Lately at On DeMark Lodge

By: Craig DeMark

It’s been way too long since our last blog. (Over a month) So here’s a recap, then we’ll go to the present, then what to look for in the future.

August

We started August with an amazing, firestorm weekend of family and friends coming to the lodge. For many, it was their first time visiting us. We are so appreciative of them taking the time to visit and share our little piece of Montana. 

Fishing was done. Even some catching. Great meals were prepared by Becky with some help. A few beverages were consumed and a campfire was shared by all. So much laughter …. then sadness when hugs and goodbyes were shared. Ending as quickly as it started.

The month also gave us guests that became friends (as often is the case), potential partnerships, more great Beckster meals and shared campfires, some with Top Gun reenactments (IYKYK). 

On August 7th we celebrated 31 years of marriage (Becky says 26 of which have been good. LOL!). We spent the day with our LOG captain, Ikaika Flagg. We had a great day exploring that unique ecosystem below Hauser Dam and Holter Reservoir. We caught several large rainbows and really enjoyed being able to spend time with Ikaika. He’s a true professional and loves to joke and have fun. I couldn’t recommend a trip with him to that place more highly. You owe it to yourself to spend a day with him while you’re here.

The August fishing on the Missouri was a bit of a curveball this year. We didn’t get the consistent clouds of Tricos that we normally have and the hopper fishing has been below average (so far). So we adjusted. The fish seemed to really key on big, subsurface protein this year. Streamer fishing was fantastic and dead drifted crayfish imitations were inhaled by large trout. If you had some patience and kept searching you could find those heads sipping mayflies. Persistence with the hopper would also give you those thrilling toilet flush eats. It just wasn’t as consistent as normal.

September

We’ve started this busy month with some great guests. New friends have been made. Later, old friends are returning. Becky keeps wowing everyone with meals and desserts. The fishing will bring you here, her meals will keep you coming back. 

The fishing is currently the same as in August, but that’s about to change. After a couple days in the 90’s, the temps will steadily drop and soon there will be a long string of seasonal days in the 70’s. That will take water temps down into the upper 50’s. I predict the fish will react eating with a vengeance. Baetis will start in the next couple of weeks. Pseudos and Tricos will taper but still be around. The streamer fishing will do nothing but get better. Hoppers and October caddis will keep big flies in play. The nymph fishing will be insane.

We are pretty full for September, but I would seriously consider a last minute October trip if I was you. All of the above will still be on the table, but you get to add the possibility of catching (or at least hooking) the Brown or Rainbow of a lifetime.

I’m going to try to commit to one of these a week so stay on the lookout.

Cheers,

Craig