Grayling Armon Hebgen Lake
Callibaetis mayflies
- 01Callibaetis mayflies, midges, and leeches are currently active on Hebgen Lake.
- 02Mysis Shrimp (size 14-16) are a consistent year-round food source for trout.
- 03Callibaetis Nymphs (size 14-16) are essential for targeting late-season "gulper" activity.
- 04Balanced Leech (Black, size 8-10) and Chironomid Pupa (Black, size 16-20) are highly effective subsurface patterns.
- 05October Caddis (size 8-10) dry flies can entice opportunistic feeders near shore.
- 06Focus efforts along weed beds, drop-offs, and submerged structure for cruising trout.
- 07Employ stealthy approaches with long leaders and careful positioning to avoid spooking wary trout.
- 08Be prepared for subtle takes when nymphing deep and precise casts for rising fish.
What to tie on at Grayling Arm
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Gulper Special
Hebgen Lake is famous for its 'gulper' fishing in August, with large trout actively feeding on Callibaetis mayflies on the surface. This pattern perfectly imitates those emerging adults.
Callibaetis Parachute
To complement the Gulper Special, a Callibaetis Parachute imitates the adult stage, crucial for targeting rising trout during the strong Callibaetis hatches on Hebgen Lake.
Buy at AmazonHopper Juan
Terrestrial activity, especially grasshoppers, is peaking in August. This large foam pattern is excellent for aggressive surface takes, especially along grassy banks and in breezy conditions.
Buy at AmazonBeetle (Crowe)
Beetles are active terrestrials during the summer months. This pattern is effective when fished near shaded banks where beetles might fall into the water.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midge pupae and larvae are consistently active in cold spring waters, making this a staple pattern for trout feeding subsurface in Hebgen Lake.
Buy at AmazonScud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in Hebgen Lake, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation, making them effective in early spring.
Buy at AmazonMercer's Missing Link
This versatile emerger pattern effectively represents both midge clusters and struggling BWO emergers, sitting perfectly in the surface film for rising trout in Hebgen Lake.
Balanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a consistent food source in stillwaters like Hebgen Lake. This pattern is effective when fished under an indicator or slowly stripped along weed beds.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Scuds are active in August and are a primary food source in Hebgen Lake's vegetated areas. A pink or orange variant can be particularly effective.
Buy at AmazonMontana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.