Dry Fly Fishing Montana with Sean McLendon from Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
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On small, crystal-clear spring creeks in Montana, success isn’t about casting more— it’s about casting smarter. Sean McClendon, guide at the Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, reveals that the first presentation is often the only shot you’ll get, especially when fish are rising in plain sight on gin-clear water. He emphasizes stealth, observation, and precision: crawling through tall grass, flipping rocks to identify what fish are eating, and using a systematic 5x5x5 method to cover every seam, riffle, and pocket in a run. The real key? Sizing down. On these selective waters, fish see everything, so smaller, more natural flies—like size 18-24 chubbies, pertagons, and caddis emergers—often outperform flashy patterns. Sean’s philosophy is simple: slow down, get low, and let the fish decide. This isn’t just about technique—it’s about becoming part of the environment. The result? A deeper connection to the water, a sharper mind, and more fish caught through patience and precision than through power or volume. The episode also dives into the unique culture of the Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, where guides like Sean build lifelong relationships with clients, turning strangers into family. From private access to Upper Deer Creek and the pristine East Rosebud, to the diversity of water types—from tailwaters to backcountry spring creeks—the lodge offers a rare blend of technical fishing and immersive experience.
On small spring creeks, your first presentation is often your only shot—success depends on stealth, not volume.
Use the 5x5x5 method: five casts inside the seam, five in the middle, five outside, covering all structure systematically.
Sizing down is critical—fish on spring creeks are selective; use flies from size 18 to 24 for better results.
Flip rocks to identify what fish are eating—this simple act exponentially increases your chances of success.
A textured fly line (like Scientific Anglers’ amplitude) improves casting feel and line control in delicate situations.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Challenge of Small Water: When Every Mistake Is Visible
“On small waters, nothing is hidden, including your mistakes.”
The 5x5x5 Method: Systematic Water Coverage
“I do the five, five and five. If you're fishing small water, I do five casts close, five casts in the middle, five casts far away.”
Stealth and Observation: The Real Keys to Success
“The biggest thing for me is being stealthy. And when you think about it, you know, we're outside and we're looking up at the air. We just see this, uh, the big sky that Montana has learned for.”
Sizing Down: Why Smaller Flies Win on Selective Water
On crystal-clear spring creeks, fish are highly selective. Sean explains that smaller flies—size 18 to 24—are often more effective than larger ones, as they mimic natural food and avoid spooking wary trout.
The Role of the Leader and Line: Texture Matters
Sean shares his preference for textured fly lines (like Scientific Anglers’ amplitude) for better feel and control. He also uses body measurements—middle finger to nipple—to quickly build effective rigs.
“On small waters, nothing is hidden, including your mistakes.”
“The biggest thing for me is being stealthy. And when you think about it, you know, we're outside and we're looking up at the air. We just see this, uh, the big sky that Montana has learned for.”
“I do the five, five and five. If you're fishing small water, I do five casts close, five casts in the middle, five casts far away.”
Host
Guest
Sean McClendon
person
Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
organization
Stillwater River
other
Upper Deer Creek
other
East Rosebud
other
Lincoln
person
Judy
person
Shoshone River
other
Bighorn River
other
Orvis Helios
product
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