Over the next week we still have some comfortable fishing weather in the forecast with no extreme cold predicted. The sections on the Madison below Hebgen and Quake have not seen a lot of traffic as of late. The fishing has still been good with a few fish still coming to the surface, some good streamer fishing and the nymphing has been very consistent. Zebra Midges in black or red #18-20, Juju Baetis #18-20, Micro Mayflies #18, San Juan worms in pink or red #10 and Crystal $3 dips #18 have worked well for nymphs. Streamer fishing has been fairly good with Kreelex in gold/copper #6, Sparkle Minnow JJ Special #6, Montana Intruder #6 and a Sculpzilla in either black or olive have been great go to patterns. On the dry fly side of things have a few Baetis Sparkle Duns #20-22, Bucky's Upright Baetis #20, Scotty's Midges #18-22 and Madison Buzzers #18-20.
It's hard to believe that there is only one more day left to fish Yellowstone Park in the 2025 season and despite the cold weather the fishing on the Madison in the park has very pretty good over the past week. There are fish throughout the system and those who have been brave enough to venture out into the cold have been rewarded for their efforts. Swinging, stripping and nymphing have all been successful methods to fish this stretch of water, so pick your poison and get out there one last time! Here's a list of a few flies that have been working as of late. For nymphs, Rubberlegs in black or brown #8, #14 $3 Dips, #14 Pheasant Tail Prince, or #18 Micro Madison Baetis and #16 Guide Dip. If you're swinging orange and purple Shakey Beeleys, Grouse & Pink soft hackles, Full Dressed Reds, and Lucky Bucky's. If you're stripping streamers try a Blacklight Sparkle Minnow, Baker's Hole Bugger, Zonker, or Montana Intruder.
The Baetis have dwindled somewhat on the Firehole but you can still find rising fish here and there, mostly to Midges. The best method as of late has been to swing soft hackles and #16 Starling & Peacock, #14 Partridge & Orange and #16 Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails have worked well over the past week. For dries, have #20 Zebra and Baetis Klinkhammers and #20-22 Scotty's Midges.
The Gibbon is a good choice for the last day of the season and heading up toward the falls is always a good idea this late in the game. Black or brown Rubberlegs in #8-10, #14 $3 Dips, #16-14 Guide Dips, pink San Juans and #16 red Copper Johns have been great nymphs to use. For streamers have a black Prospector, Blacklight Sparkle Minnow and a copper Zonker with you.
The Madison between the lakes has been good and there has been an abundance of fish in this little stretch of water. Nymphing has been the best method here and you'll want to try #10 black or brown Rubberlegs, #16 red Copper John, #14-16 Two-Bit Hooker, #14-16 $3 Dips. If the weather warms up a bit you can still find some rising fish at the bottom end of this stretch as it flows into Quake Lake and if you head down make sure you have #20 Klinkhammer Baetis, #20 Sprout Baetis and a #20 Zelon Midge with you.
The Madison below Quake Lake has had some good hatches of both Baetis and Midges. Even on sunny days there has been some good surface activity in the Raynolds and $3 Bridge areas. The crowds have eased up quite substantially this past week so it's a good time to get out there! #20-22 Baetis sparkle duns and #18-20 Madison Buzzers have been our go to dry flies the past several days. Streamer fishing has been a little spotty with the best days being overcast. Sparkle Yummys, Montana Intruders and Kreelex in gold/copper have been a few successful patterns. Nymphing is still the most consistent way to go with #8-12 Rubber legs, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #18-20 red & black Zebra Midges, #18 TNT Baetis, #18 Micro Mayflies and #18 Darth Baetis.
The Madison between the lakes has seen quite a few anglers this past week so don't plan on being the only one there. The fishing in this section has been good and while there's been some dry fly activity nymphing has been the most productive way to go.
#16-18 Crystal dips, #8-10 Rubber Legs, #18-20 black and red Zebra Midges, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #10 San Juan Worms and #16 Montana Bullets are what you'll want to have in your arsenal. Streamers are always a good way to go especially with the upcoming weather. Try Montana Intruders, Grand Master Flash in black/copper and Sparkle Yummys in olive or brown.
The Firehole has had fish up on the surface to Baetis and Midges but the fish have been pretty selective, especially on sunny days. Have #18-20 Madison Buzzers, #20-24 Baetis Sparkle Duns and #22-24 Improved Zelon Midges. Fishing soft hackles has been the best way to go with #16 Micro Beeleys, #18-22 Baetis Soft Hackles, #16-14 Peacock and Staring and #14 Partridge and Floss in orange.
The Madison in the park has been hit or miss this past week. We should see these fish get a little more active over the next few days with the incoming weather. If your swinging flies Full Dressed reds, Lucky Bucky's, Shakey Variants and Krystal Soft Hackles in purple. Striping or swinging streamers is a good bet with Montana Intruders, Baker's Hole Buggers, Grand Master Flash in blk/copper, Sparkle Yummys and Kreelex in gold/copper.
The Gibbon often gets overlooked this time of year but can fish very well both below and above the falls. With the clouds coming in over the weekend you may want to check out Gibbon or Elk Park Meadows with streamers and keep your eyes open for fish on the surface feeding on Baetis. Have #20-22 Baetis Sparkle Duns, #18-20 Madison Buzzers for dries. Sculpzillas in black or olive, Montana Intruders and Baker's Hole Buggers are great streamer choices.
The Madison below Quake Lake has seen some very good hatches of both Baetis and Midges especially in the Raynolds, $3 dollar and West Fork areas. The hatches can start late in the afternoon so if your not seeing heads up make sure to stick around until later in the afternoon. #20-22 Upright Baetis, #20-22 Zelon midges and #20-22 Baetis Sparkle duns have been working well for us on the surface. Nymphing and streamer fishing have also been productive. MT Intruders, Kreelex in gold/copper, Sculpzilla in black or olive and Grand Mater Flash in black/copper have been the Streamers of choice. For nymphs, Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12 in black or Coffee, #16-18 Crystal Dips, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #18 Darth Baetis, #18 TNT Baetis and #18-20 Zebra Midges in red and black.
Not much has changed on the Madison between the lakes since last week and we are still seeing some Tricos. These bugs aren't coming off as strong but there's still enough to get the fish looking up. #20 Trico Spinners, #20 Trico Sparkle Duns, #20-22 Upright Baetis and #20-22 Sparkle Dun Baetis. If your nymphing have #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #18 Darth Baetis, #16-18 Crystal Dips, #18 TNT Baetis and #18-20 Zebra Midges. If your fishing streamers a Montana Intruder, Sparkle Minnow, gold & silver Kreelex and black or olive Sculpzillas.
With all the moisture we've had this past week you'll want to check the gauges before heading to the Northeast corner of the Park. These river have been up and down over the past week but if clear these rivers will still be fishing fine with Baetis and even a few Drake Mackerels. #14 Drake Mac Sparkle duns, #20-22 Upright Baetis and a #16 Jake's Gulp Beetle will serve you well.
The Firehole has continued to fish and we've had perfect conditions for good dry fly activity. Midges and Baetis have been getting these fish up to the surface and as always soft hackles are always a great way to go. #20-22 Upright or Sparkle Dun Baetis as well as #20-24 Zelon Midges are the dry flies that have been effective for us this past week. Soft Hackle wise have #16 Nick's soft hackles in tan and brown, #16 Micro Beeleys, #16 Partidge and Peacock and #16-14 P.T. soft hackles.
The Madison in the park has seen an increase in water flow with the moisture last week and that has seemed to entice more and more fish up into the system with each passing day. Pick your poison, swinging soft hackles, stripping streamers and nymphing have all been productive methods lately. Lucky Bucky's are still at the top of list for those swinging along with Shakey Variants, light or dark Spruces, Full Dressed Reds and September Songs have been the go to flies this past week. For nymphs have #8-12 Rubber Legs in coffee or black, #18 TNT Baetis, #16 Crystal Dips, #16-14 Guide Dips, #18 Juju Baetis and #16 Red Necks. Grand master flash in blk/copper, Mt Intruders, Kreelex in gold/copper, Sparkle Minnows and Lil Kim's have been great choices for streamers.
The Madison below Quake Lake has been fishing well and the Baetis have been present especially on cloudy days and in the sections above the Westfork. Even on bright sunny days we've been seeing good hatches just not as prolonged. It's well worth having some Baetis imitations with you at all times. #20-22 Upright Baetis Duns and #20-22 Baetis Sparkle Duns should do the trick. Nymphing has been productive as well, #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #18 Darth Baetis, #16-18 Crystal Dips, #18 TNT Baetis and #18-20 Zebra Midges have been some go to choices.
The Madison between the lakes is still seeing some Tricos. These little bugs have been hanging in there a lot longer then anticipated and along with the Baetis this has made for some good dry fly fishing especially in the lower section. #20 Trico Spinners, #20 Trico Sparkle Duns, #20-22 Upright Baetis and #20-22 Sparkle Dun Baetis are perfect for this. If your nymphing have #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #18 Darth Baetis, #16-18 Crystal Dips, #18 TNT Baetis and #18-20 Zebra Midges. Streamer fishing is also a good option with Montana Intruders, Sparkle Minnows, Gold & Silver Kreelex and black or olive Sculpzillas.
The rivers in Northeast corner of the Park shot up earlier this week with the rain and snow and have been bouncing up and down most likely due to snow melt. The water temps are cold here so an early start is not needed. There are still a few Drake Mackerals along with Baetis so have #12-14 Drake Mac Sparkle duns, #20-22 Upright or Sparkle Dun Baetis with you.
The Firehole has had some fine fishing with #14 Partridge and Orange, #16 White Miller Soft Hasckles, #16 Micro Beeleys and 16-14 Peacock and Partridge. You'll want to have a few #16 White Miller Caddis with you as well as #20-22 Upright Baetis and/or Sparkle Duns. Streamer fishing can also be productive on the Firehole with black or white Sculpzilla's, depending on the day.
As I mentioned earlier the Madison in the park has seen a few more fish running up into the system with each passing day and while we've been catching some fish it's not quite to it's full potential as of yet. If your swinging flies #6 Lucky Bucky's, #10 Shakey Variants, #10 Baker's Hole Soft Hackles, #10 Full Dressed Reds and #10 Partridge and Ice have been getting some attention. Swinging or stripping Montana Intruders, black Mark's Goblins and Black and olive Sculpzilla's have also seen some good results. If your nymphing try #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs in Black or Coffee, #16-14 Guide Dips, #8-10 Princes, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #16-18 Crystal Dips, #16-18 TNT Baetis and #16-14 FKA Princes are a good choice.
The water temps on the Gallatin River have been very cold in the park sections and the fishing has been a little slow. If your wanting to fish the Gallatin it's best to head down below Big Sky. There has been some good Baetis hatches in the lower sections and during the cloudy scuzzy days the fish have been looking up. Have #20-22 Upright or Sparkle Duns, #20 Black Wing Baetis Cripples and #20 Baetis Sprout Emergers. Nymphing the slower deeper run with #10-12 Rubber Leegs in black or Coffee with dropping #18-20 Juju Baetis, #18-16 Crystal Dips, #18 TNT Baetis or #18 Darth Baetis is a good way to go.
The Madison below Quake has fished best over the past week during the afternoon hours after the water warms up a bit, and while overall it has fished well, it can be a little spotty from day to day. If you fish the morning hours nymphing will be your best best. #8-10 Rubberlegs, Perdigon Nymphs in black or purple #16-18, #16-18 $3 Dips in brown or crystal, Radiation Baetis #18 and Juju Baetis #18-20 have been good go-to flies this past week. For dries in the afternoon, we are still using Morrish and Thunder Thigh Hoppers #10-14 in tan or pink. Attractor patterns such as a Parachute Adams, Royal Wulff or Royal Trude #14-18 are also worth fishing. Keep an eye out for Baetis, even on sunny days where the hatch won't last long but there will be fish up on these little mayflies.
As with the Madison, you'll find the best time to fish the Gallatin will be in the afternoon hours. Nymphing will be the most productive overall and you'll want to have Radation Baetis #18, Split Case Baetis #20, Zebra Midges in black #18-20, Little Green Machine #16, Lightning Bugs #16 in silver, and Perdigon Nymphs #16-18 in black. There is still a bit of dry fly action on the Gallatin, too, and terrestrials are still not out of the question. Try smaller Dave's or Morrish Hoppers and attractor patterns like a #16 Purple Haze or #16-18 Royal Wulff Cripple. Again keep an eye out for Baetis. #20 Baetis Sprout Emergers, #18-20 Baetis Sparkle Duns or #18-20 Almost There Baetis will be excellent choices here.
On Hebgen Lake the window is closing fast on the dry fly opportunities. There are still a few bugs out there but they are coming later in the day and aren't lasting long. A few of the guys have been doing well with black buggers and leeches up in the Madison Arm and Grayling where some fish have staged before they make their run up into the park.
On Slough, Lamar and Soda Butte, let the water warm up a bit, but the fish are still willing to take hoppers, beetles and ants in the afternoon. Morrish and Thunder Thighs Hopper in pink and tan #14, Longhorn Beetles, Parachute Ants and Improved Killer Bees are what you'll want. The Drake Mackerels are still very much in play in this section of the park along with Baetis as well. Make sure to have with you Sparkle Dun Drake Mackerels #12 and Baetis #20.
The Madison in the Park has started up a bit and folks that have been getting out there in the early morning hours swinging have been getting into a few fish with Blue on Blew, Shakey Beeley, Grouse & Pink and September Song soft hackles. Streamers have also been good early and late in the days. Montana Intruders, Sheila's Sculpins and black and tan Super Buggers have been a few of our favorites as of late. If you're nymphing have #8 black Rubberlegs, #16 Shop Vacs, #14-16 Guide Dips, #16-18 Perdigon Nymphs in black and #16-18 red Copper Johns.
The Firehole has been a great choice for anglers this past week and the soft hackle fishing has been the most productive for those that have ventured this way. #16 Micro Beeleys, # 14 Partridge & Orange, #17 Peacock & Starling and #16 White Miller Soft Hackles have been the flies of choice for soft hackles. White Millers have provided some dry fly action recently, as well as hoppers and beetles.
Madison River Between the Lakes: Not much has changed here since last week and Tricos have still been the main hatch in this section of the Madison along with terrestrials to round out the dry flies. Have #18-20 Hi-Vis Trico spinners, #14-10 Thunder Thigh Hoppers in pink or Tan, #16 Jake's Gulp Beetle and #16-14 Royal Wulff Cripples. For nymphing have #8-10 Pat's Rubber Legs in black or Coffee, #16-18 Radiation Baetis, #16-14 Guide Dips, #18-20 Juju Baetis and #16-14 FKA Princes.
Madison below Quake Lake: The weather has "freshened" up the Madison below Quake this past week and we've seen more consistent fishing here as of late. For dry flies have #16-14 Royal Wulff Cripples, #14-16 Missing Link Caddis, #16-14 Parachute Adams and #16-14 Parachute Cinnamon Ants. Nymphing has been more consistent with #8-10 Pat's Rubber Legs in Black or Coffee, #16-18 Radiation Baetis, #16-14 Guide Dips and #16-14 FKA Princes.
Gallatin River: The Gallatin has been running cold in the morning hours, so don't be in too big of a rush especially in the park section. Have #14 Thunder Thighs in tan or pink, #16-14 Royal Wulff Cripples, #16 Missing Link Caddis and #16 Jake's Gulp Beetles. For subsurface flies have #14-16 FKA Princes, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #16-18 Red Necks, #18-20 Zebra Midges in black or Red.
Hebgen Lake: The dry fly bite is slowing down on Hebgen but there are still some Callibaetis and a few Trico's out. Have #16-18 Deer Hair Callibaetis or foam spinners, #16 Para Ants, #16 Parachute Adams. If you use droppers have #16 Red Copper Johns, #16 Split Case PMD's and #18-20 Juju Baetis. Stripping leeches in the Madison and Grayling arm has been productivej have #10 Seal Buggers in black and #10 Twin Lakes Special.
Slough, Soda Butte and Lamar: We are seeing Drake Mackerals and cream Baetis in the Northeast portion of the park. Some days hatches are stronger than others but you'll want to have #12-14 Drake Mackeral Sparkle Duns, #18-20 Almost There Baetis in Cream, #14 Longhorn Beetles, #14 Thunder Thighs in pink or tan and #16 Jake's Gulp Beetle. For droppers have #16-18 Zebra Midges in black, # 16 Frenchie, #16-18 Red Necks and #16-14 FKA princes.
Madison River Between the Lakes: Tricos have still been the main hatch in this section of the Madison along with terrestrials to round out the dry flies. Have #18-20 Hi-Vis Trico spinners, #14-10 Thunder Thigh Hoppers in pink or Tan, #16 Jake's Gulp Beetle and #16-14 Royal Wulff Cripples. For nymphing have #8-10 Pat's Rubber Legs in black or Coffee, #16-18 Radiation Baetis, #16-14 Guide Dips, #18-20 Juju Baetis and #16-14 FKA Princes.
Madison below Quake Lake: This portion of the river has been a little hit or miss lately. The hopper bite has been ok some days and other days not so much. The most consistent dries have been #16-14 Royal Wulff Cripples, #14-16 Missing Link Caddis, #16-14 Parachute Adams and #16-14 Parachute Cinnamon Ants. Nymphing has been more consistent with #8-10 Pat's Rubber Legs in Black or Coffee, #16-18 Radiation Baetis, #16-14 Guide Dips and #16-14 FKA Princes.
Gallatin River: The Gallatin has been a good choice both in the park sections and below. Have #14 Thunder Thighs in tan or pink, #16-14 Royal Wulff Cripples, #16 Missing Link Caddis and #16 Jake's Gulp Beetles. For subsurface flies have #14-16 FKA Princes, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #16-18 Red Necks, #18-20 Zebra Midges in black or Red.
Hebgen Lake: Callibaetis have still been showing up well in certain parts of the lake and the fish have been looking up. Along with the Callibaetis we are also still seeing some ants out there. The weather has sure helped this out with calm winds over the past week. Have #16-18 Deer Hair Callibaetis or foam spinners, #16 Para Ants, #16 Parachute Adams and #16 Aero Red Legs for dry flies. If you use droppers have #16 Red Copper Johns, #16 Split Case PMD's and #18-20 Juju Baetis.
Slough, Soda Butte and Lamar: The water has come back down since our rains last week and we are seeing Drake Mackerals and cream Baetis over in the Northeast portion of the park. Have #12-14 Drake Mackeral Sparkle Duns, #18-20 Almost There Baetis in Cream, #14 Longhorn Beetles, #14 Thunder Thighs in pink or tan and #16 Jake's Gulp Beetle. For droppers have #16-18 Zebra Midges in black, # 16 Frencie, #16-18 Red Necks and #16-14 FKA princes.
Madison River Between the Lakes: As with last week, Trico fishing still remains strong. As the weather turns warm again expect to see the terrestrials crank back up. #12 Donkey Kong in pink & tan, #14 Dave's Hopper, #18-20 Trico Guide Winna Spinner, #14 Aero Red Legs Ant. For nymphs have #16 Red Neck, #18 Galloup's Jigged BWO, #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs blk/brn, #14-16 Guide dip.
Madison below Quake Lake: We've had some just ok dry fly fishing on the Madison this past week. Hoppers, ants and attractors have been getting some fish to the surface. With the rain you could see a few Baetis as well. A double nymph rig has been the most productive way to go. #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs, #16 Frenchie, #16 Red Neck, #14-16 $3 dips and #16 Radiation Baetis have been great flies to have with you. Dry fly wise have #12 Donkey Kongs in Tan, #14 Thunder Thighs in yellow, #14-16 Royal Wulff Cripples and #14-16 Parachute Adams. Don't be afraid to search the faster water with these dries.
Gallatin River: The Gallatin may be a bit dirty for a day or so after the rains but should rebound shortly. #16 Royal Wulff Cripple and #16 Parachut Adams. For Nymphs have #16 silver Lighting bugs, #16-18 Green Machines, #16 $3 dips.
Hebgen Lake: There has still been some good fishing on the surface on Hebgen and probably the most consistent place is the Madison arm. There are still Tricos along with Callibaetis. #16 Candy shop Callibaetis, #16 Foam Callibaetis Spinners and #20 Trico Spinners for dries. For droppers have # 16 red Copper Johns, #16 Pheasant Tails and #16 Split back PMD's. ***If you see the fire planes out on the lake make sure you stay out of the main body. If you are in the main body and see them coming you'll want to get to shore as soon as you can to avoid any mishaps.***
Slough, Soda Butte and Lamar: The Lamar took a jump during the rain but should clear quickly. We've seen a few Drake Mackerals coming off on this side of the park so along with these also have #20 Almost There cream Baetis, #12 Longhorn Beetle, #14 Thunder Thighs, #14-16 Arrick's Flying Ant, #18-16 Jake's Gulp Beetle and #14-16 Purple Haze. For Droppers #16 Frenchie, # 16-18 Red Neck and #16-20 Zebra Midges in black should do the trick.
Madison River Between the Lakes: Trico fishing still remains strong in this section and the fish have also been looking up for hoppers and ants. #12 Donkey Kong in pink & tan, #14 Dave's Hopper, #18-20 Trico Guide Winna Spinner, #14 Aero Red Legs Ant. For nymphs have #16 Red Neck, #18 Galloup's Jigged BWO, #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs blk/brn, #14-16 Guide dip.
Madison below Quake Lake: The flow at Kirby is currently
897 cfs and the fishing has been steady. There are still some spruce moths in areas down below Quake and the fish are still looking up for them. Terrestrials and attractors round out the rest of the dry fly menu. Have #16 Elk Hair Spruce Moths, #14 Dave's Hopper, #12 Donkey Kong Hopper, #16-14 Arrick's Parachute ant. If your Nymphing #8-12 Pat's Rubber Legs black, #16-14 Guide Dip, #16 Red Neck and #16-14 $3 dip.
Gallatin River: There are still Spruce moths in the canyon section along with a few Caddis. Water temps are staying cool in the Park section down to the mouth of the canyon, below this temps are creeping up. Have #16 Spruce Moths, #12 Donkey Kongs in pink & tan, #14 Dave's Hopper, #16 Royal Wulff Cripple and #16 Parachut Adams. For Nymphs have #16 silver Lighting bugs, #16-18 Green Machines, #16 $3 dips.
Hebgen Lake: The lake has been fishing well with Callibaetis and Ants. #16 Glitter Ants in black and cinnamon, #16 Candy shop Callibaetis, #16 Foam Callibaetis Spinners and #20 Trico Spinners. For droppers have # 16 red Copper Johns, #16 Pheasant Tails and #16 Split back PMD's. Depending upon where your going plan to get there around 8:30-9:00am, earlier if your trying to fish the Tricos in the Madison arm and stay as long as the wind will let you.
Slough, Soda Butte and Lamar: The northeast corner of the park has fished well this past week. One of our guides even ran into a few Drake Mackerals. If your heading this way make sure sure your have a few #20 Cream Baetis, #12 Donkey Kong Hoppers, #14 Longhorn Beetles, #12-14 Drake Mackerals, #14-16 Arrick's fly Ant. For droppers have #20 black Zebra Midges, #16-18 Red Necks and #16 Jigged Frenchie.
Madison River Between the Lakes: Spruce moths, Tricos and terrestrials are on the menu in this section of the river. If your fishing dries have Thunder Thigh hoppers #14-10 in pink and tan, Arricks flying ant #16, Missing Link honey ant #17, Dave's hopper #14, Jake's Gulp Beetle #16. If your down in the lower end make sure to have Trico spinners #20 and Callibaetis spinners #16. Nymphing has been good with Mt Bullets #16, black rubber legs #8-12 and Guide dips #16-14.
Madison below Quake Lake: Fishing has been a little up and down on the Madison the past week. Some days they are up looking hard for ants and hoppers then the next day just a few. Spruce moths have been the most consistent bug, so have #16 Elk Hair Spruce moths and #16-14 Missing Links for these. The hopper and ant bite should become more consistent over thee next few days so be prepared with Thunder Thighs #10-14 in pink and tan, #15-17 Missing Link Honey Ants, Arrick's flying ant #16 and Dave's hoppers #14. If your going underneath black rubber legs #8-12, Guide Dips #16-14, $3 dips #18-14, FKA Prince nymph #16-14.
Gallatin River: Spruce moths have still been very productive here, especially in the canyon sections below Big Sky. #16 Elk Hair Spruce moths and #16-14 Missing Links have been good choices for this. Along with that have ants, beetles and hoppers.
Thunder Thighs #14-10, Dave's hopper #14, Arrick's flying Ant #16, Missing Link Honey Ant #17. The deeper runs have been good with FKA Princes #16-14, black rubber legs #10-12 and Blowtorch #16-14.
Hebgen Lake: Hebgen has been a bit spotty lately and the most consistent area has been in the Madison arm with Tricos and Callibaetis. Hopefully we will get a few calm days in the near future. Have Callibaetis deer hair spinners #18-16, Trico spinners #20 and make sure your don't go out there without a few ant patterns. I like the Aero red legs #16 or a CDC Flying ant #16.
Soda Butte and Lamar: It's been a little busy over in the northeast corner but the fishing has been good. Have a selection of hoppers, beetles and ants. Thunder Thighs #14 in yellow, Missing Link Honey ant #17-15, Arrick's flying ant #16, Longhorn Beetle #14, Jake’s gulp beetle in #16 and have either a Irresistable Bee #12 or a Meanie Bee #14. Also don't forget to have a couple cream Baetis that Bucky mentioned last week. If you want to get away from the crowds you may want to consider taking a walk up the Lamar river to Cache Creek. This three mile hike will give you some solitutde along with some great fishing.
Madison River Between the Lakes: Trico spinners are showing up in the lower end during the morning hours. We like the cdc para-spinner or guide winna spinner both in size 20. Callibaetis spinners are also present, and we use either the Callibaetis foam spinner or cdc para-spinner size 16 during this fall. Spruce moths can be found throughout the area. Other terrestrials include ants, beetles or hoppers. Arricks flying ant in size 16 is a favorite as well as the missing link honey ant. Jake’s gulp beetle in size 16 or a thunder thighs hopper in pink size 14 are also good bets.
Madison below Quake Lake: Our summer hatches are winding down, but there are still a few Epeorus and caddis around. A rusty spinner during the late evenings is always a good bet along with a tan iris caddis both in size 16. Ants, beetles and hoppers are becoming the staple patterns for this area. The same patterns listed above are great choices here as well.
Gallatin River: Spruce moths have been good along any of the treed areas. The size 16 elk caddis spruce moth is all you’ll need for this occurrence. Other patterns to carry are Arricks flying ants, Jake’s gulp beetle and a size 14 thunder thighs hopper. A rusty spinner in size 16 during the evening hours can also be productive.
Hebgen Lake: Gulpers are gulping fairly consistently. Callibaetis spinners have been strong most mornings throughout the lake and Trico spinners can be found in the upper Madison arm. The cdc para spinner in Callibaetis size 16 and trico size 20 are favorites. If the wind stays down, the Callibaetis emergence can be very good. For this we like the Callibaetis Sprout emerger in size 16. If dropping a nymph off a dry is your thing, a pmd split case nymph or pheasant tail nymph both in size 16 will do the trick.
Soda Butte and Lamar: We are starting to see a few of the cream Baetis appear. The pmd guide winna spinner or last chance pmd cripple both in size 20 are excellent patterns for this hatch and spinner fall. The longhorn beetle is a staple for us along with Jake’s gulp beetle in size 16 if the Cutts want a smaller pattern. Arricks parachute ant in either the cinnamon or cinnamon/black in size 16 are also a good choice. While you’re in the area, a hike up to Trout Lake can make for a fun morning or afternoon. I like to walk the lake shore looking for cruising Cutthroats and sight fish a pheasant tail nymph or scud pattern. They’re not easy, but they can be quite large.
Crawfish Creek: This small tributary to the Lewis River is a fun small stream for Cutthroat trout in the 8–12-inch range. Grab a handful of attractor patterns, a 2 or 3 weight rod and have a blast.
The Madison below Quake Lake has had some great Spruce Moth activity. Just keep in mind that the Spruce Moths will mostly be in areas with Spruce, Fir or Pine trees. The hopper fishing seems to be getting better and better with each passing day and don't forget Ants, Beetles and Bees. There are still Caddis and Spinners in the mornings and evenings and the fishing has still been good during these hours but these hatches are starting to fade just a bit so don't delay if you want to take part of some good evening fishing. Have #16 Elk Caddis Spruce Moths, #14-10 Thunder Thighs in Pink & Tan, #16 Hi-Vis Rusty Spinners, #16 X2 tan Caddis #12 Irresistable Bee. Along with these patterns it's always a good time of year for #14-18 Parachute Adams, #14-18 Royal Wulff Cripples and #12-14 Royal PMX.
The Gallatin has been a great choice this past week. I like fishing the sections below Big Sky in the morning hours with Spruce Moths then working my way upstream to the park sections in the afternoon. Hatches have slowed down but there are still a few Caddis and Spinners. Have #16 Elk Caddis Spruce Moths, #16 Hi-Vis Rusty Spinners, #16-12 Royal Wulff Cripples, #16-14 Gulp Beetles and #14-10 Thunder Thigh Hoppers. If your Nymphing #16-14 FKA Prince, #10-12 blk Rubber Legs, #16 Nitro Nymphs and #16 Red Necks should do the trick.
The Northeast Corner hasn't changed much over the past week and has continued to fish well with PMD's and terrestrials. Have #10 Longhorn Beetles, #15 Missing Link Honey Ant's and #14 Morrish Hoppers, #12 Irresistable Bee and #16 Bionic Ants.
Hebgen Lake has seen some good Callibaetis hatches this past week and with each passing day they have intensified. The warm stable weather has helped bring this about and we are also seeing good hatches of Trico's in the Madison Arm. As far as flies are concerned have #16 deer hair or foam Callibaetis spinners, #14-16 Adams Parawulffs, #16-14 Callibaetis Sprout Emergers and #14 blue Damsel adults and #18-20 Trico spinners and Duns For nymph droppers have #18-16 Zebra Midges, #16 Red Copper Johns and #14-16 Two-Bit Hookers in red.
The Yellowstone River still has a few Green Drake Spinners in the morning and evening hours. Terrestrials are becoming an important part of menu here, so make sure you are armed with #10-12 Drake spinners, #10 Longhorn Beetle, #10 Pink Thunder Thighs and Amy's Ant olive #14. For droppers have #16 Spanish Bullets in Yellow Sally & Olive, #10 Rubber Legs blk and #8-10 Princes.
Sleeper bet of the week: Grab your 2 weight and a few smaller attractor flies and head to Winter Creek where you'll find willing Brookies 4-8 inches. These fish aren't big but they sure can be a ton of fun.
The Madison in the valley is seeing some good caddis and spinner fishing in the early morning hours and slowing down a bit in the afternoon. The evening caddis bite has still been quite good but not until about 8pm through dark. We're still fishing a #16 Missing Link Caddis, #16 Yellow Stimulators and #12 Chili Stone almost daily. For nymphs #18 Olive Spanish Bullets and #18 Black Perdigon's have been good producers. The hopper action has started to pick up a little bit and it's well worth throwing a #14-10 Thunder Thighs hopper in either Pink or Tan.
The Gallatin has been a really solid choice for a majority of the day here lately. Look for a #16 Rusty Spinner to fool those morning risers and turn to a #16 Missing Link once the caddis start to hatch around noon. There are still quite a few yellow sallies flying around as well so let's add a #16 Yellow Stimulator to the box as well. It can be beneficial to add a dropper mid-day and we're big fans of a #16 Pmd Quill or Sally Quill right now.
Northeast Corner has fished well with caddis, pmd's and smaller terrestrials. Look for fish to be in the riffles early and moving towards the pools and cut banks as the sun gets higher. We've been tossing #10 Longhorn Beetles, #15 Missing Link Honey Ant's and #14 Morrish Hoppers with good success. If you happen to hit a good hatch of pmd's a #16 Pmd Sparkle Dun is always a good choice.
Hebgen Lake has been a little hit and miss over the last week. The wind has come up early during the day and unfortunately has stuck around making conditions on the lake less then favorable. There are still some decent Callibaetis hatches as well as some Tricos in the Madison Arm of the lake. We expect to see both of these hatches get better and better as we head into August. The menu stays the same as last week with #16 deer hair or foam Callibaetis spinners, #14-16 Adams Parawulffs, #16-14 Callibaetis Sprout Emergers and #14 blue Damsel adults. If your in the Madison Arm add a couple #12-20 Trico spinners and Duns to your arsenal. For nymph droppers have #18-16 Zebra Midges, #16 Red Copper Johns and #14-16 Two-Bit Hookers in red.
On the Yellowstone River this past week we haven't seen as many fish rising to the surface but there's still plenty of reason to head over to this neck of the woods. There is still some Drakes, PMDs, Caddis and a few Stone flies around and hoppers, beetles and ants are quickly becoming "must haves" for the Yellowstone. #10-12 Drake spinners, #16 Missing Link, #12 Water Walker golden, #10 Longhorn Beetle, #10 Pink Thunder Thighs and Amy's Ant olive #14. For droppers have #16 Spanish Bullets in Yellow Sally & Olive, #10 Rubber Legs blk and #8-10 Princes.
Madison below Quake Lake: We've had consistent increases out of Hegben the last. The increases have leveled off at 1190 cfs.
This has helped to bring the river temps down and the fishing has remained solid. Evening Caddis has been a highlight for several visiting angler this past week and if your in the area it's well worth giving this some time. During the day we're still getting fish to come up on a regular basis with #16 Missing Link Caddis, #12 Chili Stones, #16-14 Royal Wullf Cripples and #16 Hi-Vis Rusty Spinners. The nymphing has also been productive with #16 Red Necks, #14-16 AKA Princes, #16-14 $3 dips and #16 Spanish Bullets in both yellow sally & olive.
Hebgen Lake has had some good Callibaetis activity this past week which has made for some good dry fly opportunities. Some days we've only had short windows where the fish are up looking hard but it has been well worth going. Damsels have also been present and some of our guides have taken advantage of this and have had some great days to show for it. Have #16 deer hair or foam Callibaetis spinners, #14-16 Adams Parawulffs, #16-14 Callibaetis Sprout Emergers and #14 blue Damsel adults. If your dropping a nymph off #18-16 Zebra Midges, #16 Red Copper Johns and #14-16 Two-Bit Hookers in red.
The Northeast corner has fished well and the Lamar and Soda Butte have been the favorites, although we have had some ok reports from Slough Creek as well. #16-12 Royal Wulff Cripples, #12 Chili Stones, #16 Jake's Yellow Sally, #10 Longhorn Beetle and #16 Hi-Vis Rusty Spinner. We have had a bit of rain the past few days, so check the water levels before you head over.
The Gallatin River has continued to have fine fishing and whether your down below Big Sky or up in the park sections you can find fish willing to rise and the nymphing has been good as well. Be prepared with #16 Missing Links, #16-14 Jake's Yellow Sally, #16-14 Royal Wulff Cripple and there are still a few PMD's around. Don't be afraid to throw a hopper around the Gallatin as well. Terrestrials are just around the corner.
The Yellowstone River in the park is another good choice if your looking for a few nice Cutthroat. The insects continue to thrive and you can still expect to see Caddis, PMD's, Drakes, Golden Stones and even a few Salmon flies buzzing around. #12 Grey Drake Para-spinner, #16 Missing Link, #12 Water Walker golden, #8 Water Walker Salmonfly and don't be afraid to try a #10 Pink Thunder Thighs. For droppers have #16 Spanish Bullets in Yellow Sally & Olive, #10 Rubber Legs blk and #8-10 Princes.
Madison below Quake Lake: The Madison has been fishing well for us this past week. The water flow has come up to 913 cfs out of the Hebgen which put th
