06-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

The water flow graphs have finally made a move for the bottom of the page. All the streams in the area are dropping and clearing, and with loads of big stoneflies, drakes, and PMD's flying around, the fish and the fishing are looking up.

Yesterday, four guides took eight Blue Damsel guests to fish the upper stretches of the Blackfoot. Three days ago, those same stretches yielded a total of 5 trout in roughly twenty-eight fishing hours. Yesterday, however, marked the beginning of the end of our muddy water season. All guides and guests (so you know it's true!), reported good numbers of eats and some big fish brought to the net. Cutthroats and a few nice rainbow were craving the San Juan worm, and everyone enjoyed a day of bent rods and willing trout.

In other lodge news, yesterday marked the opening day of The Links at Bat-Elk Canyon, the first ever frisbee-golf course at the Blue Damsel Lodge. It is a 9-hole gem, designed with the graceful starkness of St. Andrews and Prestwick. The first ever Guest-Staff match is scheduled for Sunday. Stay tuned for results.

Run Off Again

2008-06-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

It seems we have finally settled into the Montana summer weather pattern on Rock Creek. Lots of sunshine and afternoon temps in the 80's are melting the last of the high elevation snow and causing the rivers to flow high and fast. The Creek is running clear, but at 2,920 cfs, it is still tough to wade and best fished from a boat. The warm weather has, however, gotten a lot of bugs flying around in the afternoons. Salmon flies, green drakes, and even some golden stones are on the move the length of the Creek.

Fishing the big rivers has been tough. The Blackfoot is pushing at 5,570 cfs and is looking pretty turbid. Folks have been floating the lower section of the river, and although slow, have reported some big fish landed on nymph rigs.

The Clark Fork and the Bitterroot are both high and looking a little like Nesquik. It seems most of our guides have been leaning towards fishing the Foot or making the drive up to the Missouri where the nymph and streamer fishing has been superb.

Although the rivers are big, guests are still catching trout and we know it will only get better. As the last of the snow melts, and the flows begin to fall, we expect one of the better summers of trout catching we have had in our 6 years. Tight lines!

2008-06-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Chocolate covered salmon flies are delicious and nutritious!

2008-06-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

Joseph was craving some Rock Creek protein.

Another June on Rock Creek

2008-06-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Sam pointed towards the top of the tallest ponderosa in the meadow below the lodge. "Is that a...?" Everyone got up from the porch table and stood at the rail, eyes on the pine canopy. The sun was quickly sinking below the west ridge, but in the failing light, the last remaining rays caught the beating wings of a giant bug. It was headed in the same direction as the hundreds of other over-sized insects we would later see that night: upstream.

The salmon flies have descended on the lodge once again. A few days later than usual, but there numbers around the lodge at mile marker 11 are a positive sign, and we have high hopes for the coming days. Today the Creek is flowing at 2,970 cfs and while wading is difficult, we have been catching fish on top in slow, soft water. Hopefully, we will soon start to see water levels drop slightly and give better opportunities for waders and boaters alike.

In other lodge news, we have been out morel picking twice. We are finding good numbers of mushrooms within a few miles of the lodge, and we predict it will only get better. Fresh picked morels, coupled with Josh's prowess in the kitchen, makes for a satisfying end to a long day of throwing huge dry flies. Life is good.

Is It Summer Yet?

2008-06-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

After a week of sopping snow and sunless days, we were relieved to wake up to blue skies and warming temperatures this morning. The spring has been the wettest and coldest in years, and although it bodes well for fishing in July and August, we are ready for summer. And this morning, it seems it is finally here.

Today the Creek is pushing water at 2,760 cubic feet per second. This is high for the third week of June, but the water is clear and there are reports of solid trout catching the length of the Creek. There have been good signs of Salmon Fly activity--dried exoskeletons line banks in stretches of the lower river--but we are still waiting for that sunny, June afternoon when the huge, orange bellied aliens hang from every branch and flutter high over the river like stoned humming birds. Today just might be that day.

As of last night, the Blue Damsel is back in business for the summer season. And with the prospect of wild cutthroats eating #4 dry flies, we could not be more excited.