Blue Ribbon Flies
Weekly Fishing Report
2007
December 16, 2007 Craig Mathews
It's been 10 days since I last fished. This morning Jackie and I got up, took the dogs for a nice cross country ski, did some outfitter paper work and waited for it to warm up. At 2pm the temp hit 26 degrees and we drove to the river. You can see in the photos above what greeted us. Slush ice was moving heavily along in the flow. You can see my tracks in the snow where I last fished on the 6th of December and you will note the area I fished midges was now under a foot of ice!
It has been very cold and windy and it looks like a few more days before it is forecasted to warm near the freezing mark. We went for another cross country ski high above the house and crossed mountain lion, elk, deer and moose tracks. The dogs pointed a badger that had left its den and was digging deep under a huge downfall, perhaps after a pine marten's stash. We quickly moved the dogs from the area not wanting them to get into a ruckus with the badger.
We came home, Jackie worked on Christmas decorations, and I tied #22 Baetis Knocked- Down Duns. I'm having a record breaking month of fly tying due to the cold temps and subsequent lack of fishing. The tradeoff comes with warming afternoon temps and I am ahead of schedule with my tying orders from the shop. It will warm and I will fish in the near future. In the meantime, I'll get my catalogue and spring flies tied and do some for myself too. We will take some great afternoon cross country ski trips, and I might get a few books read. God I hope it warms up soon!!!
December 4th, 2007 at 3P.M.: Jackie and I drove home from the shop in a hurry as it was nearing the freezing mark in West Yellowstone and I knew the afternoon temps would be near 40 in the valley.
I got to the river at 3pm. The truck’s thermometer read 37, and there was no wind. I watched a pool for any trout rising to midges. I saw a couple midge adults but no risers. I knotted on a Madison Micro-Midge and promptly took 2 rainbows both about 12”. Disappointed there were no rising trout in my favorite late afternoon midge pool I continued working downstream to the next run and pocket only to find that a couple of otters had been there leaving blood stains on the shelf ice along the shoreline from a whitefish they’d eaten in the morning. Several casts produced nothing so I slugged through 18” of fresh snow to another mid-river run. The temp was beginning to dip as the sun dropped below the western bench of the Gravelly Mountains. Several casts produced 2 more rainbows, 14 and 15” and beautifully colored. Both came to a beaded olive Serendipity. At 4P.M. my Winston’s B11t 5 weight rod’s guides began to freeze after a couple casts, the elk were coming down to feed, and I headed for home and diner.
The next few days are forecasted to bring warm temps so stay tuned for more winter fishing reports! Craig Mathews
December 4, 2007 Jackie Mathews
The fishing report for this week is pretty bleak. It was very cold on our days off (never made it into the teens), so Craig fished only one of the two days. He got out there despite the cold, and caught several fish on Micro Madison Midges. As you'll read in this year's Year in Review, Craig came back around to nymphing this year and has been very successful with many of our BRF patterns.
After hooking and releasing trout on the Micro Madison Midge, Craig noticed the temperature dropping, but continued to fish. He saw suspicious movement in a slick, and dropped the Midge in, delicately even for Craig! It took just a second longer than normal, and then the fish was on! After Craig reeled it in, he decided he'd had enough for a day, and went back to the truck. By the time he got home, the temperature had dropped 15 degrees, and he was glad he came in when he did. The fishing was over and dinner was on.
October 28th, 2007
Madison River below Earthquake Lake has fished very well over the past several days, even on bright days. Baetis mayflies and midges are coming off in good numbers from Raynold's Bridge all the way to Ennis and the trout are rising to them. This week's forecast calls for more rainy-snowy weather conditions so we can expect even better dry-fly fishing when huge emergences of Baetis will come off. Anglers must be prepared to fish Baetis from 2 to 4pm, and midging can occur anytime of the day. Flies like Improved Zelon Midges, Baetis Knocked Down Duns and Griffith's Gnat Emergers are required for dry fly fishing. Nymphs like Zebras, Baetis, and small PT's will work too along with larger flies such as Rubber Legs adn Brook's Stones. Streamer fishing is great too, particularly around Pallisades and Babbling Brook.
The Madison in Yellowstone Park continues its fickle self. Some days are grand with lots of streamer action from the browns and rainbows up from Hebgen. Other days are slow. Soft hackle flies seem most productive fished down and across. Streamers are best in the early and late evening hours. In and around the 7 Mile Bridge and junction area the fish have been rising to sporadic Baetis emergences With the forecasted rainy-snowy weather this coming week you will want to watch for trout rising to Baetis. A #20 BWO Sparkle Dun and Knocked Down will work well then.
The Gallatin is fishing well lately from the park line downstream to Greek Creek during Baetis times, 2-5pm. On bright days the fish will still come up for Royal Wulffs and H&L Varients. A woolhead sculpin fished dead-drift can be deadly for some very large browns near Red Cliff, Swan Creek and Porcupine too.
The Firehole has fished very well. Caddis are still coming off around Midway and Baetis emerge daily noon to 4pm. Along the Frieght Rd. look for browns rising along the shoreline to midge activity in the mornings until Baetis time. Swinging soft hackles has been very good, mostly for rainbows, in the area around both iron bridges.
This is the week to make the journey to the Lewis Channel as there are plenty of fish there that are willing to take nearly any and every streamer you present to them. Good browns from 17-19" prefer Copper Zonkers and olive and white Bow River Buggers.
We are all busy here putting the final touches on our 2008 catalogue which will be to you the first of 2008. And, we are fishing every chance we get in this great mayfly weather!
Madison River (below Quake Lake): Foul weather is here for a few days, so this should mean good Baetis hatches on the Madison. Bring along plenty of Baetis Cripples, ICU’s, and Knock Down Duns in size 20. In the nymph department you should be equipped with a good supply of Micro Madison Baetis, Pheasant tails, and Zebra Midges. Don’t neglect throwing a few streamers around such as Copper Zonkers, Wooly Buggers, or Spruce patterns.
Gallatin River: If the water remains clear look for good Baetis outside the Park in the slower pools and runs. The rain and snow we are seeing should muddy the river below the Taylor’s Fork, so be wise and check in before making the drive.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: Once again the rain and snow in the air and the forecast will probably shut these rivers down. If the water remains clear look for good Baetis in the late morning to early afternoon hours. Wooly Buggers fished through the deeper pools can also bring a few good fish to the net.
Madison in the Park: The fishing has been met with mixed results. A few folks are doing well while others are not. The number of trout in the system is down from previous years, however it does not take many fish in the 20” range to make a memorable day. Medium sized soft hackles and streamers have produced the best results.
Firehole River: There is still plenty of good dry fly fishing to be had on the Firehole. Baetis are hatching in the mid to late morning hours along with a fair number of caddis in the afternoon. As always, a peacock and starling soft hackle will bring plenty of trout to hand when the dry fly bite is off.
October 11, 2007
The Madison River from Raynolds Pass to Ennis: The recent sunny weather has slowed the Baetis fishing. There have been fair numbers of midges in localized areas. Our size 20 Zelon midge has been an excellent choice. Be prepared to cover a fair amount of ground to find rising trout. 12' 5x leaders will suffice. Baetis nymphs, zebra midges, and pheasant tails have worked well for sub surface fishing. If the clouds roll back in, look for good Baetis along the slicks.
The Gallatin River: Nymph fishing through the deeper pools has been the most productive method of fishing this river. Like the Madison River, Baetis nymphs, zebra midges, and pheasant tails have been best. Black woolly buggers swung slowly in the shaded areas have brought a few nice rainbows to the net.
The Firehole: Plenty of Baetis and caddis can still be found hatching on the upper Firehole. 11:00 am has been the time to arrive for good dry fly fishing. ICU Baetis, knock down duns, cripples, iris caddis and crippled caddis, along with a few zelon midges should all be present. Peacock and starling or peacock and partridge are excellent choices for soft hackle patterns.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: Recent rains along with snow melt have caused these rivers to rise. We should see things clear up, but check in to be certain before making the drive. There have still been a few drakes although this hatch should be coming to an end. Look for good Baetis if the clouds show.
Madison in the Park: There have been a few trout over 20" caught this past week and a good number of 16" to 18". Early mornings and evenings are the best times to try for the lake run. A few fish have pushed into the lower Firehole and Gibbon rivers. I did say a few. Small attractor nymph patterns will work, and woolly buggers are a good choice. Do not expect to hook as many in either of these two rivers as you will in the Madison proper.
September 28, 2007
The Madison River from Raynolds Pass to Ennis: Good midge fishing was had this past week. A size 20 improved Zelon midge did the trick. We should start to see a few more Baetis show as the weather cools and the clouds roll in. Micro Madison Baetis along with 18 and 20 Pheasant tail nymphs have been producing well when the trout are not looking up. You may also want to try throwing a few streamers around in the early morning hours.
The Gallatin River: Good Baetis along with a few mahogany duns have been hatching in the water outside the park. Midday has been the best time for the dry fly bite. Attractor patterns along with small Baetis and Pheasant tail nymphs have worked well sub surface. Streamers through the deeper pools have also brought a few good fish to the net.
The Firehole: Excellent Caddis along with Baetis and midges have been hatching on the Firehole. A tan x-caddis, iris caddis, Baetis emerger, and Zelon midge should all be in your fly box. The mid morning hours throughout the afternoon have seen good numbers of trout rising. If you find a dead period try swinging a peacock and starling soft hackle in the riffles.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: The recent rain and snow have muddied the rivers in this area, so you would be wise to check in before making the long drive over. There have still been a few drakes along with Baetis occurring on cloudy days. Blind fishing with a Green Drake sparkle dun has proven worthwhile.
Madison in the Park: The recent rains brought a few more fish into the system this past week, but we are certainly not at the peak of the run. Drab colored soft hackles and streamers are the choice if you would like to swing flies. Large nymph patterns like prince, pheasant tail, and red fox squirrel will work for dead drifting.
September 22, 2007
The Madison River from Raynolds Pass to Ennis: Baetis were quite strong through the float stretch last week. We have not seen as many baetis as we thought we would in the wade section however. A size 18 Baetis sparkle dun did bring a few good fish to the net however. Small Pheasant tail nymphs, serendipities, and Micro Madison patterns proved good choices for underneath.
The Gallatin River: Small attractor patterns are still bringing fish up. Humpys, Stimulators, and small hoppers worked well for a couple of friends, but with colder temperatures and cloud cover, baetis are a good bet. Small prince nymphs and dead drifted wooly buggers are good choices for subsurface activity.
The Firehole: Good caddis and baetis can be found on the upper Firehole. Mid mornings throughout the day can find fish rising. Any of the water from the picnic area all the way up to Biscuit Basin has been worth looking at. Try working an Iris Caddis, a Goddard, or a #22 baetis sparkle dun in likely-looking areas when fish are rising, and don't forget your soft hackles when they're not.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: The Drakes are still occurring on cloudy days along with good numbers of Baetis. If the sun is shining searching the water with a green drake sparkle dun. The usual terrestrial patterns will round out your selection.
Madison in the Park: There were a fair number of lake run fish caught in the Madison last week. Soft hackles along with zonkers and large nymph patterns have all proven productive. The Barns Pools have been busy, so you may want to look upstream for less pressured trout.
Gardner River: A few good sized browns were caught this past week. A Royal Wulff proved to be the fly of the day. General attractors should work well if the fish are looking up. If the trout are not, try a large prince nymph or wooly bugger in the deeper pools.
September 15, 2007
The Madison River from Raynolds Pass to Ennis: Good Baetis have been seen in small pockets throughout the wade and float stretches. The key to finding the slicks with Baetis is walking slowly and keeping your eyes open. Sparkle duns and cripples have been the flies of choice. Small Baetis nymphs
and Pheasant tails have shown good results sub surface.
The Gallatin River: Attractor patterns and terrestrials are still producing good
results in the late morning through the afternoon hours. Do not neglect the tailouts of the pools. Plenty of trout can be found in this thin water. Small pheasant tails and Baetis nymphs are working well here also.
Hebgen Lake: It's the end of the fishing season on Hebgen, but if you can
stand the weeds and don't mind fishing subsurface, you can catch a real winner. Throw nymphs and wooly buggers, as the callibaetis have just about come and gone. Bundle up, the mornings are chilly, and give it a try.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: Drakes and Baetis are still occurring on all three of these rivers. Cloudy days are best, but searching with a green drake will bring plenty of trout up even if the sun is shining. There are still a few hoppers hopping along with ants and beetles working as well.
Firehole and Madison in the Park: A few more fish have begun their upstream migration from Hebgen Lake. While the numbers are not very high as of yet one may be able to hook a large Brown or rainbow if persistent. Shakey Beeleys, Peacock and Partridge, and Zonkers have worked well thus far. For the upper Firehole, good caddis and Baetis can be found. Oecetis cripples,
sparkle duns, iris caddis, X-caddis, and soft hackles have all produced. Mornings are more productive than afternoons so far.
Gardner River: This river has also seen a few large Browns from the Yellowstone moving in. Again the numbers are not high, but a well swung streamer or soft hackle could bring the fish of the trip to net. General attractor patterns and terrestrials will work for the resident population.
September 8, 2007
The Madison River from Raynolds Pass to Ennis: With cooler and overcast days ahead good hatches of Baetis should provide excellent dry fly opportunities. Sparkle duns, cripples and knock down duns in size 20 will fit the bill. If the days turn bright, ants, beetles and hoppers are the choice. Nymph fishing with Baetis nymphs and small pheasant tails should also take their fair share, and a Griffith's Gnat is a go-to this time of year.
The Gallatin River: Look for Baetis in the afternoon hours along with a few midges. Streamers should start producing well in the morning hours. The same nymphs used for the Madison will produce well here. Sunny days call for ants and beetles.
Hebgen Lake: There are still a few Callibaetis to be found, however the pickings are sparse. Be prepared to cover a fair bit of water in order to find the gulpers gulping.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: The rains that fell last week muddied Soda Butte and the Lamar, but most of the discoloration has cleared. However, you would be wise to check the current status of these streams before making the long drive. Drakes and Baetis have been hatching in good numbers on overcast days. Ants, beetles and hoppers are the choice if the sun shows.
Firehole and Madison in the Park: The cooler weather should make these two rivers worth a poke in the morning hours. Caddis, Baetis, and midges can be found hatching. Iris caddis, Baetis cripples, Griffith's Gnats, and zelon midges should be part of the arsenal. Check with the shop for current water temperatures.
Gibbon River: There have been fair numbers of Baetis and midges hatching in the meadow portions of the Gibbon. Cloudy days are best. Walk softly along the banks and keep a low profile for success.
September 1, 2007
The Madison River from Raynolds Pass to Ennis: Excellent flying ant falls occurred this past week and the trout responded well. A size 16 cinnamon flying ant pattern produced great results. Spotty but good Baetis emerged in isolated locales and also had good numbers of fish looking up. A size 22 cream Baetis sparkle dun was the fly of choice. Larger pheasant tail nymphs with a Baetis nymph dropper will work well when the trout are not looking up.
The Gallatin River: Attractor patterns throughout the middle of the day will bring a few trout to the net. Stimulators, Humpys, and Wulffs can all work well. There are still a few spruce moths about, so don't leave home without them. General nymphs and wooly buggers will work in the deeper pools.
Hebgen Lake: Although slowing down a bit, there are Callibaetis to be found. Nymphs, sparkle duns, and spinners should all be present in your fly box. With the cooler temperatures, mid morning into the early afternoon has been best.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: Cloudy days bring the best numbers of Drakes and Baetis out. Floating nymphs, emergers, Sparkle duns, and spinners are required. Sunny days call for ants and beetle patterns. Excellent flying ants occurred here this past week, so have plenty in the box.
Gardner River: Attractor patterns brought good numbers of trout to the net this past week, with a yellow stimulator producing best. Overcast days will bring out the Baetis. Serendipities and pheasant tail nymphs along with wooly buggers are a good sub-surface choice.
Gibbon River: Cooler temperatures have made the Gibbon a worthwhile proposition. Look for Baetis in the meadows on cloudy days and fish attractors and terrestrials below the falls.
August 25, 2007
Madison River (below Quake Lake): Ants ants ants ants ants. Cinnamon and black ants are everywhere. Our Flying Tiger Ants, Cinnamon Fur Ants, and Foam Ants in black and red, and of course cinnamon, are hot ticket items on the Madison. We have also begun to see a few of the fall Baetis emerging during the late morning and afternoon hours. The numbers have not been very large however a cool cloudy day could bring an excellent hatch. A size 22 cream sparkle dun will do the trick. Evening fishing has suddenly picked up, and could shut off any time, but get it while the getting’s good.
Gallatin River: With the cooler temperatures it is time to start thinking about streamers on the Gallatin. Copper Zonkers along with a variety of wooly buggers should get the larger fish moving. Terrestrials and attractors are still bringing fish up during the afternoon hours. Small hoppers and ants are key. Did we mention cinnamon and black ants are everywhere? Take your time getting out there, and take your time fishing.
Hebgen Lake: The Tricos are on their way out, but there are still plenty of Callibaetis to be found. The Madison Arm has still been the most productive area to concentrate your efforts. With the cooler mornings the bugs will show a little later than we have seen previously, but the gulpers are still gulping. Come armed with spinners, cripples, and sparkle duns, and stay until a late lunch calls.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: The closures in the park have ended! Fish any or all waters from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. The fall drakes have begun in earnest on all three of these fine rivers. Late morning will be the time to arrive. Floating nymphs (my favorite), sparkle duns, and spinners should all be present in your fly box. There have also been excellent numbers of cream Baetis on cloudy afternoons. Watch the weather, as a rainy day will muddy up the water for a day or so, and bring beetles, ants, hoppers, and crickets to round out your selection.
Gardner River: This is also a great place to start throwing a few streamers. Big browns from the Yellowstone will begin there upriver march any minute. Don’t expect many just yet, but the persistent angler could find a very good fish or two. Terrestrials and attractors will still bring plenty of feisty rainbows to hand.
Off the beaten path: Middle Creek flows out of the Park at the east entrance. Good fishing can be found for Brook, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout that will run between 8 and 12 inches. Park at the bottom of the hill just before exiting the park, and work your way back upstream. Stimulators are a favorite fly of the residents here. Remember your bear spray for this one.
August 18, 2007
The Madison River from Raynolds Pass to Ennis: Our summer hatches have pretty much come to a halt throughout the area, and we're transitioning into fall hatches. This means terrestrials and attractors will make up most of the dry fly fishing, although you'll see just a few mayflies here and there. Ants, beetles, and hoppers along with stimulators and Wullfs can all bring fish to the surface. A slow and careful approach is also necessary. Nymph fishing the inside seams with a serendipity or pheasant tail can also be productive. On a cool cloudy day, start trying baetis patterns.
The Gallatin River: There are still a few Spruce Moths flying around the wooded sections of the Gallatin. A Goddard Caddis will bring a few trout to hand during the late morning hours. Terrestrials and various attractors should work as well. Small Dave's Hoppers or Parachute Hoppers and little Cinnamon Ants have been fun lately.
Hebgen Lake: Callibaetis and Tricos continue along with Flying Ants. The Madison arm has proven the most reliable area, though it seems the secret is out and you'll have a few more fellow anglers to contend with. Remember the Golden Rule - Do Unto Others, or, in fishing terms: give someone else as much elbow room as you would want them to give you. Cooler mornings can mean a later starting time for the bugs to begin showing.
Yellowstone National Park: The 2:00pm closures are still in effect, but with the cooler temperatures coming our way we may see them lifted. Check at the gate when you enter the park for the current restrictions. Terrestrials have been the choice for Slough, Soda Butte, and Lamar. A large beetle pattern has brought a few fine Cutthroats to the net.
Gardner River: Stimulators have been the fly of choice in the pocket water of the Gardner. Think small. The trout have not been responding as well to the big hoppers we all love to toss around. Mid morning until 2:00pm is the time to be there.
Off the beaten path: Spruce Creek is a small tributary of Nez Perce Creek which has fine fishing for small brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Take the Mary Mountain trail six and a half miles to the junction of the two. This is an easy hike through beautiful meadow country. Bring along your bear spray and a rain jacket. Our optimism (about rain and cooler weather, not about running into bears) is unfailing.
August 12, 2007
The Madison River from Raynolds Pass to Ennis: The flows in the Madison have been reduced to a more normal summer flow making wading much easier. Good Epeorus spinners can be found during the morning and evening hours. There are also still a few small caddis about, but not many. Flying Ants, Beetles, and Hoppers will bring up some good fish during the day. Nymphing has also been good with $3 dips, Shop Vacs, and Nitro Nymphs.
The Gallatin River: There are still plenty of Spruce Moths around along with fair numbers of PMDs and caddis. Look for rusty spinners mid-day. This is also an excellent river to throw terrestrials and attractor patterns on. Cast tight to the grassy banks with a stealthy approach. Standard nymphs such as Pheasant tails, prince nymphs, and hares ears will bring some fish to hand.
Hebgen Lake: Callibaetis and Tricos continue to be the morning fare. Have plenty of Nymphs, duns, and spinners for the Callibaetis and Spinners for the Tricos. The Madison Arm has been producing the best results. The water is low this year so you may need to change your standard access points. We've had a few days of glassy surfaces past noon, but it's best to start early.
Yellowstone National Park: According to the National Park Service, hot and dry conditions have led to high water temperatures and low water flows in many Park streams. These conditions can be stressful and even fatal for trout. To help protect Yellowstone's native and wild trout fisheries the park is implementing a mandatory cosure to fishing on lower elevation waters beteen 2 p.m. and 5 a.m. Not all Park waters are included in the closure, and cool weather and precipitation could reverse the advisory.
The Park has seen quite a bit of rain lately, and the closures will continue to be evaluated on a stream-by stream basis. The Lamar, Soda Butte, and Slough Creek have also received several showers, and alternate between clear, stained, and muddy. Lamar above Cache Creek and Soda Butte above Ice Box Canyon are open all day, and should be fished with hoppers, ants and attractor patterns. You should also keep an eye out for the Heptagenia Mayfly. This is an afternoon hatch. The Gardner River is closed below Sheepeater Cliffs after 2:00pm, but there is still plenty of time to fish this river. This is great pocket water fishing with attractors and terrestrials, and has been fishing just fine. Small stimulators along with a variety of terrestrials have been bringing plenty of trout to the net. Cooler temperatures have caused the fish in this river to become a bit more spunky.
Off the beaten path: How about a hike up the Lone Star trail into the upper reaches of the Firehole? This area is not under any closures. Meandering meadow water can be found with some very spooky trout. You will need to use long fine leaders, delicate casts, and an extremely careful approach. If a challenge is what you are after this can be the place. Be sure to bring along your patience.
6 August 2007
Madison River (below Quake Lake): August is upon us and we are beginning to see a few of the summer hatches decrease. Good Epeorus continue, but the Hydropsyche caddis is slowing down a bit. There are good numbers of two smaller caddis showing. One can be imitated by a size 18 olive x-caddis and the other a size 20 black x-caddis. Stay above the West Fork in the evenings as the hatches below have really declined. We're also starting to see more activity on hoppers and ants. Bring along an assortment of terrestrials for good action.
Gallatin River: Good numbers of pruce moths are still available during the afternoon hours. A size 14 Goddard Caddis has been working well, if you don't have a Spent Spruce Moth pattern. A few PMDs along with some Caddis can also be seen during the day. Rusty Spinners and Caddis are also available in the evenings. If the fish are not looking up, try casting a $3 Bridge Serendipity behind a Pheasant Tail Nymph, or search the juicy-looking spots with a Royal Wulff Cripple or a Parachute Adams.
Hebgen Lake: Excellent Callibaetis and Tricos can be found during the morning hours. Have plenty of Callibaetis nymphs, sparkle duns, and spinners along with a few Trico spinners. The algae bloom is still present and can make a mess of your flies. If possible try casting outside any affected areas. Remember this algae is toxic to dogs, and you probably don't want to swim in it or drink it either.
Yellowstone National Park : According to the National Park Service, hot and dry conditions have led to high water temperatures and low water flows in many Park streams. These conditions can be stressful and even fatal for trout. To help protect Yellowstone's native and wild trout fisheries the park is implementing a mandatory cosure to fishing on lower elevation waters beteen 2 p.m. and 5 a.m. Not all Park waters are included in the closure, and cool weather and precipitation could reverse the advisory.
The Park has seen quite a bit of rain lately, and the closures will continue to be evaluated on a stream-by strem basis. The Gallatin is currently muddy almost to Bozeman, and has not and probably will not be included in the advisory. The Lamar, Soda Butte, and Slough Creek have also received several showers, and alternate between clear, stained, and muddy. Lamar above Cache Creek and Soda Butte above Ice Box Canyon are open all day, and should be fished with hoppers, ants and attractor patterns. The Gardner River is closed below Sheepeater Cliffs after 2:00pm, but there is still plenty of time to fish this river. This is great pocket water fishing with attractors and terrestrials. Small grand hoppers, flying ants, beetles, and stimulators are great choices. Try the water around the 45th parallel.
Off the beaten path: Cascade Lake is a wonderful hike and one can be rewarded with beautiful Cutthroats and Grayling between 8 and 12 inches. The trail head can be found at the Cascade picnic area just north of Canyon. Callibaetis dries and nymphs along with a few Damsel fly patterns should do well.
July 29th, 2007
Madison River (below Quake Lake): Big flows will continue and provide excellent bank fishing opportunities. Look for Epeorus and Rusty Spinners in the morning hours along with a few Caddis. Afternoon nymph fishing has been productive with one of our $3 Bridge Serendipities, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Copper Johns. Evening fishing has been occurring late due to the hot temperatures. Good Caddis and Epeorus can be found.
Gallatin River: The Spruce moths are going strong along with good hatches of Pmd’s and Caddis. Our Spent Spruce moth and Goddard Caddis have proven effective once again. Pmd Sparkle duns, Iris Caddis and Rusty Spinners should also be in one's arsenal. Watch for muddy water below the Taylor's Fork after thunderstorm activity.
Hebgen Lake: The Gulpers are gulping. Look for good Callibaetis duns and spinners in the morning hours along with plenty of Tricos. Sparkle duns and Deer Hair spinners have been most effective.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, Soda Butte Creek: All of these three rivers are under the 2:00pm closure; however one may fish the Lamar above Cache creek or the Soda Butte above Ice Box Canyon. Morning fishing has been good with Pmd’s and Caddis along with Beetles Ants and Hoppers for the early afternoon. We have a printout of all the waters under the current closure available here at the shop.
Gardner River: The lower portion of this fine river is also under the 2:00 pm closure. One can find good fishing in the morning hours with Pmd’s, and Caddis. Later in the day try the water above Sheepeater Cliffs for some great Brook Trout fishing .General attractor patterns along with Terrestrials will bring plenty of feisty Brookies to hand.
Off the beaten path: Trout Lake is certainly not very far off the path, but offers one an afternoon alternative while visiting the Northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park. There is no closure on this body of water and one may find a few very large Cutthroats and Rainbows. Midge Larva, Callibaetis, and Leech patterns should catch a few trout. The trail head is of the road next to Soda Butte Creek and is well marked. A 15 to 20 minute hike is all that it takes to arrive.
July 15th, 2007
Madison River (below Quake Lake): We have been seeing good emergences of Epeorus in the evenings along with excellent Caddis activity. Have plenty of Epeorus Cripples, Epeorus Spinners, Iris Caddis, X-Caddis and a few Mr. Ts in your fly box. Hoppers are beginning to show up, and we’ve had some luck with small hopper imitations, Longhorns, and the new Flying Tiger Ant. Mornings you should find good Caddis along with Epeorus Spinners. When the fish go off the dry flies our $3 Serendipity is always a favorite. The Primetime at Raynold’s pupa is also a big hit with the trout. We’re still seeing Green Drakes, so finish filling your fly box with some Green Drake Cripples, and get out there.
Gallatin River: There are still good numbers of PMDs hatching during the afternoon hours both in and out of the Park. Sparkle Duns and Rusty Spinners along with Iris, and X-Caddis are good producers. Caddis are showing in good numbers during the early afternoon and evening hours.Attractor patterns like the Royal Wulff Cripple will bring fish up during non-hatch periods. We’ve seen some spruce moths lately – try our own Patrick Daigle’s imitation.
Hebgen Lake: The gulpers are gulping. There are plenty of Callibaetis on the water now, and fishing is good from shore or from a float tube or boat. Lately the mornings have been great, with glassy surfaces and no wind until noon or later. We’re also seeing good numbers of Tricos beginning to show. Callibaetis nymphs, emergers, and spinners are a must along with Trico Duns and Spinners. Be patient, careful with your presentation, and make sure your knots are tied well enough to withstand a fight.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, Soda Butte Creek: There is a voluntary fishing closure from 12pm to 6pm on a number of park waters. The three above are part of this. This does not mean you shouldn’t head over to do some fishing; it does mean you should take along a good book or have a plan B. Take water temperature readings starting at noon and continue to do so each hour, and as water temperatures reach the upper 60’s, give yourself and the fish a break until things cool down again. Slightly cooler weather during the days along with chances of thunderstorms all week should bode well for this drainage. PMDs, Caddis, attractor patterns and a good selection of ants and beetles along with a few small hoppers should do the trick.
Yellowstone River in the Park: We waited until this evening to publish this report so we could give you a little news from the opening day. We expected the Yellowstone to fish much like it did last year, with relatively low numbers of relatively large fish, the kind you have to work for, but well worth it. Not to toot our own horns, but we were right. We caught a couple smaller fish, which is encouraging, and then just a few big guys. If you’re headed that way, bring along some attractors, some terrestrials, and your stream thermometer.
Off the beaten path: How about a walk up Fan Creek? This Gallatin River tributary holds a good population of Yellowstone Cutthroats. The hike to the better water is an easy three miles. Take along a few PMDs, Caddis, Ants, Beetles, and hopper imitations, plenty of water and some bear spray. Beautiful scenery and solitude can be had. What more can you ask for?
July 7, 2007
Madison River (below Quake Lake): The flows are up and so are the fish. Excellent caddis hatches along with PMDs abound. Salmonflies had a good run on the Madison, with the last few seen between the lakes several days ago. Mornings through early afternoons have had good dry fly activity. Late afternoons have seen a bit of a lull, with evening caddis fishing kicking things back into gear. X-Caddis, PMD Cripples, Epeorus Spinners and a few Olive Sparkle Spinners have all worked well. Do not forget a few of our ICU Cranefly patterns. There have been just enough around to make this pattern viable. If nymphing is your game, rubber leg patterns along with serendipities and PMD nymphs have produced well. Here’s the biggest news on the Madison: for the first time in years, we’re seeing Flavs, or Western Green Drakes! Try a #16 Sparkle Dun or Cripple. The fish seem to know they’re a delicacy and have been taking these patterns before any others. Add them to your selection.
Gallatin River: Caddis and PMDs comprise the bulk of the hatches. The Salmonfly action is winding down, but remember this is good attractor water. Royal Wulff Cripples, Stimulators, and The Old Yeller Sally are reliable patterns for us. Bring along a few of your favorite streamers to search the undercut banks for those lurking Browns, and don’t be afraid to cover some ground.
Henry’s Fork: If the wind would lay down long enough we could have some decent dry fly fishing with Caddis. This has not been the case though. Pick a calm evening and head over to the Railroad Ranch stretch. You may catch the trout of a lifetime.
Hebgen Lake: A few callibaetis are beginning to show, but one must cover a fair amount of water to find a few rising trout. Head down to the lake with some Callibaetis Deer Hair Spinners, Sprout Emergers, and Sparkle Duns. A few Callibaetis Cripples in a size 16 wouldn’t hurt either.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek: The fishing is good on all three of these rivers. There are still a few Gray Drakes lingering on Slough. You can find PMDs and caddis in good numbers on all. Attractor patterns are always a good bet, and with the warm temperatures, it’s not too early to try some terrestrials. The Flying Tiger Ant is a great pattern to try. Mornings and evenings will produce the best results, which will allow you to find a shady spot to eat lunch at noon, read your tattered copy of The Yellowstone Fly-Fishing Guide, nap, and wait for the 6:00 hour to resume fishing.
Off the beaten path: Now is the time to fish the smaller streams and the alpine lakes you’ve heard about, read about, and told yourself you’d get to one day. With the voluntary stream closures in Yellowstone Park, and the rising water temperatures and low stream flows around the region, get away from the crowds, get those hiking boots dirty, and explore the small water. It’s a great excuse to pull out the lightweight rod you don’t take down to the Madison and a great time to carry the camera. Remember that these less-traveled areas are often prime bear country, so make a lot of noise, carry bear spray, and take along a buddy. You’ll be glad you did.
June 27, 2007
Madison River (below Quake Lake): We are beginning to see the flows on Madison rise towards acceptable. I would not put the gel coat away yet, but things are improving. As far as the fishing is concerned the word is excellent. Mornings and afternoons are filled with good numbers of Caddis, PMDs, and Salmonflies, along with a few Epeorus. We have also seen a fair number of size 16 olive spinners on the water, which we believe to be a Heptageniid. The evening fishing has been quite good with Caddis or a big attractor pattern along the seams.
Gallatin River: Salmonflies are in full swing. The pocket water just outside the park has been outstanding. If your arm becomes tired from all the fish you have been landing, try the park stretch with PMDs and Caddis. Remember not to arrive at daybreak as this is our coldest river.
Henry’s Fork: Good numbers of PMDs, Green Drakes, and Caddis can be found throughout the Ranch section. The fish numbers are still down, but there are a few big Rainbows that are sure to get your adrenaline going. Walk slowly and pay attention to the river. It will tell you everything you need to know.
Hebgen Lake: Early Callibaetis have been seen around the lake this week but not in great numbers. There are a few fish starting to work the surface however you will need to cover a good deal of water to intercept them. Look for the dry fly fishing to improve as warm afternoon temperatures continue to bring the water temperature up.
Firehole River: There are still a few Caddis hatching on the Firehole. Early morning is the time to be on the water. If you are looking for a few hours of good dry fly fishing it can be found here. The water between Midway Basin and Biscuit basin will be the coolest. You will also want to look for damsel flies to begin hatching in good numbers. This is not a consistent hatch however; I would not go without a couple of imitations.
Slough Creek, Lamar River, Soda Butte Creek: Slough Creek has been the best as far as hatches are concerned. Good Gray Drakes, PMDs, and Caddis have all come off in fine numbers. Look for Baetis on a cloudy day. Lamar and Soda Butte have been very good with nymphs and streamers and we are seeing a few Caddis and PMDs also.
Gardner River: Good numbers of Salmonflies along with Golden Stones can be found. Hit all the pockets and leave no water untouched. If the section you are fishing has no bugs try searching the water with a Sunken Stone in Salmonfly or Golden. Rubber legs will also produce if you want to go sub surface.
Off the beaten path: If you would like to combine a nice hike along with some good fishing, try Hellroaring Creek in the Park. This tributary of the Yellowstone River can produce some fair sized Cutthroats. General attractor patterns along with a few PMDs and Caddis should suffice.
June 23, 2007
The Madison River in the Park: Look for morning spinner falls along your favorite stretch of water. The afternoons and evenings are seeing plenty of caddis. The fish have been interested in PMD sparkle dun, cripple and spinner patterns, and X-Caddis, X2 Caddis, and Iris Caddis patterns in tan, sizes #16 and #18.
The Madison River from Raynolds pass to Ennis: Low flows will continue until the end of the month, so boaters beware. Good numbers of Salmon flies have been seen in and around the Palisades area. Once again our Nicks Sunken Stone pattern has been the number one producer. Rubber leg patterns have worked well for sub-surface fishing. Excellent numbers of PMDs and Caddis have been emerging from the late morning throughout the day. Sparkle duns, Cripples, X-Caddis, Iris Caddis, and the ICU Cranefly are the flies du jour. The evening fishing is really beginning to kick into gear, and it is certainly worth your time to search the banks with an X-Caddis or attractor pattern to pick up a few good trout. We should begin seeing epeorus in another week or so. Keep your eyes peeled.
The Gallatin River: Our coldest stream has really warmed up and cleared up early this year, and is already fishing well. A few Salmon flies have been spotted in the lower areas of the canyon and should begin the upstream march in the coming days. Rubber leg patterns should reap good rewards for those willing to search out the likely lies along the banks. Look for afternoon Caddis in the Park to begin in good numbers soon.
The Firehole River: Hot, hot, hot. Late afternoon temperatures have been reaching the high seventies and even the low eighties (81) lately. Early mornings are the time to be on this river. PMDs and PMD spinners in the mornings, along with good numbers of Caddis can still be found. Fish above Midway, and don’t plan on spending the whole day.
The northeast corner of Yellowstone Park: Slough Creek, The Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek are all in fishable condition. We have not seen any real insect activity as of yet, however Slough should begin any time. Look for Gray Drakes, Baetis, Caddis, and PMDs to make their yearly emergence. As far as Lamar and Soda Butte are concerned, nymphs and streamers will be the flies of choice. Wooly Buggers, Prince Nymphs, and a good assortment of Serendipities should do well. Presentation is important as the water clears and the fish take a good long look at what you’re casting and how it’s moving.
Gardner River: Salmon flies are making their annual appearance on this little gem. Do not let the size of this river fool you. There are a good number of fine fish to be had. Our Nicks Sunken Stone once again receives the nod. The Rogue Salmonfly pattern is also a good one. If the big bugs are not cooperating try fishing the pockets with an attractor pattern. The Old Yeller Sally is always a good bet.
Henry’s Fork: The opener on the Ranch stretch was met with mixed feelings about the upcoming season. Yes, there are big fish. No, there aren’t enough to walk across the river on their backs. If you are looking for a good fish or two, and a challenge, this is the place. Look for PMDs and PMD spinners in the mornings, and Flavs, Brown Drakes and Caddis later in the day. Don’t forget to bring along a few Beetles as your secret weapon, and again, watch your presentation. Those big guys didn’t get that way by taking every fly thrown in their direction.
Hebgen Lake: In keeping with the warm, dry spring we’ve had, which seems to have pushed the typical schedule of hatches and fishable water ahead by a week or two, tricos and callibaetis are just beginning to emerge on Hebgen! It’s been windy, windier than usual it seems, so you may get a few good hours of fishing in before you get blown off the water. Try a Callibaetis Cripple, Sparkle Dun, or Deer Hair Spinner.
Cliff and Wade Lakes: We are also beginning to see callibaetis on Cliff and Wade. Now’s a good time to go see for yourself. Don’t mind the occasional whitecaps. Mornings are best.
June 14th, 2007
Let's get right to it this week.
The Madison River from Raynolds pass to Ennis is still low but fishing well. With the air and water temperatures starting to warm, we are beginning to see the caddis fishing improve daily. A tan size 16 x-caddis or a 17 iris caddis should bring a number of good fish to the net.
PMDs should begin to show any time now in the afternoons (especially with some cloud cover) and this should only improve through the weekend and into next week. Our size 16 PMD sparkle dun or PMD cripple also in a 16 will do the trick. Don't forget plenty of our $3 Bridge serendipities and size 16 crystal dips. These will work well when the fish are not looking up.
Salmon flies are also beginning to make their annual emergence. Trying to hit this hatch just right is as much a challenge as the fishing itself. Be sure you are prepared with a few of our Nicks Sunken Stone patterns. This is the best pattern for this hatch, bar none. Light tippet is not at all necessary when fishing salmon flies. We recommend using 1x or 2x tippet for fishing during this hatch.
The portion of the Gallatin River in Yellowstone National Park has cleared considerably. Cold water temperatures have kept the insect activity to a minimum, however good fishing can be had using a variety of nymph patterns. Rubber leg nymphs with a small dropper fly such as a Guides Serendipity will work very well. Keep an eye out for afternoon caddis activity. With ributaries such as the Taylor's Fork beginning to clear, the water outside of the park is also beginning to fish fairly well. Salmon flies will be beginning their march upstream from the Gallatin Valley. Keep your eyes open for them on your favorite stretch of this stream.
The Firehole River continues to fish well, but will wind down soon. Good hatches of PMDs continue on cloudy afternoons. PMD sparkle duns as well as PMD cripples have been consistent producers. If the day turns out to be sunny and warm try fishing one of our Peacock and Starling soft hackles down and across through the riffle sections. Good caddis activity can be had in the mid mornings and evenings when the temperatures have been good through out the day. Nectopsyche, Hydropsyche as well as the little Glossosoma caddis have been the predominant species. Our Oecetis cripple, black x-caddis in a size 20 and our tan x-caddis in a size 16 have been working excellently.
Good fishing can be had on the Madison in the Park on cloudy afternoons with PMDs and Baetis making up most of the hatches. Also look for craneflies, with our ICU Cranefly pattern a good bet. Evening caddis fishing has been good. Try fishing in and around the Barns Pools or the water off Riverside Drive for good hatches of Hydropsyche and Glossosoma caddis. The same patterns we've been using on the Firehole have also been producing here.
The Gibbon River is fishing well below the Falls with little yellow stones and golden stone dries and nymphs. The Gibbon Meadow area has fished well too with caddis and PMD and Baetis mayflies when they are on the water. In and around the Beryl Spring area and upstream to the meadow has been great using small attractors like Lime Trudes and Royal Stimulators in sizes 14 and 16.
If you are looking for some fun fishing with a bit more solitude, many of the smaller streams in Yellowstone Park are beginning to fish well. Pick up a copy of the Yellowstone Flyfishing Guide, a handful of various attractor patterns, select a small stream, and you are in for a great day with plenty of fish and water all to yourself.
The fabled waters of the The Henry's Fork in the RxR Ranch opened this Friday, and we are still hoping for a great year on this stretch of the river. The crowd was fairly large on Friday, and will probably remain for the weekend as the opener is as much a celebration as it is a fishing experience. Look for emerging March Browns, PMD's, Baetis and a couple caddis species.
June 9, 2007
Another wonderful week fly fishing Yellowstone country! We received nearly 2” of precipitation in the Madison Valley Monday and Tuesday and the park got its share of rain and snow too. We need more, much more but it now looks like we are in a cool-wet June pattern according to the weather folks long range predictions, let’s hope they are right. This past week we’ve seen tremendous emergences of Pale Morning Duns and Baetis mayflies along with some strong caddis activity. The Salmonflies will be pretty much done on the Big Hole River by the time you receive this report, and we are looking for an early emergence on the Madison too. We believe the stones might come off a full week to 10 days early on the river above Ennis so stay tuned to this report.
The Henry’s Fork world famous Railroad Ranch section opens this coming Friday as does Yellowstone Lake. Both promise good openers, and rivers like the Madison both in and out of the park, Gallatin, Gibbon, Firehole and other waters are fishing very well now.
The Madison River below Earthquake Lake has fished very well. Late morning and early afternoon Baetis Mayflies and midges will bring the fish to the surface. And, while evening caddis are still a week away, an X2 or Iris imitation fished in all likely spots has been very productive too. Our float trips have provided awesome fishing to those anglers fishing attractors like PMX’s and large Wulffs stripping streamers. Salmonfly nymphs are migrating to the shoreline in preparation to emerge so nymphing anglers are doing very well too with rubber leg stones trailing smaller nymphs like Serendipities, Robins, and Shop Vacs.
The Gallatin River has fished well too, even below the Taylors Fork when the water has been clear. Lately though, turbid-high water conditions have prevailed due to all the high elevation snow melt so the river has been unfishable the past few days below this junction. It is best to check conditions before making the drive, but as the rain and snow subside the river will fish well again with large attractor dries and stone nymphs.
The river above the Taylor Fork and into the park has fished very well the past week. Look now for Baetis and Pale Morning Dun mayflies along with caddis and little yellow stones. The Giant Stones and Goldens are still a couple weeks away, but as with the Madison, the nymphs are heading to the shoreline in preparation to emerge so large chenille and rubber legged stone patterns fished against the bank and behind boulders is a very effective technique now on the river.
The Gibbon River is fishing well in the canyon stretches with little yellow stones and golden stone dries and nymphs. The Gibbon Meadow area has fished well too with caddis and PMD and Baetis mayflies when they are on the water. In and around the Beryl Spring area and upstream to the meadow has been great using small attractors like Lime Trudes and Royal Stimulators in sizes 14 and 16.
The Henry’s Fork below Ashton, Idaho has been good on overcast days when Pale Morning Duns and Baetis are on the water. The cool-damp weather has put off evening caddis fishing but this will come back as warm weather condtions return. Bubble Back Caddis Emergers, Iris and X Caddis and Spent Sparkle Caddis patterns have worked best in the evenings and Sparkle Duns and Hackle Spinners are working too for PMD’s. During Baetis times the fish get very difficult and #20-22 Baetis Soft Hackle Emergers, Foam Baetis Nymphs and DOA Cripples have been the patterns for success.
The Fork in the RxR Ranch opens this Friday and we are all waiting on a great year on this stretch of the river. So far, those walking the banks here have reported “seeing lots of heads” as the big rainbows come up for emerging March Browns, PMD’s, Baetis and a couple caddis species. Time will tell as to fish numbers here but with the good instream winter water flows for a few back-to-back years now, and with all the small rainbows showing up last summer we all expect a great year on the Fork
The Firehole River has fished very well, for everyone but Craig and Terry Middleton! Last Wednesday Terry and I had a great day, although puzzling at times as to what the trout were rising to. Some fish rose to emerging Baetis, others to PMD Nymphs, a few took midges and some rose to two species of emerging caddis. We fished the upper river that day, while most others fished below The White Cliffs and had emerging PMDs for 3 hours while upstream we changed flies to match the different insects the trout rose to. I had over a dozen different fly patterns in my fly keeper while most anglers we talked to in the shop the following morning stayed with a #16 PMD Sparkle Dun for the entire day. On that day anglers had to wear everything they owned due to snow-rain-sleet and wind…perfect pmd weather!
On Thursday the river came up and became a bit discolored and the fishing was tough for everyone. My first three fish were a 10” brook trout, 13” brown and 12” rainbow; something I’d never done on the river in three fish back-to-back. The fishing was very tough that day but today, Friday, the river fished well on its entire length and anglers had only to fish PMDs all afternoon. Soft hackle enthusiasts are having the best spring in recent history using White Miller Soft Hackles and Partridge and Peacock or Peacock and Hurl.
Evening caddis fishing is back after a few days of cool-wet weather and this is our favorite time of the year to fish caddis activity on the river. The White Miller Soft Hackle, Cripple, Iris and X2 Caddis have worked very well for this activity. And, if you fish early in the morning, or come on fish taking softly just under the surface try a #20-22 Zelon Midge on 6-7x tippets for some very exciting fishing.
The Madison in the park is fishing well now too. Pale Morning Duns and Baetis mayflies are emerging as are evening caddis flies. We learned an important lesson Friday afternoon on the river; even though there are a few PMDs in the air and the trout appeared to rise to them, do what the river tells you to do…take a moment and study the riseforms and seine the insects in and near the river’s surface. We came on very aggressive rises to what we at first thought were PMDs. Closer inspection revealed cream colored crane flies, the same insect we so often encounter on the main Madison River downstream, later in the summer. Switching to our new crane fly pattern made all the difference in taking some 14-17” browns which are still in the river after last fall’s spawning run up from Hebgen Lake.
The Gardner River is ready now too. Salmon fly and golden stone nymphs are at the shore, ready to hatch any day. The water is still high and tinged but the nymphing angler can expect great action using rubber legged patterns. When in the Town of Gardiner stop by Park’s Fly Shop and check in for information on the Yellowstone near town too.
Smaller water like Grayling and Taylor Fork, Indian and Straight and others have been very slow this past week due to cold weather and water conditions. This week’s forecast doesn’t bode well either, for smaller streams, as it looks cool and overcast with a chance for rain nearly every day. Give the smaller stuff another week to warm.
Yellowstone Lake opens this Friday and it looks good for the wading-shore angler as some cutts are already cruising the shallows
Mini-leeches in wine, olive and black should work well as well as Callibaetis Beadhead Nymphs. We are not seeing rising trout much yet but we look for the trout to come up within the next 2 weeks for Callibaetis and PMDs along with midges. And, check out the Fishing Bridge Area for spawning cutts…you can’t fish for them but it sure is nice to see them spawning unmolested here!
Henry’s Lake is fishing for those in the know. A few 9 lbs hybrids with one or two over 13 lbs. Smaller flies like 14-16 Beaded and Flashback PT’s, Chan’s Chironomids, and our MicroMadison Beadhead have worked best trailed behind mini-leeches in olive and wine. Give this lake a shot now for some very large trout!
Hebgen Lake continues to fish well. In the mornings, on the north shore you can find plenty of surface action if the wind stays down, same with the south side in the evening hours. Check here for information before going to the lake. And, Tricos can be expected in the next week on calm-warm mornings.
May 31, 2007
The first week of Yellowstone’s fishing season has come and gone, and we couldn’t be happier. Variable weather conditions have kept anglers on their toes across the area lately, but good water conditions and strong spring hatches continue to provide plenty of great fishing options let’s take a look.
Firehole River: The old “Firecracker” opened with a bang this year as good numbers of Pale Morning Duns and Caddis brought greedy fish to surface all week long. Weather conditions have varied considerably from warm and calm to cold and rainy. On warm, calm days look for mornings and evening to fish best with fish rising as early as 8:30am on many days to emerging caddis and PMD spinners. Be sure to have some Iris Caddis in size 17 and Foam Hackle Spinners in size 16 for those early morning risers. By 10:30am on warm mornings expect to see emerging PMD’s. Many of these early season pale morning duns have a disproportionately large wing. Nick’s Firehole PMD Sparkle Dun is the ticket when fish switch from caddis to pmd’s late in the morning. When the bright sun slows the rising activity in the afternoons, take a drive down through the Firehole Canyon, and prospect with a large Salmonfly dry fly. In the evenings, head back to the upper river around Ojo Caliente or Midway Basin. Evening emergences and egg laying flights of brachycentrus, nectophsyche, and hydrophsyche caddis will bring fish to the surface once again. The Iris Caddis will be a go to pattern as well as the White Miller Soft Hackle Emerger and the Oecetis Crippled Caddis.
When the skies are gray, wet, and cold expect the bulk of the activity to be concentrated in the afternoons. On these days caddis will hunker down and allow Baetis and Pale Morning Dun mayflies to have all of the limelight. Expect to see strong, concentrated emergences on cloudy afternoons. The bugs may wait until late in the afternoon on colder days to begin emerging. So, don’t be surprised if 3:00 pm rolls around before the first baetis pops off. Pale morning dun cripples in size 16, Baetis Cripples in size 20, and Baetis Soft Hackle Emergers in size 20 are effective patterns.
When dry fly fishing has you down, tie on a soft hackle pattern like Craig’s new White Miller Soft Hackle Emerger, or a size 17 Peacock and Starling (tied with extra culhanism by none other than H. Mayo), and fish these flies on the swing through the riffles and runs.
Madison River (in YNP): Water conditions remain good on the Madison in the park as well. Many of the same bugs found on the more popular Firehole can be seen on the Madison. Late morning emergences of PMD’s will bring fish to the surface around Mt. Haynes, and Grasshopper Bank. Salmonflies can be seen crawling around the banks anywhere heavy, rough currents are found, and prospecting with a size 6 Nick’s Sunken Stone will produce some great takes. In the evenings look for caddis as well as a sneaky emergence of beatis mayflies. That’s right, I said beatis in the evenings. Size 20 Blue Wing Olives can be seen on the Madison in the Park in the evenings for the next few weeks. So, be sure to have a few size 20 Baetis Cripples in your evening box next to those caddis imitations.
Gibbon River: While the Gibbon doesn’t offer the same variety of dry fly options as it’s neighbors, the Firehole and Madison, it does have some great fishing with attractor dry flies in the early season. For a change of pace, and fewer crowds, check out the water below Gibbon Falls. Prospect the pockets with a size 14 Royal Wulff Cripple or a size 10 Rogue River Golden Stone. For some of the longer, deeper runs hang a size 16 Shop-Vac behind your dry fly as a dropper. As an added bonus, you might tie into a grayling in the lower sections of the river near Madison Junction.
Shoshone Lake: The ice came off the largest lake in North America not accessed by road early this season, and the fishing for Lake Trout and Browns in the shallow flats around De Lacy creek has been great. Take the three mile hike from the DeLacy Creek trailhead located 8 miles East of Old Faithful on the Old-Faithful – West Thumb Highway. Be sure to pack you float tube and keep a can of bear spray handy at all times. An intermediate sinking line is best when fishing small size 10 black leech patterns, size 14 olive and gray scuds, and size 6 chartruese strip leeches.
Madison River (outside YNP): The fifty mile riffle continues to see some outstanding early season fishing. Spring run-off is almost through, and the water clarity is just about perfect. Nymphing in the walk-wade stretch around Three Dollar Bridge has been great with patterns like a size 6 brown and olive Rubberlegs with a size 18 Shop-Vac, size 12 Macro-Madison, or a size 14 Crystal serendipity as droppers. In the float stretch we’ve had consistent fishing with dry flies like a size 14 Royal Wulff Cripple. March Browns and Baetis Mayflies can be expected to keep fish looking up here for the next week.
Henry’s Fork: The river below Ashton and the Box Canyon have been the places to be this week on the H-Fork. Strong emergences of caddis and PMD’s have been seen on the lower river below Ashton Reservoir. Afternoon winds have made for some challenging fishing when the PMD’s are trying to emerge mid-day, but evenings have been great with PMD spinners and emerging caddis around Vernon Bridge. Salmonflies and Golden Stones are out in good numbers up in the Box Canyon. A float trip through this beautiful stretch is a good way to find that first 20 incher of the season.
The Railroad Ranch remains closed until June 15, and we’re all anxiously awaiting the opener to see if our dreams of big fish back in the ranch will come true for the 07 season. Stay Tuned.
May 24, 2007
On the way into the park yesterday to check water conditions for this Saturday’s opening of the general fly fishing report it became very clear to all of us in the vehicle that we are about 2 weeks ahead of schedule in terms of runoff and subsequent stream flows. And even though we had cold-snowy weather yesterday the wild flowers are out early this year and so were a few elk calves. We saw fish rising to mayflies in both the Firehole and Madison Rivers, and the weather forecast looks great for opening day.
If an early season trip to the Yellowstone is in your travel plans this spring you have made a great choice! Let’s get to first report for Yellowstone Park waters along with checking out river and lakes in Idaho that open this Saturday, and those waters that have been fishing in and around the West Yellowstone area.
A reminder to those before fishing in the park is to pick up your 2007 fishing permits before you hit the water. Permits are available at all local fly shops and at the entrance gates to the park. We advise you get yours in town due to the busy gate traffic and delays getting a permit there.
Thank you, to all of you who supported The Yellowstone Park Foundation’s Fisheries Initiative this past winter!
The Firehole River is in perfect shape for fishing dry flies on Saturday. You will see emergences of Pale Morning Duns and Baetis mayflies along with Brachycentrus and Hydropsyche sp. caddisflies and the trout will rise to these insects. The canyon might have a fair salmonfly hatch too.
There’s no need to be on the water before 10 or 11am for dry fly action but if you like to swing soft hackles or small streamers you can fish from dawn to dark.
Recommended flies are Firehole PMD Sparkle Duns, nymphs and emergers in sizes #14-16, Baetis Improved Sparkle Duns, foam nymphs and emergers in #20, Iris Caddis, #17 and tan and olive X2 Caddis #16. Soft hackles like the peacock and starling and partridge and green will take fish when they are not rising as will PT Flashbacks and beaded Lightening Bugs.
The Madison River in the park should fish well also. There will be plenty of big hold over browns from last falls spawn as well as a few larger rainbows still in the river that haven’t headed back downstream to Hebgen Lake for the summer months. We like the water around Madison Junction this time of year for here you will see some Baetis mayflies along with Pale Morning Duns and the same caddisflies we talked about for the Firehole above. And, you should see Salmonflies this week too, around the junction and along Riverside Drive.
For you streamer fishermen we like the area below the Barns’ Pools and downstream to Baker’s Hole Campground. Try pitching yellow or white conehead streamers and Baker’s Hole Buggers and you will take a few large browns and rainbows. Look for our own Larry and Cecil to be on this stretch of river Saturday, both will be carrying bear spray due to last spring’s incident and you all should too!
The Gibbon River will fish well on opening week too. The water below the falls is best with nymphs and small streamers. Golden Stoneflies can be expected soon in the canyon stretches so be prepared. The upper meadows like Gibbon and Elk Park will be slow for another week but if you like on your knees fishing to large browns give these meadows a try.
When was the last time we reported that the upper Gallatin River, the water in the park, would fish on opening day? It’s been a long time but this year it should fish. The river is still very cold and the trout cannot be counted on to rise well this early in the season, and insects like stones and early mayflies and caddis are still a week or two away from strong emergences that would trigger a good rise to their activity. But, try nymphs like #12 Princes and #8 olive and brown rubber leg stones and you will find a few takers around the 24 mile bridge and below.
A great trip this time of year is to head into the Lewis River Channel and fish lake trout. If you decide to do this one stop in and we’ll map your day out for you.
Rivers like the Madison, outside the park, are fishing very well now. We’ve been floating the river below Lyon Bridge, and wading the upper river around Raynold’s and $3.00 Bridge and it has fished very well. Mayflies like Baetis and March Brownalong with Brachyentrus caddis are coming off in the afternoon and the trout are rising to them. The larger browns are coming to streamers in the float and wade stretches and the fish are in great early season shape. We fished the river near Lyon Bridge last Sunday and took several good rainbows to 16” and could not come up with a brown trout that day. It shows how the rainbow numbers have come back in recent years!
You can’t beat a flow trip right now on the river. There are few anglers and the valley is in green up with wild flowers everywhere and pronghorn fawns on the Armitage Flats in great numbers now. What a beautiful place this, and all times of the year.
Have flies like olive X and X2 Caddis #14-16, and March Brown and Baetis Improved Sparkle Duns for on top. Nymphs like rust and olive stones, beaded Prince and Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns $3.00 Dips will work underneath. Streamer fishers should try woolhead sculpin patterns and coneheads against the banks.
The Henry’s Fork below Island Park Dam and downstream to the RxR Ranch opens this Saturday. (The Harriman, or Railroad Ranch, does not open to angling until June 15th). Salmonflies should emerge on the Mesa Falls to Henry’s Fork Lodge stretch this week and the fish will be on them. This looks like a huge comeback year for the Fork and we look forward to many days on it this season fishing to its big head-and-tail rising rainbows!
Mayflies and caddis will bring up trout this week and salmonflies should begin in the Box Canyon reach of this great river. Check with us before making the drive to the river and we’ll get you the best flies and right information on where to fish it.
Henry’s Lake should be great this spring and summer. It really picked up late last year and several fish over 10 pounds were taken in the fall. As has been the case for the past couple years, smaller fly patterns like Flashback PT’s and beaded PT’s along with Callibaetis Nymphs and Dusters have worked better than the old standby large leeches. The anglers who take the big fish are using flies too that imitate some of the large Diptera sp. and caddis larvae and pupae that inhabit this incredible fishery. Chan’s midge patterns and a few of our caddis patterns have taken some very large numbers and size trout in Henry’s over the past 3 seasons. Even a few of the very old timers are changing their ways and successfully tying these new flies and catching “lots of hogs” on Henry’s, “like the good ol’ days”, they say!
Hebgen Lake continues to fish very well. The big midges are in full force and the north and south shores have been great. The prevailing southwest wind is always a factor on the north side in the evening so we fish here during the mornings and switch to the south side in the evening. The Zelon Midge continues to work well, and some of our new subsurface midge patterns are working their magic lately too. If you’ve never fished Hebgen’s midge action this is the year to do so as it has been super!
And, if you want a chance at a huge Hebgen brown trout come in and we’ll get you our crayfish fly and point you where to go on the lake to try it! Hint here: crayfish are found in the lake, but in a very few spots and the BIG trout now where to find them, and so do we!
Other area lakes that are fishing are Elk, Cliff and Wade and Earthquake,
Most of the action is underneath but we look for good dry fly angling opportunities to arise on all above waters when the temps warm a bit.
The sleeper of the week though is Elk Lake where you can take some nice cutts on dries on the upper lake.
May 18, 2007
Welcome to our first fly fishing report for 2007. This one will be short and sweet. This Saturday, May 19th, the Madison River in Montana reopens from Earthquake Lake downstream to McAtee Bridge. The river here has been closed to fishing since March 1st, 2007 to allow rainbow trout to spawn unmolested. The Madison along with other smaller streams in the area will open to angling this Saturday. However, run-off is in full swing and much of our area waters will be muddy, high and cold for the next week or two making for very tough fishing conditions.
Yellowstone National Park’s general fishing season opens May 26th, a week from this Saturday, same with Idaho’s general opener. Stay tuned here for next week’s report as we will have many more options for good fishing then. And, we will continue this report through October so this is the place to be for current, up-to-the minute information on your favorite rivers, lakes and streams along with tips on what flies are hot, stream flows, insect emergences, sleeper fly fishing spots, and much much more!
The Madison River below Earthquake Lake and downstream to the West Fork of the Madison should fish well when it opens. The water is slightly off color as it roars out of the lake but there will be some good dry fly fishing when Baetis and Rhitrogena (March Brwon) mayflies emerge along with Brachycentrus (Mothers’ Day) caddis and midges from noon to 4pm in selected spots. The river will fish very well if you use nymphs. One item you will want to pick up before fishing the river is the new DVD “Fly Fishing the Madison River." This dvd is packed with valuable information on fishing the river and can help anglers with this information.
Once the West Fork enters the river things change. The river’s flow becomes higher and colder with snowmelt. Anglers fishing this stretch, from the West Fork to Ennis, Mt. will want to concentrate on pitching streamers and big stonefly nymphs from drift boats. The fishing will be great all along the 30 mile riffle but there will be little dry fly opportunities.
The river between Hebgen Dam and Quake Lake is open all year and still has a fair number of spawning and post spawning rainbows in it. Please, if fishing this stretch, do not molest the spawning trout, nor wade through redds. Wading through a rainbow trout nest destroys 95-99% of the newly laid eggs. The water is very low here and the trout have been harassed all spring anyway!
The river level below Ennis Lake has just been raised by over 1000cfs. This just occurred and the water is pretty brown now. Give this stretch a week and it will settle down and fish well like it has been all spring which has been very well.
If I had to pick a few flies to fish the Madison with this week I would have Baetis Sparkle Duns #18-20, March Brown Sparkle Duns in #14, Olive X and X2 Caddis #14-16, Red and Olive Serendipities #14-16, Rust and Olive Stonefly Nymphs #4-8, the lowly San Juan Neon Pink Worm #8-12 and woolhead sculpins in natural and olive #4-8.
The Gallatin River from the park line to Taylor’s Fork is very cold and turbid. There are much better places to fish for the next week or two.
The Henry’s Fork from Warm River to Ashton, Idaho is seeing some Giant Stonefly emergences. Look for good dry fly fishing this weekend as the females return to the water to lay their eggs. Nymphing has been great with large rubber leg stones in olive and brown, #4-8. Sunken Stones will provide great dry fly fishing this weekend. Be there!
Hebgen Lake has been red hot during midge emergences. The enormous spring midge is on now and the trout are rising to it. #18 Zelon Midges have been deadly both in the morning and evenings. Warm-calm weather conditions have prevailed lately and midges respond best to this weather type. I like the south shore of the lake in the evenings and north side during warm mornings. It is not uncommon to see dozens of big trout cruising in the shallows with their backs out of the water! When trout are patrolling the shoreline looking for emerging midges in the morning a Chan Beaded Midge, Blood Midge, or Micro Madison Midge cast in front of the cruiser and moved with a short-slow pull of 6-10” is a great technique to fool these big trout. These midging trout are never easy to fool, and often quite wary so you have to be on top of your game with soft presentation and quiet approach. Wading has been best in the evenings. Float tube, kick boat, or canoe is usually the best way to fish in the mornings as it allows you to cover more water and locate midging trout.
Cliff and Wade Lakes have fished well too. Rainbows on the prongs of Cliff are cruising looking for crayfish. On Wade leeches and Callibaetis Beadhead Nymphs are working best in the late evening hours.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to call or email us. Hope to see you soon in Yellowstone country. Remember too, the following weeks’ reports will be much longer as more and more rivers, lakes and streams open to fishing in Yellowstone and Idaho. And the snow melt ends and rivers warm
