Blue Ribbon Flies

August 25, 2008 Craig Mathews

The first fall equinox weather of the year rolled in last week. A cold front pushed in and although it was a dry one it did change our fishing over the following several days, and bring on our first "fall" fishing.

It truly is a great time to be in Yellowstone. Terrestrials like bees, beetles, ants and hoppers (in that order) are bringing up fine rises of trout, and anglers are having a wonderful time fishing them. Spruce Moth activity is beginning to wane as the adults have mated and laid their eggs. A couple mayflies and caddis are still emerging on many areas waters, and our Fall Baetis and Drake Mackerels mayflies will begin showing up on rivers like the Madison and Lamar along with smaller waters such as Slough and Soda Butte. The first run-up rainbows from Hebgen Lake are being taken by anglers fishing hoppers around Madison Junction. My friend was practicing with his switch rod near Baker's Hole Campground a few days ago and took an 18" male rainbow there he insists "was by accident"! Let's get to the full skinny on the fishing here in Yellowstone.

The Gallatin River has been tremendous during the past week. BRF's star employee, Tylor, has fished it several times and has taken several fish in the 16-17" class on our Spruce Moth imitation along with a Hi-Viz Elk Hair Caddis. Tylor reports fishing the river from Storm Castle back upstream into the park section with very good success. When fish are not looking up for the moths they will take Crystal Beetles, Jiminy Crickets, Flip Flop Hoppers and small red Fat Alberts. Tributaries like the Taylor Fork, Specimen, Fan and Bacon Rind are all fishing well now too. This changed slightly with the cooler weather, and now we're waiting to see what this week brings. Check in for up-to-the-minute reports. In the meantime, when fishing these smaller waters have PMXs, trudes and Adams Cripples and you can count on some very nice fish.

The Madison River below Hebgen downstream to Ennis continues to fish well. I have fished it nearly every evening over the last week and have had wonderful dry-fly action. I took my friend Yvon Chouinard and his buddy from Italy fishing one evening and all day the next, and we had a great time. We took some nice trout on Epeorus mayfly spinners and Iris Caddis during the evening. On Monday these two anglers took dozens of trout using the Czech method; Yvon even had 2 doubles! All the while they took fish on nymphs I was taking very nice rainbows and browns on Epeorus Improved Sparkle Duns and spinners, olive and tan X2 Caddis and our zelon flying ants. The best nymph patterns continue to be #14-16 brown $3.00 Dips, Tungsten olive mayflies and trigger nymphs.

The Madison River in the Park stretch near the junction is fishing well with hoppers like Rowan Nyman's Flip-Flop and Enhanced Chaos. Too, some run-up rainbows are coming to soft hackles and hoppers. The big male browns are in the river, but slow to come to any flies. Look for this to change as cooler weather moves in and the run-up fish become more aggressive.

The Firehole is picking up again. Some damsel (dry) and caddis action can be expected, along with beetles, our Jiminy Cricket, bees and ants in the upper river. Tyers should begin tying #22 Fall Baetis Sparkle Duns and cripples as they will show any time now.

The Henry's Fork was slow last week, but picked up some over the weekend. Look for the Box Canyon stretch to begin fishing with large streamer patterns for very large rainbows. The RxR Ranch famed Trico mayflies should come now and flying ants and large beetles will raise some big rainbows too.

Patrick recently returned from our Bechler River trip where all anglers did very well, taking some nice rainbows on terrestrial patterns. In the evenings most soaked in hot springs and rested from a full day of fishing. Patrick survived being bucked off his steed on the Bechler, and left soon after with our upper Slough Creek horse trip. This trip was also a success, with many fish caught and many stories to tell. At the end of this week he will lead the Lamar River horseback excursion. Full accounts will follow in the next few weeks' fishing reports.

Slough Creek has fished very well, maybe as well as we have seen in several years. The same is true with the Lamar River. Soda Butte has been great too, although there has been a lot of pressure on it of late. For all waters in this section of the park be ready now with Gauchos which are a large cricket imitation and have worked very well on big cutts, or again our Jiminy Cricket. Don't leave home without cinnamon flying ants, Yellowstone Foam Bees and Enhanced Chaos Hoppers and beetles. The Enhanced Chaos is still one of our favorite terrestrial patterns but the bee pattern is coming up on the inside corner and may overtake the hopper. Anyone who's not fished a bee is in for surprises. The larger trout love bees and seem to know they'll get stung when taking one as they usually explode on the fly causing most unfamiliar with fishing an imitation to break the first few fish off on these explosive takes. Be ready now with Drake Macs and Slough Creek Baetis #22 too.

A couple sleepers would include Hellroaring and Pebble Creeks and the Snake River all in the Park. The Snake has fished well inside the Park, north of the south entrance. Now is the time to explore this fine river with terrestrials and large attractors like Yellow Humpies, Royal Wulffs and Flip-Flop Hoppers. Pebble and Hellroaring Creeks are fishing very well now with small hoppers, bees and Humpies. Dare to explore these waters and others like them! Bring some bear spray and have a wonderful time catching and releasing dozens of beautiful trout!

The lake fishing in and around Yellowstone has been especially strong this summer, and will continue to be so through September. Hebgen has been very good during Callibaetis activity, 9am to 1pm if the wind stays down. Foam spinners and sparkle dun patterns are both required as is a Feather Duster. Cliff and Wade Lakes along with Hidden will produce on top too as will park stillwaters like Grizzly, Lewis, Joffe and Trout. Damsel and dragon fly nymphs will produce on these waters. Henry's Lake has been very strong for big trout and now is the time for the larger brookies to be taken on this lake, some over 4 pounds!

The late season is time too for BRF's end of summer fly fishing apparel sale so come on in and take advantage of our 40% off program on many clothing items. We hope to see you soon and remember, call, email or stop in for current fishing information, the coffee is always on and so are our smiles!

 

August 13, 2008

All Yellowstone area waters are back in shape after last weekend's rain event. Some rain gauges in Ennis registered over 5" of rain in a 2 day period. We had nearly a 2½" in the Madison Valley near the West Fork. Streams like Taylor's Fork, Fan Creek and the Lamar River were unfishable for a few days early in the week, but now all rivers and streams are in fine shape. Stream insects like Epeorus and Pale Morning Dun mayflies, three or four caddis fly species along with a host of land-born insects like bees, beetles, crickets, ants and grasshoppers are bring trout to the surface. The evening caddis activity is beginning to wane but Epeorus mayfly spinner falls and midge activity can be counted on to furnish some fine evening fishing on rivers like the Yellowstone, Henry's Fork, Madison and Gallatin. If lake fishing is your game then you are in luck for most of our lakes are fishing well now, both on the surface and underneath.

Yesterday morning, on the way in to West Yellowstone, the truck's thermometer registered 36 degrees. And, around town some folks saw the first frost on their bird baths. It won't be long until the bull elk bugle in their harems, and the Fall Baetis mayflies bring up the trout on the Firehole and Madison. But, for now, let's let a few more weeks of summer bring us some wonderful fly fishing! Don't forget that this weekend is "Crazy Days" here in the little mountain town of West Yellowstone. Here at BRF we are celebrating this wackiness, and you can take advantage of it by cashing in on some huge bargains with many items at 50% off the regular price!!!

Let's take a look at the fishing report. This is THE time to head northeast and fish the corner of the Park; the Lamar River, Slough, Soda Butte, Pebble, Cache and other streams are all fishing very well after a few days off due to the high, turbid water we discussed above. Mayflies like gray drakes, (check out our latest drake spinner), cream Baetis, Heptagenia, Pale Morning Duns can be counted on daily to bring up the cutthroats so get an early start and take advantage of some of the best dry fly fishing of the late summer on these fine waters. Get on the road by 8 a.m. to avoid the bear jams and fish these emergences each morning. In the afternoon look for ants, beetles, bees (our dry imitations of bees have been deadly this week), crickets and grasshoppers to bring up the fish. Bucky likes to fish his new leaf hopper pattern, very bright and visible and a trout magnet if there was one! Rowan Nyman's Enhanced Chaos Hopper has been the hopper pattern of choice on these waters. Evenings are good too with spinner falls and caddis activity.

The Gallatin and its tribsutaries, both in and out of the Park, have all fished well. Here look for spruce moths and caddis activity early and late in the day. On those warm, sunny, and windy afternoons you will have fun fishing grasshoppers like the Fat Albert and Enhanced Chaos along with a Crystal Beetle for some very nice rainbows and rainbow-cutthroat hybrids. The Gallatin's tributaries: Fan, Bacon Rind, Taylor's Fork and others will all fish too, with these same patterns along with PMX's and Royal Trudes and Wulffs.

The Henry's Fork has offered up some very good ant and mayfly spinner fishing of late. The RxR Ranch stretch continues to fish well in the mornings and afternoons. Some tricos are emerging in selected sections along the river near Wood Road in the mornings. Around lunch time flying ants take over for the afternoon.

The Yellowstone River in the Park is still fishing, as many cutthroat trout remain in the river well after spawning. You will have to cover some water from Mud Volcano upstream to LeHardy Rapids but you can expect to cast to some very large cutts. Have rusty spinners, #16-18 along with beetles and ants and olive X Caddis, #14-18 as well as Iris. The fire near Fishing Bridge is nearly out and parking along the river is again permitted. This river downstream of the park and all the way to Big Timber, MT is fishing very well when it has been clear. Big attractors and hopper patterns are bringing up some very large trout.

Small stream anglers can have fun fishing streams like Blacktail Deer, upper Gardner, Glen, Gibbon, Straight, Peeble, and Grayling Creeks in the park. The Madison in the park is fishing well with hoppers like the Enhanced Chaos and Fat Albert from 9 Mile to the junction.

The Madison below the dam to Earthquake Lake is fishing well too. Early morning egg-laying caddis and mayfly spinner like Epeorus and Callibaetis (at the mouth of the lake) have brought up some very large trout. Evening action is strong too when caddis emerge as well as Epeorus mayflies. The best flies for the evenings are Epeorus Spinners and X2 and Iris Caddis. Downstream of the lake for the next 40 miles to Ennis, the river is fishing very well. Anglers arriving on-stream at 8a.m. will find trout rising to several insects. Some might be rising to egg-laying caddis, others to mayfly spinners or midges. One thing for certain though, this river is fishing better in the mornings than during the evening hours. This has been the case for the past few weeks. Not to say the evenings haven't fished well, mostly they have, but the mornings have been glorious! I had one of my best days ever on the river this last week from 8 to 11a.m. I caught more fish, all rising, than a person has a right to and I never saw another angler on the water all morning. This might last another week so be there. The float stretch has fished well all summer but it seems even stronger now. Our guides are having fun with their anglers when hoppers and other terrestrials along with caddis and mayflies bring the trout to the surface. Nymphing anglers are doing very well with $3.00 and Crystal Dips and Juice Nymphs. One fly for fishing the river all along its length now is the Spruce Moth, stop in for our latest in this pattern, which seems to change daily!

Earthquake and Hebgen Lakes are fishing very well during morning Callibeatis activity. Be on the water by 9a.m for this and have C.Baetis Deer Hair Spinners and sparkle duns along with a PT Nymph. Speaking of nymphs, nymphing anglers fishing Chans Snow Cones, #16 and trailing a Split Case Baetis #18 are doing as well as the dry fly guys, maybe better! Other area lakes like Henry's and Hidden, Elk and Joffe, Cascade and Wolf and Grebe and Grizzly are all fishing well too. Sleeper bet: Trout Lake. We will say no more!

August 5, 2008 Craig Mathews

Mid-summer fishing conditions are here in Yellowstone country, nearly 3 weeks late! The salmon flies are officially over on the Madison below Quake Lake. Flavs are showing on the Gallatin, Yellowstone and Madison Rivers. Evening caddis are in full swing on all area rivers including the Firehole and Madison Rivers in the Park. Terrestrials rule during the day and afternoon times with Spruce Moths, crickets, hoppers, beetles and ants providing great dry fly fishing all along the above rivers as well as the Park's Lamar, Soda Butte and Slough Creeks. Smaller streams are coming into their own now too, and lakes should be on your radar screen when in Yellowstone country.

The Lamar River is on fire! Pale Morning Duns, Heptagenia, along with other mayflies like Baetis, Green and Gray Drakes are coming off and the big resident cutthroats and rainbows are feeding on them. Terrestrials patterns too, like ants, bees, beetles and crickets are working now. Our new cricket and hopper patterns can't be beat so stop in and check them out and get to this great river soon.

Soda Butte Creek is receiving a lot of angling pressure, and rightfully so. PMD's, Heptagenia mayflies, afternoon caddis and terrestrials are all working. The stream is fishing all the way from its junction with the Lamar River upstream to Ice Box Canyon and above.

Slough Creek is worth the biting flies and the walk into the first and second meadows. Take along a head net as well as Ultra Thon Insect repellent and a tube of Sol Sun Block. Have some Gray Drake patterns like our new Drake Spinner, and foam ants, Tiger Beetles and Stalcup Crickets, and make the 62 mile drive early to begin your walk in by 9a.m.

Pebble Creek has been fun lately as water levels have dropped and the streams temps have risen to above 50 degrees! Here try small Grand Hoppers and PMX's for lots of beautiful trout in freestone water.

The Gardner River is fishing well according to our friends at Park's Fly Shop in Gardiner. The river behind town all the way downstream to the Yellowstone will fish for you with terrestrials.

The Yellowstone River in the Park is giving up some very nicely colored cutthroats. Most of these fish have finished spawning and won't fight too well but are so beautiful! Those fish that do fight hard most likely did not spawn this year. We are seeing far more fish in the river in places like the Otter Creek area and just below and above LeHardy Rapids than we have during the last few years. Most likey these fish are lake fish that had dropped downstream into the river to spawn and are still there waiting to take your golden stone, green and gray drake, Flav or PMD imitation during the day. In the evening have rusty spinners and caddis like Iris and X2 in #14 and 16. Check with us or a ranger for information on the LeHardy Fire burning in the Park.

The Madison and Firehole Rivers in the Park are still fishing well in the late evenings during caddis times. We have been tying up lots of White Miller X and tan X2's for both rivers. Check out our new, and last shipment of the summer of Sparkle Dun Deer Hair and Early Season Cow Elk for tying these flies. I have gone through one 6x6 piece of elk and 4 pieces of primo deer so far this summer tying caddis and duns! Don't plan to fish these waters midday, but eat an early supper and head out before dark.

The Madison River below Quake Lake does not get any better than we have had, and will have, for the next few weeks. Epeorus and Flav mayflies are emerging, evening and morning caddis activity is the best we've seen in years, and terrestrials like ants and beetles are coming on now too. I fish now most evenings. For the next month, until the end of August I will hit the river 6 of 7 nights.

Here's my routine: at 6p.m. I clean my line with Agent X from Rio. I do NOT want to have a line sinking during failing light conditions causing hang-ups on twigs and rocks. By 7 p.m.. I am on the river. I ready my head lamp, ION from Black Diamond, since I know I will be fishing until dark and usually after. I clean my Hat Eyes since I don't want to fumble with flies and tippets in near darkness. I always clip on my Ghost Net since the fish are huge, or seem so, after dark! I tie on fluorocarbon 5x tippet and walk to the river, or wait until I sit on the bank of the river to knot on some fresh 5x. Now I wait I usually see a few fish working nymphs or emerging caddis I still wait I tie on an appropriate fly, one like an X2 #16 tan, or maybe an Epeorus dun or spinner. I let the river tell me what to do, and what fly to tie on. I cast, usually, from a sitting position and manage to take a couple nice fish before darkness comes on, around 9:20. Then I change to 4x tippet, always Fluorocarbon as it doesn't break using a 3 turn surgeon's knot to tippet or improved clinch to fly. I now tie on an After Hours Iris or Halo Iris and get as close to rising trout as I can, usually within 10 feet. After each fish I treat my fly with Agent X dry fly powder, I prefer this at dark to my most favorite Frog's Fanny as I do not have to use a brush, I merely drop my fly into Agent X which is easier.I will never leave the river until 9:30-10p.m.. I will see you there, at $3.00, the West Fork, or Raynold's Bridge! The river during the day is fishing well using $3.00 Dips and micro mayfly nymphs as well as ants and beetles. The hoppers will come soon. DO NOT forget Spruce Moths which are now along the river from the dam downstream to Lyon's Bridge. They showed up last night and the fish are on them early morning and eves. This can be some of the most productive fishing on the river!

Hebgen and Earthquake Lakes are coming alive in the mornings during Callibaetis time. Quake fish are always easier but who wants easy fish you ask? I love a volunteer trout!

The Gallatin both in and out of the Park is fishing very well. Green Drakes, PMDs, caddis and little yellow stones are emerging. Beetles and ants are active as are Spruce Moths all long the river. The fish are in the best shape we've seen them in in many years, and there are far more of them.

The Henry's Fork is fishing well. PMDs, caddis, flying ants and beetles will bring up the big rainbows from the Box downstream. Island Park is fishing too, lots of nice fat rainbows on damsel, dragons and Callibaetis mayflies. Just when we thought Henry's Lake might roll over and put its legs in the air we are blessed with a great fishing summer! We have dyed a few Bill Schiess Brown Saddle Hackles for your favorite mighty mite flies and others. Fish the lake for 4 pound brookies and even larger hybrids. This year you will not have to fish for a day or 2 for one nice trout, you should take several every day you invest on this great lake!

Two sleeper bets to check out are Trout Lake and surrounding water in the Park, and/or make the short hike to Grizzly Lake and Straight Creek just downstream of the lake. Until next week have some great fishing, enjoy the Park and southwest Montana and stop by Blue Ribbon Flies for the best fishing and fly tying, equipment and free coffee in the West!

July 31, 2008

With temperatures in the Madison valley hovering well above eighty degrees for much of the past week, it would be easy to confuse the weather outside for an August heat wave. Thankfully, the days ahead will be cooling off some, and the fishing should be fantastic. As John said earlier today, the dog days of August are almost here on the calendar, but we're still in the clear outside. Let's take a closer look.

Gallatin River: It's official: the Gallatin is finally in full swing. Look for PMDs in the mornings and caddis in the evenings, as well as some spotty green drakes and the last of the golden stones. Attractors work well at midday for searching the water, as will nymphing. Good flies include PMD Sparkle Duns, Iris Caddis, Golden Sunken Stone, Royal Wolf Cripples, and Crystal Dips. Also, we're not that far away from terrestrial time. I have a sneaking suspicion that beetles and ants could drum up some nice fish, and hoppers should be getting started by next week. For all you small stream nuts, the many tributaries that dump into the Gallatin from here on up to the Gallatin Gateway offer endless possibilities. Fan and Specimen in the park are both good bets to get away from the crowds and into some fine fishing for weary, yet opportunistic trout. Even the Taylor Fork is starting to fish well. Be sure to bring plenty of bug dope and a long sleeve shirt as the biting flies and mosquitoes are especially ruthless this season.

Hebgen Lake: The Gulpers are almost gulping. They're in there, they're just not tracking quite yet as steadily as we're used to this time of year. Callibeatis are the most dominant insect at the moment, however; Tricos will be taking over any day now. Bring along some Callibaetis Sparkle Duns and Callibaetis Spinners in a size 14. Some Tricos would be a good addition as well in size 20. Make sure your leader is longer for this fishery. A twelve foot leader is really beneficial for you as you stalk these weary fish.

Madison River (below Quake Lake): The Madison is a hotbed for great dry fly fishing in the mornings and evenings. Now is the time. Caddis and PMDs will keep fish rising in the mornings as long as the wind isn't too strong. Epeorus are coming off sporadically thoughout the day producing a good spinner fall in the evenings. A few golden stones remain along the banks primarily near Raynold's and up river. Fish have been responding rather well to the nymph in the heavier waters. Caddis have and continue to been the most abundant insect I've seen in the evenings. Primarily, Hydropsyches have been coming off the water in droves. The mating flight of these insects is so strong, spent caddis have been my fly of choice with astounding results. Don't tell me you've always wondered where the "spent" came from? Make sure you bring some Spent Caddis in size 16 and some Epeorus Spinners in a size 16. This should prove to be quite effective for you. I highly recommend this river in the evenings at the moment. You will find the best bite, depending where you are, from 6p.m. to 10p.m.

Lamar River, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte: The Lamar is always the last of the northeast corner streams to completely clear of run-off, and this year is no exception. Look for this river to finally be gin-clear over the upcoming weekend. Soda Butte has been getting better by the day with the warmer weather. A few caddis have been making their appearance in the mornings and the evenings. PMDs are also coming out in increasing numbers. Do not over look this stretch of water for if you do, the fish will be laughing at you. Slough Creek continues to fish pretty darn well. PMDs and Caddis along with some of the giant Gray Drakes have been keeping fly fishers busy. Reports from the second and third meadows have been really encouraging. If you trek in this far make sure to bring ample bug repellent, otherwise you'll be sprinting the miles of trail back to your car. Don't forget your bear spray too. Bring along some Gray Drake Spinners in a size 12 and PMD Cripples in sizes 14 and 16 to fool these beautiful cutthroats. Crippled Caddis #16 will also help you catch fish.

Gardiner River: Now that the Gardiner is starting to fish, we have to admit we've been pleasantly surprised by our success there. There are plenty of bugs out there. PMDs and caddis are flying up and down the banks of this beautiful river. Expect to do a little walking to find a trophy fish. Make sure you have some X-Caddis and some Spent Caddis in sizes 14 through 18 in tan. PMD Sparkle Duns and PMD Cripples in sizes 16 and 18 should also fare well for the adventurous angler. If we get some good cloud cover, keep in mind that Baetis can appear in a second, and you may still see a Gray Drake or two.

Yellowstone Lake: Callibaetis and PMDs continue to hatch in decent numbers bringing along with them some really nice Cutthroats. If you're determined to fish the Lake, the best place to will be in and around the West Thumb region. Arrive early and have a cup of coffee along the shore while you wait for the action to pick up. Fish should start to really work between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Tilt Wing Callibaetis in a size 14 will be a good bet.

So there you have it. The fishing is really good right now as it should be. Keep this in mind while you're staring at your computer, daydreaming in your cubicle. Stop looking at someone else's feet in the river at the bottom of this newsletter, and get your own feet wet. Drop what you're doing, book a plane ticket and come to Yellowstone country to catch great trout and forget about reality. We have a theory in the shop right now that we're getting a few more impatient calls and emails than usual because people are hot, uncomfortable, and really want to be here instead of wherever it is they are. Even if it is only for a short while, you will be thankful for taking some time, and doing something for yourself for a change. Stop by when you get here and we will head you in the right direction.

July 22nd, 2008 Craig Mathews

I was headed out the door to fish the Madison around 6p.m. when a storm blew in on a gale force north wind and dropped temperatures nearly twenty degrees in less than an hour. Echo Mountain has snagged some low clouds in the Madison Range, and thunder and lightening are moving into the valley quickly. I think I will stay close to home tonight and tie a few flies and type this report.

Area fishing has been awesome, to say the least. This year's crowds are down, the fish are rising to wonderful emergences of stone flies, caddis, and mayflies, and terrestrial fishing is just beginning. We have good stream flows, the best in over a decade, and there are no stream closures and advisories due to warm water temperatures like last year. Heck, the Firehole is still fishing great! August looks to be strong, same with September, like the ol' days when we had good water flows all summer and fall. This year we are seeing very fat, healthy trout and fine hatches. Salmon flies are still emerging on the Madison! Just typing this report makes me want to get out and fish tonight, but it is still very windy and cold and the caddis will be put off with the falling barometer. I'm sure the Epeorus mayflies are still coming off but by the time I get to the river they'd be done emerging for the day. Let's get to the report and I will try and put tonight's fishing out of mind. Tomorrow is a day off so I will be on the river early, to take advantage of some fine egg-laying caddis and pale morning dun activity.

The Madison River in the Park is still fishing during morning spinner falls and Baetis mayfly emergences in the morning, caddis activity in the evenings. While there are better places to fish now, this river continues to provide anglers good dry fly fishing close to West Yellowstone.

The Firehole River is fishing well too during evening caddis action and damsel and dragon fly activity during the day. Flies like our Iris and White Miller X and emerger will produce in the late afternoon and evening. Daytime anglers are having fun fishing dragon and damsel flies, both adults and nymphs. Grasshopper, beetles and ants are also working well around the Goose Lake Meadows upstream to iron Spring Creek.

The Gibbon River has been a big surprise this summer. It has fished consistently well since late June with attractors, hoppers, ants and beetles. The evening fishing has been fun too with caddis. The upper meadows are to be explored during the evenings. Daytime action is expected around Beryl Springs, Gibbon Picnic Grounds, and Tuft Cliffs upstream to the falls.

The Yellowstone River is nearly twice its "normal" flow for this time of year and wading is not recommended. If you walk the shoreline you can find pods of cutthroats coming off their spawning grounds searching for salmon flies, golden stone flies, caddis, green drakes and pale morning duns. If you want to watch trout check out LeHardy Rapids but do NOT fish here. It is closed to angling, but a great place to watch big cutts!

The Gallatin River in the Park has fished very well for the past several days. Not only will you have trout rising to salmon flies and golden stones, now you will see rainbows coming up for pale morning duns, green drakes and a couple species of caddis flies too. The Taylor's Fork is still pumping in some greenish water and the river downstream of the fork is still a bit high and off-color but is just beginning to fish well. The Taylor's Fork is fishing a bit now even in the high and greenish water. Present salmon flies along the bank, within 6 inches of the shore and you might bring a big trout to the surface on this small stream too.

Slough Creek is a "must fish" now. The gray drakes and pale morning duns are emerging along with caddis in the afternoons and evenings. We recommend bringing plenty of Ultra-Thon bug dope, maybe even a head net to ward off biting flies and mosquitoes but the fishing is worth fending off the biting creatures. Soda Butte Creek is fishing now too. It will only get better in the following weeks as water temps warm and flows diminish, but it is worthy of your time during PMDs and gray drake time in the mornings and caddis in the evenings. Be prepared here and Slough Creek too, for hoppers and crickets, beetles and ants. A hint here is to stop in and see our latest hopper, beetle and ant patterns we have designed for '08. We need photos of your trout with our flies in their jaws, please send us some! The Lamar River is still very high but clearing, and a few hardcore anglers who just "have" to fish this great river have taken some very large fish walking the banks and fishing big crickets and sculpin imitations.

The Gardner River has been good with golden stones and attractors. Our friends over at Park's Fly Shop in Gardiner, MT have had nothing but glowing reports on this little gem for the past several days since it has cleared of snow melt.

The Madison River below Earthquake Lake is fishing like we've not seen in many years. Salmon flies, caddis, mayflies, midges and terrestrials are all bringing trout to the surface. Here is my story: it is 8:15p.m. and the temperature has rebounded from the mid-50's to 67 degrees. The winds have subsided, the thunder and lightening past over without a drop of rain so I have to fish tonight. I will get you a report when I return home at 10:30!

I arrived and set up at 8:35p.m. Winds were calm, 64 degrees and overcast and a few fish were rising to emerging caddis flies. Earlier today I'd tied up a new emerging pattern and a couple egg-laying caddis to try. Both were fashioned of CDC with the emerging fly having a sparse zelon shuck. I tied on the emerging fly and took a brown trout I'd fished for unsuccessfully a few times this summer. He taped at 19", I really thought he'd go 20" but not so. The male had a huge hooked jaw and was very heavy in my Ghost Net. I took him on my second float over him and while fighting him I saw a nice rainbow rise just 20 feet upstream. I treated the fly with Frog's Fanny Floatant and presented my new pattern to the trout. It took several drifts but it finally came up and took, a nice 16" fat rainbow. Moving downstream I took a few more nice browns and rainbows on the fly and I was amazed not only how well the trout took this fly, but how easily it floated with a brushed treatment of Frog's Fanny. By 9:30 I reached the bridge and was ready to call it a night. One look at the bridge convinced me to heed our motto, "never leave rising trout"! I took 3 more good trout, 2 browns and 1 nice rainbow. All jumped and ran, and took me stumbling and chasing them downstream. A beaver here slapped its tail 3 different times as I approached the rising trout. I figured each time the fish would go down for the night but after a minute they'd begin to rise again.NEVER leave rising trout! After the third one I had to leave a couple risers and head home! 23, July 23, 2008 at 7a.m. Jackie and I headed back to the river below $3.00 Bridge. (I realize this is reading now like one of our fishing log entries but I think these 2 fishing instances will discuss what's going on the river, and how well it has fished.) When we arrived a few big trout were rising to midges. Knotting on a #20 Zelon Midge to 6x tippet we each took a good trout. Around 8:30 egg-laying caddis came to the water and we began taking fish on our new egg-laying pattern. A while later we ran out of the 4 egg-laying CDC flies I'd tied so we tried #14 X2 Caddis in tan and did very well for an hour, then the trout refused our X2's and started sipping Epeorus spinners. We took many fine sippers on our #16 pink spinners, and at 10am Jackie announced it was time to head in for a late breakfast. We left rising trout again, and no one on the river!

The Madison now requires Epeorus patterns along with caddis, stone flies, midges and terrestrials. The beetle and ant fishing is underway in the afternoon hours too. Do what the river tells you to do, observe riseforms and you might find that each trout is rising to a different insect. If they are rising to stones try Rogue River Stones, a low profile pattern. If trout rise to caddis you will want X and X2's along with spent, Iris and egg-laying flies. If on midges try a Zelon Midge, or nymph with a $3.00 Bridge Serendipity in brown, #14-16. Be flexible. Do NOT cover a lot of water. There are so many trout in each pool and pocket you can relax and take your time. Sit on the bank and watch the pool for a short time and you will see trout move to emergers, nymphs and dries. BE PATIENT! But get to this river as soon as you can for some of the best fishing we have seen in years!

The Henry's Fork is fishing well. There seem to be more trout this year than in the past several seasons. The Box Canyon stretch has fished well as has the upper ranch and Wood Road area. Pale morning duns and caddis along with Baetis on overcast days. Flying ants are showing now too.

Smaller streams in Yellowstone country are beginning to fish well now. Streams like the Park's Straight, Grayling, Blacktail Deer, and upper Firehole above Lone Star Trail are all producing. Area lakes are all fishing now. Hebgen's tricos are coming off as are the first fishable hatches of Callibaetis and evening caddis flies. Henry's continues to yield some nice brookies and we have dyed some nice grizzly saddles "Bill Schiess Brown" for you to tie Mighty Mites and other Henry's favorites. Hidden and Elk Lakes are fishing during Callibaetis time. Wade and Cliff continue to produce well on damsels and dragon flies and Callibaetis. In the Park try Wolf, Cascade and Grebe for grayling and rainbows and cutts. Now is the time for PMDs on Lewis and Yellowstone Lakes along with scattered Callibaetis emergences so be prepared Going back through this report I find I have gotten very long winded! I hope reading it is as exciting for you as it was for me to type it! You should be here now, in Yellowstone, to experience the best dry fly fishing of the season! Until next week, please call or stop by for current up-to-the-minute information and check out our new fly patterns too!

July 15, 2008 Craig Mathews

Most area waters are in good shape now with the exception of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek. The Yellowstone is also very big water but salmon flies are coming off and the fishing in and around Yellowstone National Park has been very good. Let's look at the rivers, lakes and streams for this week's fishing.

The Madison River in the Park is still fishing, early and late in the day. Look for PMD spinner falls along with a few gray drake spinners from 9-11am In the evenings look for caddis from 8 to 10 pm from the junction downstream to 7 Mile Bridge.

The River below Quake Lake has fished very well. The salmon flies are coming off near the West Fork and upstream to Raynold's Pass Bridge and the larger fish are on the dries. I talked with Richard Lessner of the Madison River Foundation this morning and he reports the second wave of the huge insects are emerging around McAtee Bridge so you can look for them all along the river from Mc upstream to The Slide. Evening caddis are in full swing from 8pm to 11pm; STAY LATE! PMDs and the first Epeorus mayflies are coming off now too. The fish will rise from 8am to dark now to insects like the above and also beetles, little yellow stones, ants and more. Get out to the river and experience the best dry fly fishing of the summer!

The upper Gallatin is fishing well with salmon flies, golden stones and some caddis. The river is clearing nicely and the fish are wanting to feed on top after a long runoff. The best rises of trout will be from Big Sky upstream to Fan Creek.

The Yellowstone in the Park below the lake opens today. We checked it out late last week and even though the river was still flowing knee deep through the trees and picnic tables, salmon flies were beginning to come off and the couple insects we captured and threw into the water were taken. The fish are still spawning around LeHardy Rapids so stop there and watch these beauties along the shoreline. Remember that the fishing is CLOSED here, but you will be tempted.

Slough Creek is fishing very well during gray drake spinner times in the mornings, 9-11am. Huge emergences of this big mayfly are nearly blanketing the stream and the cutts are rising nicely to them. A few PMDs will be seen too, and some larger rainbow-cutthroat hybrids will rise exclusively to these #18 insects so be ready with PMDs. Anglers fishing near the lower campground should see a sporadic emergence of salmon flies too.

The Lamar River and Soda Butte remain high, cold, muddy and unfishable, but both look like they may clear enough in the next several days to provide some fishing. Check with us before making the drive!

The Gardner River is fishing well during golden and little yellow stone hatches. The salmon flies are still around in number above the 45th parallel bridge too. We have had very good fishing with large attractor dries all the way from the junction of the river with the Yellowstone upstream to the Mammoth-Tower Bridge.

Hidden Lake and Elk Lake have produced during Callibaetis mayfly emergences. At times the hatch comes so strong on Hidden that it is tough to compete with all the naturals on the water, but it is worth the drive over into the Centennials just to see all the insects and rising trout not to mention the wildlife and waterfowl there too.

July 8, 2008 Craig Mathews

Salmon flies are ripe in the Madison Valley; so are caddis flies, mayflies, and midges! Area rivers and streams are in great fly fishing shape and the trout are rising to the insects. Don't forget to come out tomorrow if you're in the area for our "How to Live with Wildlife" seminar at Sun West Ranch. It's from 1 - 5 and it should be fun and very informative. Now to the fishing!

The Madison River is fishing very well now. The river is flowing at near normal flows for this time of year. The water is clear and the trout are rising to salmon flies from Wolf Creek upstream to $3.00 Bridge. Evening caddis are coming off from 8 to 10p.m. and PMDs are emerging during the late morning. Salmon fly dries like our famous Sunken Stone are taking trout on top, BIG trout! When PMDs are around try our PMD Cripple or Sparkle Duns. Larger brown trout like to patrol the shoreline prior to the morning hatch in search of emerging nymphs, so do not be without the PMD Foam Nymph for this.

Evening caddis fishing is just beginning from the West Fork upstream to around Raynold's Pass Bridge. We like the Wilcox AC Caddis, Iris and X for this activity. You can count on taking many fine rising trout for the next several weeks during caddis time. Evenings also bring good midge fishing in selected spots along the river near $3.00 Bridge. If you come upon sipping, often head-and-tailing trout and they refuse everything you present then you haven't given them what they want - a Zelon Midge!

A sleeper bet for fishing mid-day is to present black beetles along the shoreline. You will note thousands of natural beetles crawling along the streamside grasses and so many fall into the water becoming easy prey to the fish. Need we say more! Nymphing has been superb with Guides and Krystal Serendipities along with tiny beadhead mayfly nymphs like the Ruby and Trigger Nymphs. Remember that a float trip is the best way to fish salmon flies so book one today.

The Gallatin River in the Park is beginning to fish on top with large attractors like PMX's. The stones should come off next week so be prepared for them. The river below Taylor Fork is still high and muddy.

The Madison and Firehole in the Park are fishing well. PMD spinner falls on both rivers have been epic. The spinners come on around 9am on the Firehole, 10am on the Madison. The female spinners are olive in color and size #16-18. Evening caddis fishing has been strong on both rivers too. The White Miller, (Nectospyche sp.) is the one bringing the fish to the surface so be prepared with emergers and adult patterns. The Firehole will fish best above Midway Geyser Basin now, all the way upstream to Biscuit.

The Henry's Fork is fishing great, we are pleased to report. The RxR Ranch stretch has turned on during PMD emergences in the morning. Brown Drakes continue to come off in the late evening. We have seen lots of rising trout on the ranch and upstream to The Box, Wood Road has fished well lately too after a few "slow" years here. Below Ashton, Idaho look for PMDs and Flavs to bring up some very nice browns and rainbows. Be ready with cripples and spinner and impaired dun imitations. Evening caddis are strong now also, all along the river but especially on the RxR Ranch stretches. Spent Sparkle Caddis as well as X2 and the Outrigger Caddis have been very effective!

The Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek should not be in your plans for a while yet. Both are flowing very high and muddy. Slough Creek is trying to clear up and fish. We have had friends there who report taking fish on streamers. The water is dropping and clearing and should be fine in a week or so. For those looking for smaller, out-of-the-way waters check with us when you arrive and we'll draw you a couple maps and turn you loose!

Lakes fishing well now include Elk, Hidden, Henry's, Wade and Hebgen. Hidden is seeing some great Callibaetis activity and Hebgen's early Callibaetis are showing now too. Elk is fishing well during this same mayfly emergence along with some evening caddis. Henry's Lake has been awesome with Sheep Creek Specials and Bill Schiess patterns which reminds me that we just dyed up some beautiful "Bill Schiess Brown" saddle hackles for those of you who tie your own Mighty Mites and other Henry's Lake flies.

Sleeper bet lakes include Trout Lake for large rainbows, (spawning cutts are in the tributary stream, which along with the inlet area opens to fishing July 15). Here try small scuds in olive, gray and pink along with a Twinkle Midge. Present your fly well ahead of the cruisers so that it has time to sink to the bottom or become hung up on weeds. As the trout nears give it a pull and hang on for the take! Cascade and Grebe Lakes are fishing well now too during Callibaetis activity, and both offer a wonderful chance at catching and releasing a lovely grayling along with a nice hike in and out.

Get out and enjoy all the Yellowstone waters that are fishing well now. If you are coming to fish this area you could not have picked a better time for dry fly fishing! One last thing, when fishing any area in Yellowstone this year make sure you have bear spray and know how to use it! We have had bears in our yard, and at $3.00 Bridge, on all area lakes and smaller waters too - be prepared.

Until next time, call or email for current-up-to-the-minute information from fly patterns to equipment to places to stay!

July 2, 2008 Craig Mathews

I attended the Western Governors' Association meetings in Jackson, Wyoming this past weekend. My old friend Tom Brokaw was the moderator, and delivered the key note at the opening session which dealt with wildlife corridors and energy development. Tom's passion for Montana was evident in his speech and he brought the crowd to its feet twice during his talk!

The "Freedom to Roam" program was introduced at the convention too. This is a wonderful concept to protect areas from harmful development and protect wildlife migration corridors. It was heartening to visit with the western governors present at the convention and find a collective agreement amongst them to protect these irreplaceable wildlife corridors. The governors also expressed their love for wild places and wild trout. It feels good to know our western political leaders are mostly on the same page as all of us who want to protect, preserve and enhance clean water, wild places and wildlife for our kids.

How about the fishing? It has been good, and getting even better! The Madison below Earthquake Lake is clearing and the flows are being reduced now. The dry fly action has begun on the river from Raynold's Pass Bridge downstream during caddis times, mostly in the evenings. During daytime look for beetles and big attractors to bring the fish to the surface. Large stimulators and Wulffs along with Japanese Beetles work well from 10am to 4pm. Caddis are emerging in the late evenings, mostly Hydropscyhe. Tan X and X2 along with Outrigger Caddis are working, size #14. Nymphing has been good too with Guide Serendipities, WMD Stones and Micro Mayfly Nymphs. Trail a #16 Soft Hackle Caddis or GloBug Caddis Pupa behind a WMD Stone Nymph and you will be surprised at how large a brown trout you can bring up! Salmon flies will begin this week upstream of Ennis so now is a great time to arrive in Yellowstone country.

The Henry's Fork has fished well around Last Chance and below Ashton, Idaho. During the evenings look for rusty spinners to bring the fish to the surface along with a few caddis. Downstream of Ashton .look for Gray Drakes and PMD's. The Box Canyon stretch has fished well lately also, mostly with golden stones and large attractors on top and nymphs like red Serendipities and Amber Stones.

The Gallatin is still a week away from prime dry fly fishing condition although it is clear above Taylor's Fork but still very cold. Same with the Gardner River near Mammoth. Try them after the weekend. The stones are due on both rivers and when they come off both rivers will be outstanding.

Slough Creek can be fished but the going is slow with all the cold-high water conditions. The stream will fish by the 8th of July when PMD's and stones come off on the lower stretches. Small streams like Grayling Creek have fished very well. You have to pick and choose your streams this time of years, and with these water conditions. For instance, Indian Creek in the Madison Valley is still dangerously high so it is best to check in with us before making the trip.

The Gibbon River in the Park is fishing very well. The river above the falls is great with little yellow stoneflies. The river downstream of the falls is fishing well too with Goddard Caddis; just ask Bucky and his friends who have had banner days on this river during stonefly times. Too, check the lower meadows for Gray Drake Spinner falls and caddis activity in the evenings!

Both the Madison and Firehole River are fishing well. The Firehole is still giving up PMD emergences daily and the Madison's PMDs are just beginning to come off in numbers. Overcast days are best. The Madison around 7 Mile Bridge and the junction and the Firehole above Midway are your best bets. The evening caddis on both rivers are strong so have plenty of White Miller patterns along; flies like X and White Miller Soft Hackle Emergers and Iris.

Lakes like Grebe and Cascade in the Park are fishing very well during Callibaetis Mayfly hatches and damselfly emergences. Bring bear spray and enjoy a day of catching some nice little grayling. Hebgen, Cliff and Wade, Elk and Hidden Lakes are fishing now too. Check in for the latest midges and crayfish patterns for these lakes and remember that Wade's damsel activity gets going this week and this is your time to take a huge trout from Wade Lake.

With the water levels dropping daily on area rivers this will be a fine time to fish Yellowstone country. Some of the season's best fishing this year might be in August and early September, a time when warm, low water has been a problem for us during the past few late seasons. This year promises to be different. See you on the water!

June 26th, 2008

Bucky McCormick

The Madison River

Wade stretch: We are going to see the flows increase greatly out of Hebgen Dam by the weekend. This will bring much clearer and cooler water into the system. Nymphing along the banks is going to be the preferred method. Smaller nymph rigs than we have been using should come into play. Try a Beadhead pheasant tail, Prince, or $3 Bridge serendipity in a size 14 with a Baetis nymph, or Micro Madison Midge dropper.

The float stretch: With all the water flowing through this stretch going under the Wolf Creek bridge and Shelton’s will be difficult. If one would like to float, Palisades down will be the best option. With the warmer air temperatures we should begin to see more Salmon flies around the Ennis area. Rogue salmon flies, and Sunken Stones are excellent choices for surface work along with black or brown rubber legs for underneath.

The Gallatin River:  This River is still running very high, but is showing some signs of clearing in the Park stretch. I would give this one a little more time before attempting to dredge up a few trout.

Hebgen Lake: There are plenty of Midges hatching all over this body of water. Early mornings and again in the evening are the two times to give this a try. Miracle midges, Zelon midges, Chan’s chironomides, and even a small parachute Adams have all worked well. Searching with a Foxy Minnow or Leech pattern has also produced a few really nice trout.

Yellowstone National Park

The Firehole River: There are still plenty of PMDs and caddis hatching on this river. Morning spinner falls have been occurring around 9:30 with PMD duns emerging around 10:30. Cloudy days are best for this hatch. The evening caddis fishing has been very good from 7:00pm to dark. Our Oecetis cripple, Iris caddis, Tan X-caddis, and Black X-caddis have been necessary patterns to meet the variety of emergences one may encounter.

The Madison in the Park: Salmon flies are beginning to wind down, but the fish are still looking for the big bugs. Any of the heavier water can produce. Once again Sunken stones and Rogue River salmon flies have been best. Evening caddis activity has also been quite good throughout the river. Oecetis cripples and Iris caddis have been best.

Gibbon River: Golden Stones have been coming of in good numbers throughout the area below the falls to the confluence with the Madison. Rogue golden stones or Yellow Stimulators have been working very well. There have also been a few PMDs during the mid morning hours along with caddis during the afternoon and evening ours. A tan X-caddis in a size 16 along with a 16 PMD sparkle dun are good choices.

Grebe Lake: This is an easy 3 mile hike for Grayling and Rainbow trout in the 8 to 12 inch range. Evening stars, leech patterns, along with a few zebra midges should all produce well. You may carry a float tube up (you will need a permit to use a tube in the park) or simply walk the shoreline and blind cast. Both methods can be very effective. Be sure to bring your waders along as the level is quite high this year and getting around the lake while keeping your feet dry is not an easy proposition.

 

June 18th, 2008

Bucky McCormick

The Madison River

Wade stretch: The flows in the Madison continue to be quite high although the water out of the dam has been reduced some. Cabin Creek and Beaver Creek are beginning to run high and dirty again which should bring a bit more color to the river. Rubber leg nymphs with San Juan droppers have been most effective. Streamers should also come back into play if the water does muddy. Black Buggers along with Sculpin patterns have been producing best so far.

The float stretch: We are beginning to see a few Caddis appear below the West Fork. The numbers have not been too high, but this should improve with the warmer temperatures. Tan X-Caddis along with a tan Iris Caddis will fit the bill. Salmon flies could start around Ennis on the 21st or there about. Keep an ear or eye open for this hatch to begin. Rubber legs and prince nymph droppers have been working very well.

The Gallatin River: This River was showing some signs of clearing, but the increase in temperature has put an end to that. If driving through the park on 191 take a look. Green is good. Wooly Buggers and rubber legs should take a few nice trout.

Hebgen Lake: The midge fishing has slowed down somewhat, but could certainly pick back up again. Hebgen Miracle Midges have been our favorite so far. Calm sunny mornings are est for this hatch. Take a walk along the north shore and watch for risers. This is also a good spot to cast Crayfish or leech patterns to trout cruising along the shoreline.

Yellowstone National Park

The Firehole River: Pmd’s and Baetis are still hatching in good numbers during the late morning hours. Cloudy days have been best. Sparkle duns, cripples, and spinner patterns for both area necessity. Sunny afternoons are best with soft hackle patterns. Evening Caddis activity has been very good as of late. White Miller X-Caddis, Iris Caddis, and White Miller soft hackles have all been working well. Salmon flies have been hatching in good numbers in the canyon stretch throughout most of the afternoon. This is certainly the place to hook a large Brown on the Firehole. Nicks Sunken Stone or a Rogue River Salmon fly have taken more than their far share.

The Madison in the Park: Inconsistent has been the norm here. If the stars all fall into line; Pmd’s, Baetis, and Caddis can all be seen. Take a look around Mount Haynes or the Junction. We should also start to see Salmon flies on this river. Any of the choppy water stretches can produce. Sunny afternoons will be best for this hatch.

Yellowstone Lake: There have been a few Cutthroats being caught around Gull Point. Black Wooly Buggers and Brown Leech patterns have worked well. One should not expect to hook many trout here, but the ones hooked will be quite large.

 

10 June 2008

The weather forecasters tell us that warmer weather can be expected this weekend. Yellowstone country is in the 7th month of winter. Elk and bison calves wander the park along rivers like the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison and gaze at fly fishers with blank stares the anglers can almost “feel”,  longing for  warmer-dryer days.

Last Sunday we watched a boar grizzly swat down a newborn elk calf. The calf was born Saturday afternoon and laid under sage brush to escape the snowy weather. Along came the grizzly, wandering amongst a herd of cows and calves seemingly uninterested in pursuing prey when suddenly the big bear swatted the calf down, and within fifteen minutes had finished its meal. All the while the calf’s mother and dozens of other elk watched from a short distance. This happened almost in our front yard.

This year the elk are calving in the valley instead of the safer-higher mountains. They cannot reach their traditional calving grounds due to deep snows still in the mountains where they normally deliver their young. This has been one of those winters, like “the old days” the old-time ranchers tell us. It all bodes well for the rivers and their trout inhabitants, as well as the fly fishers who come here to fish this summer and fall. It however, is not so good for the large numbers of deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose forced to remain in the lower river valleys and become easy prey for wolves and grizzlies.

This will be a very good year for anglers who plan to come to the Yellowstone region in spring, summer and fall!

For those who enjoy fishing rivers like the Firehole and Madison in the Park, Pale Morning Dun and Baetis mayfly emergences have been awesome. With warmer weather on the way we should see caddisfly activity surge too. Look for Salmonflies to emerge this weekend and into next week in the Firehole Canyon and along the Madison River from the junction to the Barns’ Pools.

Pale Morning Duns should continue to come off both rivers. The first emergences of pmds began on the Madison in the park yesterday, June 9th.   We were on our way to fish the Firehole and just happened to check the Madison near Madison Jct. As we drove in the parking area we were greeted by fish rising to a huge PMD emergence! From 1:30 to 4p.m. the #16-18 duns hatched and the fish rose to them. We took several big holdover brown and rainbows, still in the river on their spawning mission from Hebgen Lake last fall and this spring. These fish will rise to the river’s hatches during the next several weeks. And, this may be one of those years that these larger trout remain in the Madison in the park all summer due to cooler water and better stream flows as long as we continue to receive rain. On a “normal” year the river warms up around the 4th of July sending these larger fish back downstream to Hebgen Lake for the summer months.

Look for caddis to become strong on both waters beginning this weekend. The White Miller, (Nectopsyche sp) along with Hydropsyche caddisflies should begin to show up in fishable numbers with the warming trend.

One fishing hint here is that the larger trout in both rivers are famous for preferring emerging mayfly and caddis so be prepared. Case-in-point was on the Firehole at Midway last Sunday when we fished a fine PMD emergence from 1 to 4pm. When the nymphs first became active prior to emerging the river’s larger browns fed on ascending nymphs for nearly 30 minutes before switching to emergers then duns. With PMD Nymphs we were able to fool several fine browns to 16” before the fish turned to emergers in the surface film. By taking the time and making a change from nymphs to emergers we were able to take a few more selective trout before the fish went to the high winged impaired duns, those trapped in their shucks. Then we tied on cripples and sparkle duns and had a banner afternoon until a herd of buffalo put our fish down as the shaggy critters waltzed across the river.

The Madison River below Earthquake Lake is fishing very well now with nymphs and streamers. A deadly combo is a reddish-brown McKee’s Rubber Leg Stone trailing a #14 red beadhead Serendipity. The river is clearing nicely and you might come on a few fish rising to midges and Baetis mayflies so be prepared. Best areas seem to be around the West Fork and upstream to Babbling Brook.

Yellowstone Lake opens this Sunday, June 15th. The ice has been off the lake for a week or so now and the cutthroat trout are still cruising the shoreline around Gull, Pumice, and Sand Points. The lake’s level is good this spring and the cutts should patrol the shoreline for a few weeks before moving to deeper water. Leeches and sculpin patterns are always effective as are shrimp patterns in gray and olive.

The Henry’s Fork Railroad Ranch section opens June 15th also. Here the water is high and cold and the insects will still be on hold waiting for a few days of warmer temps. The stones are still coming off in Box Canyon and nymphing there continues to produce.

Hebgen Lake’s midge emergences are cranking up and will become stronger in the warming weather. The north shoreline has been good for big rainbows taking midge emergers and cripples during the mornings and the south shoreline has fished best in the evenings with the prevailing southwest winds.

Wade Lake has been great. Browns to 22” and rainbows 16-19” on Evening Stars and olive mini and HalBop Leeches. Cliff Lake is good too with crayfish patterns.

We are getting some good reports from Henrys Lake from those veteran anglers fishing Bill Schiess patterns. We have just dyed some saddle hackle “Bill Schiess Brown” so stop by and get a fresh saddle before supplies dwindle.

Give us a call, email, or better yet stop by for a cup of coffee and let’s visit about some fishing opportunities and fly patterns and materials for this season. We’d love to see or hear from you!

3 June 2008

Water conditions are high, cold, and turbid in Yellowstone country. Look for flows to recede on rivers like the Firehole and Madison in the park during the next week. Mayflies and caddis are bringing trout to the surface on the Firehole. Giant Stoneflies will continue to emerge on the Henry’s Fork. Area lakes are fishing well too. Plus, where else can you fish alongside geysers, grazing bison and howling wolves?

Let’s look at this week’s fishing opportunities.

All of us here at BRF have fished the Firehole River during the past week. I fished it four times and had three good days. Lots of PMD and Baetis mayflies have emerged on rainy afternoons from 2-4 p.m. The White Miller Caddis are beginning to show now too. The river came up big-time yesterday, nearly to 1000 cfs, but flows are now dropping and barring anymore deluges we can expect better dry fly fishing over the following few weeks. PMDs and Baetis will continue in the afternoon hours. Look for spinner falls of both mayflies during warm-calm mornings which we have seen so few of the past week. The caddis activity has been mostly sporadic and spotty but it should improve with the better weather. The forecast is for a couple days of cool-unsettled conditions, then back to a warmer-drier pattern. Best producing flies are PMD and Baetis Sparkle Duns and cripples, White Miller Soft Hackle Emergers and X Caddis and a wide variety of soft hackles ranging from Ephemerella Emergers to PT-CDC Soft Hackles.

The salmon fly hatch is due later this week too, in the Firehole Canyon. We have checked sentinel rocks and where last week we found 3 stone nymphs on 20 rocks, this week its 20 stones on 3 rocks!

The Madison River in the park is flowing high and cold. We look for conditions to improve on this river during the following few days too. With this spring’s high water we anticipate good Gray Drake emergence to begin in mid-June. The Salmonflies should come off in the next 7-10 days, and PMDs and Baetis mayflies will begin then too.

The Madison below Hebgen continues to produce well although the water is nearing 2500cfs which is a BIG, nasty piece of H2O! Be careful fishing here. Try big rubber legs with a Red Serendipity trailer.

The Madison below Earthquake Lake is fishing very well too. Again, as above, this is a dangerous river now so use a wading staff if you must wade…we do not recommend wading. Now, the fish are on shore, along the footpath so there is really no need to get your feet wet. The fish are really looking for sculpins and whitefish juveniles in the drift so a dead-drifted streamer is deadly. Stop by for a look at our incredible selection of sculpin and baitfish patterns.

Nymphing is great here to, even in the high flow. Try a tiny Baetis mayfly pattern trailed behind a big Prince Nymph and you will take some nice fish.

Hebgen Lake is great now during calm mornings along the north shore. In the evenings we like the southern shoreline below Lonesome Hurst Camp. The midges are active when the winds lay down. A Hebgen Midge in size #18 along with a Chan’s Pupa #14-16 will work on the cruising rainbows. Pitching huge streamers from the shore works well when the wind blows.

Cliff and Wade Lakes are fishing like never before! A few very large browns have been brought to net at Wade and Cliff’s rainbow trout are easy to fool now. Try crawfish patterns on both lakes (Cliff’s upper arms are loaded with crayfish), leeches and small nymphs are working too. A Feather Duster, beaded or unbeaded, is a deadly little pattern on both lakes as are Sparrows.

The Henry’s Fork is fishing well in the Warm River stretch, (upstream of Warm River), along with the Box Canyon area. The big stones are emerging and while fish are mostly nymphing we have had some very good dry-fly action in The Box. Rubberleg stone patterns trailing a red Copper John, or beaded PT Soft Hackle are working well. Nick’s Sunken and Rogue River Stones are producing on top.

Special Note: PLEASE leave the spawning fish in tributaries to their spawning!

 

28 May 2008

The Firehole River has fished well the first three days of the new season. This has been somewhat of a surprise to all of us. With our huge snow pack, late spring snows, followed by heavy rains, we all thought the river would be cold and turbid featuring a nymph-streamer proposition for the first week or two. But, cold nights have kept heavy snowmelt at bay and the river has fished well during Baetis and Pale Morning Dun times from The Broads upstream to Muleshoe Bend. If and when 70 degree temps return, coupled with above freezing nighttime temps, we will see some heavy runoff conditions return.

For now the Baetis and PMDs will continue to bring the fish to the surface from noon until 5 or 6 p.m. Look for caddis to begin emerging this week too. Best flies are #18-20 Baetis and #16 Firehole PMD Sparkle Duns and Cripples. Caddis like White Miller Soft Hackle Emergers, Iris and White X should be in your boxes too. Nymphing anglers will do very well fishing small patterns like PMD Soft Hackle Nymphs and Nick’s Soft Hackles. Hard Charger Streamers can be counted on for some bigger brown trout too.

The Madison in the Park has fished with big streamers like Copper Zonkers. The water is high and off-color and won’t clear until the end of the first week in June. Then we can expect PMDs and Gray Drakes. Stay tuned for current info on this great springtime river.

The Henry’s Fork, Gibbon, Gallatin and others remain high and cold and not worth your fly fishing efforts.

The Madison River below Hebgen Lake has fished well. This short section is receiving a lot of attention and is quite crowded. Small nymphs like #14 Krystal and Red Serendipities can be counted on for taking some very nice rainbows. The water is cold and muddy below the junction of Cabin Creek.

The Madison River from Earthquake Lake to Lyon Bridge is fishing with nymphs and streamers. The water is muddy and cold but the fishing has been very good with peacock beadhead nymphs, Krystal Dips, Pink Lightning Bugs, and Sculpzilla Streamers in tan or olive. If you don’t mind fishing muddy water this river is on fire!

Hebgen, Wade, and Cliff Lakes are fishing very well.  Henry’s has been only fair. Midges are coming off on Hebgen, with lots of risers along the north shore. If calm conditions prevail look for three weeks of some of the best dry fly fishing in the country! Check in for our effective patterns to fish this activity with.

On Wade and Cliff you might see some midging fish, but the better fishing will be had by pitching streamers like peacock buggers into the shoreline areas. A few big browns have been taken on Wade both early and late day. Cliff’s trout are on the average smaller than those from Hebgen and Wade; they fight well though, and you can count on catching more while fishing one of the most beautiful lakes in the world!

Until next week good fishing, and call or email us with any questions!   

26 May 2008

It is 12 noon and I'm gettting really anxious to run out of the shop and try the Firehole. We were wrong, dead wrong , in our earlier forecast of stream conditions. We thought the Firehole would be high and cold and turbid and basically offer no dry-fly fishing opportunities. How wrong we were! Opening day was grand below Midway Geyser Basin all the way downstream to "The Broads". At 1p.m. Baetis mayflies came off, at 2p.m. PMDs emergered and we had some great dry fly fishing. Yesterday we saw this same scenario, Baetis then PMD's, 1p.m. to 4p.m. Today should be good too. The night temps have been very cool, daytime too so the runoff has been slow and the river has been in good shape for fishing dries.

The Gibbon is very high, Gibbon meadows looks more like Gibbon Lake. This makes the Madison in the park still very high but we have seen fishermen landing browns on streamers as we drive by on the way to the Firehole.

The Madison below Earthquake Lake is on fire using nymphs and streamers. The water is high and stained and the fish are looking for most anything to feed on.

I'm out the door to the Firehole so a report on this afternoon is forthcoming.

Craig

20 May 2008

Yellowstone National Park’s general fishing season opens this coming Saturday, May 24th. The first thing you will want to remember is to purchase your 2008 Yellowstone Fishing Permit before taking to the rivers, lakes and streams for what will be an epic season. Remember, the money generated from the sale of these licenses goes directly to work in Yellowstone. Every dime goes to the fishing program; not a penny of your permit fee leaves the park. What a bargain, to pay so little for such a wonderful privilege as fishing the world’s first national park.

The Firehole River is our choice for the opening day. The river is in full runoff at this time, but if the forecasted cooler weather moves in the river should be in good shape this weekend .The water will be high and a bit off-color but the fishing will be good. We checked it out Sunday the 18th and again Monday, and saw a few rising fish coming to Baetis and caddis. While we can’t guarantee water conditions, we know we will be there fishing and so should you! The water above Nez Perce Creek may be best due to this tributary bringing in some cooler, turbid water.

Look for emergences of Baetis and Pale Morning Dun Mayflies along with a couple caddis and midges too. Patterns like White Miller Soft Hackles and White X Caddis along with PMD Sparkle Duns and Baetis Sparkle Duns are a must. Wet fly anglers can expect great action with Royal Coachmans, the old standby for this river, as well as soft hackle beadhead patterns. For taking some truly large browns try the are below Midway Geyser Basin with peacock wooly buggers and Clouser Foxy Minnows.

The rest of Yellowstone rivers and streams will be in runoff condition for the following few weeks and most lakes in the park are still froze over. Heck, the snow was over the second floor at the cabins in Grant but has melted down to the roofs!

Henry’s Lake opens this weekend. It was still frozen over the 18th of May but the ice will be off this Saturday. Be there if you want to take a few very large cutt-bow hybrids. Flies like our leeches, Sheep Creeks, and Hard Chargers will bring some very large fish to the net this weekend.

Hebgen, Cliff and Wade Lakes are fishing great now too. This is the time of year, when the ice comes off, the larger trout are always taken. They have all fished well this past week. The ice is just now coming off Hebgen, a full 10 days later than “normal”, whatever that is now! We all like peacock buggers, Hard Chargers, Sparrows and Sheep Creek Specials on these lakes. For Cliff, and on the north shore of Hebgen Lake since they arrived on this lake the last 2 years, crayfish imitations will take some very large trout. Midges are at least a week away but we have been tying some Hebgen and Twinkle Midges and getting ready for spring midging!

We are optimistic the Henry’s Fork should fish well in and downstream of Box Canyon. The river here is open TO the RxR Ranch, it remains closed IN the ranch stretch until June 15th. The river will be bank full and hatches of March Browns, Baetis and caddis might come off and bring trout to the surface.

The Madison River below Hebgen Dam is clear and fishing well for the ¼ mile upstream of Cabin Creek. This stretch is open year around and receives a lot of fishing pressure this time of year due to clear water. It is mostly a nymphing proposition with Zebra Midges, PT’s, etc.

The Madison below Earthquake Lake has fished very well since it opened last Saturday. The West Fork is rolling along looking more like a chocolate milk shake so you will want to fish the opposite bank downstream of it, to Windy Point where the West Fork’s influence finally takes over the entire river and makes it turbid downstream.

The river above the West Fork will fish well for the next few days before the muddy waters of Cabin and Beaver Creeks make their way completely through Quake Lake causing the river to become turbid below. We have had great dry fly fishing around Raynold’s and $3.00 Bridge. March Browns, Baetis and midges are emerging and a few Brachycentrus caddis (Mother’s Day Caddis) are beginning to show now too. The fish are looking up, but the nymphing angler and those who enjoy streamer fishing are doing fine now too. The fish have had a long winter and are eager to feed on a wide assortment of flies. Drop by, or call for current information and check out our new Madison River fly patterns we have tied for you this year!

13 May 2008

For the next several weeks, area stream conditions will make things interesting. Due to our cool-wet spring following a huge snow year we are left with a lot of snow to melt! Rivers like the Madison have not come up yet, but this week the dam keeper has announced he will bump the river's flow up at least 20%; this coupled with projected warmer temps mean we will see the river's flow reach over 1000 cfs near the West Fork. This flow is pretty "normal" for this time of the year, but it will get much higher in the following weeks, maybe as high as 3500 or even a little higher so be prepared to fish nymphs and streamers.

When the river opens this Saturday, May 17th, anglers can expect slight off-color water with average flows. I still expect to see some rising trout coming to Baetis and March Brown mayflies along with scattered midge emergences too.

The ice is beginning to leave the shoreline of Hebgen and Quake Lakes and we feel there will be some fishing, from shore, on these lakes along with Cliff and Wade Lakes too.

The Yellowstone Park general fishing season opens May 24th this year. We look for the Firehole to be high and slightly off-color then and flow so for the following week or two. We are hoping for dry fly fishing sometime late the first week of the season during Baetis and Pale Morning Dun times, maybe an evening caddis too but this is very optimistic on our part! There is tons of high country snow to come down so it will be best to check with us before making the drive into Yellowstone. On a side note, there have been up to 7 grizzlies along the river, and the bison calves are roaring around in the meadows so it is a great wildlife time too in Yellowstone Park.

This spring has seen wonderful dry fly fishing on most of our area waters, with perfect weather and water conditions to bring on some heavy mayfly and midge emergences. You might want to check out our email newsletter, if you're not already a subscriber, which gives an angling journal, more fishing information, stream conditions, hatch information, new products, fly patterns and much, much more. Simply sign up in the box above and have a look! You will enjoy the photographs too!

Stay tuned for more fishing news...

 

"You should have been here last week!"

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2007 Fishing Reports

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2006 Fishing Reports

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