Spruce Moth (Choristoneura occidentalis)
Spruce moths appear in the morning through the afternoon from late July through August. Their larvae hatch in the tops of coniferous trees and then feed on the pine needles until they kill the top of the tree.
Once the weather is hot in July, they’ll pupate in dry weather. When that happens, they are attracted to water, and the trout are well aware of this happening. If you see them flying, tie one on.
Attractor dry fly fishing in Montana is at its best when the spruce moth first arrives on the Gallatin River during midsummer. Anglers fishing near Big Sky, Montana can expect a week or two or terrific fly fishing with a variety of tan colored dry flies in sizes 12-16.
Bozeman fly fishing guides start the mornings off with single spruce moth dries before hopper fishing takes off on the upper Madison and Yellowstone rivers.
Mottled cream in color, the Spruce Moth (Choristoneura occidentalis) comes to the water sporadically, but when they do, trout are in for a treat.
Tie on flies mimicking this food source in hook sizes #10-#12 when you start to see them fluttering around pine trees. They don’t float well naturally, so don’t overdo it with the floatant and let the fly swim in the surface film for the most success.
Once the spruce moth hits the water, it will often struggle to try and free itself, so ensure your fly has some movement with little twitches.
3 Top Rivers for Fly Fishing in Montana with Spruce Moths
5 Best Spruce Moth Dry Flies For Fly Fishing in Montana
