Our adventure continued on the second day of our fishing trip, as Max and I were picked up at The DoubleTree in Missoula, Montana by our friend Dylan. Today’s destination was the beautiful Blackfoot River, known for its rocky terrain and stunning scenery. Given the forecast for a hot day, we set out early, eager to make the most of the cooler morning hours.
We opted for the raft today, ideal for navigating the rocky sections of the Blackfoot. Our fishing strategy focused on large stonefly patterns, with the notorious cubby Chernobyl dry fly on top and a turd pattern nymph beneath. Max rigged up with a big pheasant tail nymph, a reliable choice for these waters. A little insider tip for those interested: these pheasant tails are tied on a jig hook and feature CDC—a small feather that gives the fly an incredibly lifelike appearance. If you haven’t tried them yet, make sure to add them to your fly box; they are absolutely deadly!
Max was fishing with our trusty El Jefe four-section six-weight fly rod and reel combo, while I decided to test our new prototype: a six-section five-weight rod. This prototype is currently in production at our state-of-the-art factory in South Korea, and I must say, it is shaping up to be the finest compact travel fly rod on the market. Stay tuned for its release; you won’t want to miss it!
As we approached the confluence of the headwaters and the main Blackfoot River, the action started quickly. This spot brought back memories of last year when I fished here with Jake and landed some impressive Bull Trout. Convincing Dylan to fish the Blackfoot this week was easy, given the breathtaking scenery and the promise of good fishing. While he was initially concerned about the possibility of only catching smaller fish, the river proved rewarding. We caught a few small rainbows and some beautiful cutthroats, adding to the excitement of the day.
One of the highlights was simply watching Max enjoy the float. The joy of seeing deer and eagles along the river added to the experience, making it truly unforgettable. Fishing with my son this week has been a special treat, and I can see he’s hooked on the sport. For all the parents out there with kids who love fishing, you know the happiness that comes with sharing these moments. Now, Max is already asking about our next trip—to Alaska, no less!
Until next time, tight lines, my friends. Keep exploring, and enjoy the beauty of the waters we cherish.
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