General Info

October 18, 2007

This will be sadly the last report for the season. The majority of anglers have been heading to the Madison in Yellowstone Park for the fall run 'bows and browns and have been catching decent numbers of fish in the 15 to 19 inch range with few in the 20 inch range. These fall run fish seem to be running late this season, a result of this being a low water year. Numbers of fish being caught is increasing weekly with over 900 fish now having passed through the fish weir at Baker's Hole. It's still hit or miss at this point and definitely nothing to brag about. The most important thing you can do is change your technique. If the one you are employing isn't working, sticking to one method only will surely lead to dissappointment. At some point as November approaches, instinct will over come conditions and numbers of fish will increase significantly.

The Madison - Yellowstone Park

October 18, 2007

Streamers have accounted for some decent fish on darker days as have big soft hackles. Nymphing is still the better choice on bright sunny days. Make sure that your fly ticks the gravel for more rod bending action using AB non-toxic shot if necessary. This technique will work much better from Baker's Hole to the Barnes where as Soft Hackles will be more effective from the confluence on down to the 9 mile hole, where a soft hackle will ride above the weed beds. Keep your leaders and tippet heavy: 1X or 2x is necessary to prevent losing flies and more importantly fish that will give you bragging rights. These increasingly aggressive browns and 'bows ARE NOT tippet shy.

Soft Hackles: Partridge and Orange 8, Arrick's Crystal Soft Hackle 10 and 12 in rust, orange and olive, Soft Hackle Prince 6 Nymphs:Bitch Creek 4, Rubber Legs 4, B.H. Prince Nymph 6 Streamers:U.V. Polar Bugger 4 and 6, Peacock Bugger 4, Olive Crystal Bugger 4, J.J. Bugger 4-6, Zonker 2-4

The Firehole

October 18, 2007

BWO's and Midges have been hatching in sizezable numbers on the Firehole each day, but expect to see both hatch in droves on cloudy/snowy days. Swinging soft hackles has been more effective than dries especially between and prior to hatches. The fishing on the Firehole will only get better closer to the season ending. This is a prime destination for the angler looking for low pressure angling and a few hours of easy and willing trout. Longer leaders and smaller tippet (12 feet 5x) are necessary for dries and soft hackles on these educated fish.

Soft Hackles:Pheasant Tails in 14 and16, Patridge and Orange, Patridge and Peacock in 16 Dries:BWO Sparkle Duns and BWO Parachutes in 20 and 22 Droppers:Beerhead Baetis 20, Black Zebra Midge 18

The Gallatin

October 18, 2007

Nymphing will be the most productive way to fish the deeper the deeper runs and pools but BWO's and Midges will still provide some dry fly opportunites at times. Small peacock buggers and olive wooly buggers will also work well when swung into pools or quickly stripped along deeper undercut banks. Soft hackles are also a very effective method of fishing the typical riffle-pool-riffle-pool configuration found on the Gallatin. Use the same flies as listed for the Firehole, however keep your point fly when nymphing small: a size 10 B.H. Prince or Rubberlegs is ideal.

The Madison below Quake

October 18, 2007

Very small baetis nymphs and zebra midges have been the hot ticket on the Madison with hatches of BWO's and midges now in the 20's range. When fishing small BWO or Midge dries it's much easier to use a highly visible point fly such as a Hi-Viz Parachute and trail the smaller fly by no more than 12-16 inches and 5x 12 foot leaders and tippet when necessary. If it's the "Big Boys" you're after streamer fishing is your best option right now but don't hesitate to use heavy leaders and tippet. 2x is not too heavy as these fish are not leader shy. Use the same dries as listed for the Firehole and the same streamers as for the Madison in the Park and you'll do just fine.

General Info

September 20, 2007

With fall weather now settling in all major hatches are now finished, however be sure to have both BWO's in 20's and 22's and midges in 18's through 22's with you at all times. To assist in seeing these tiny dries Arrick's Hi-Viz patterns should be your number one choice. Should cool/cloudy or rainy/snowy conditions move in expect to see both come off in droves. Bright sunny days have made for pleasant fishing but are preventing the fall run of 'bows and browns from really getting on the move. Terrestrials are now the dominant bugs fish are keying on with flying ants accounting for the majority of fish caught on top. Trout become wary of hoppers more so than other terrestrials, a beetle ant combo should be your go to combo when fishing on top. Cooler mornings mean that you can get a later start with the exception of the Firehole which is still really a morning fishery only - afternoon temps are still almost 70 degrees F.

The Gallatin

September 20, 2007

Hot is the most accurate description on one of the most overlooked rivers in Yellowstone and Montana. As cold running as the Gallatin is this time of year there's no need to get on the water before 10 a.m. Most days see very few anglers and lots of willing 'bows, whitefish and cutbows, expect to have entire stretches to yourself - what more could an angler ask for? Soft Hackles work well swung into pools from the riffles that precede each one. Nymphing is still generally the most productive method, but small bright streamers are also a good bet when dead drifted or actively stripped. Don't neglect terrestrials in the afternoons with small droppers for best results.

Baetis:BWO Parachute Hi Viz 20-22, CDC Biot BWO 18-22, Hackle Wing BWO 20-22, BWO Sparkle Dun 18-22 Midges:Parachute Adams 18-22, Griffith's Gnat 18-20, Mosquito 18-20 , Olive Gulper Special 18-20 Nymphs:Double Bead Princes 12-16, Double Bead Olive or Peacock 12, B.H. Olive Hare's Ear 12-14 B.H. Droppers:Zebra Midge red or black 18, V-Rib B.H. Chironomid olive or black 18, Beerhead Baetis 18-20, BWO Trigger Nymph 20 Soft Hackles:Pheasant Tail's 14-16, All Purpose Olive or Black 14, Peacock and Partridge 16

The Madison (Yellowstone Park)

September 20, 2007

Early and late are the most productive times of the day for the anglers that are catching the few browns that are making their yearly migration up stream. Time to break out the "Big and Uglies" and 2x tippet. Too many anglers are fishing the upper stretches of the Madison close to the confluence because of it's easy access, but should be working the stretch from Baker's Hole to Beaver Meadows for the best rod bending action. If nymphing, make sure your flies are ticking the bottom during the brightest hours of the day as fish hug tightly to the gravel during these times.

Soft Hackles:Crystal Soft Hackle red, orange or olive 10-12, Corona w/Lime 12, Partidge and Orange 12, Soft Hackled Prince 6 Worms:Atomic Worms pink or red size 6 Streamers:Baker's Hole Bugger in yellow 4-8, Platte River 2-6, Yellow Zonker 2-4, Rainbow T and A Bunker size 4

The Firehole

September 20, 2007

Soft Hackles have accounted for their fair share of fish for the anglers using them. While we still recommend fishing the Firehole in the morning hours only, this is a prime destination for both the seasoned pro and the beginner alike. Expect the cooler weather forecast for next week to bring on the hatches of BWO's (that have been very sparse so far) to really get the fish turned on. During the early evening hours Oecetis caddis have been seen fluttering about with fish targeting them heavily. Swinging small Peacock and Partridge soft hackles is particularly effective prior to caddis hatches. During late afternoons, terrestrials - flying ants in particular have been working extremely well. Longer lighter leaders are more effective on the Firehole than earlier in the season think 12 foot 5x.

Soft Hackles:Pheasant Tails 16, Peacock and Patridge 16, Partridge and Orange 16, BWO Soft Emerger 18-20 Baetis:BWO Parachute Hi Viz 20-22, BWO Sparkle Dun 18-22, Hackle Wing BWO 20-22, CDC Biot BWO 20-22, Tilt-Wing BWO 20 Ants:Cinnamon, Black or Cinnamon and Black Parachutes or Flying Ants in 12-18's Beadhead Droppers:Beerhead Baetis 18-20, BWO Trigger Nymph 20, Angel Case BWO 18-20 Caddis:Arricks' Foam Tan Caddis 16, Tan Para-Slick Caddis 16

The Gardner

September 20, 2007

Hopper droppers combos are still the most reliable on the Gardner, but attractors have also been very effective for the resident brookies and bows. A few of the larger browns have moved into the Gardner and might be suckered with a weighted soft hackle or streamer swung through the right pool. BWO's will hatch in better numbers with the proper conditions and make the Gardner definitely worth your while.

Soft Hackles:B.H. Pheasant Tails 8-10, Crystal Soft Hackle 10-12, Soft Hackle Prince 6 Streamers:Platte River 2-6, Yellow Cross-Eyed Zonker 2-4, J.J. Bugger 4-6, Yellow Yummy 4-6

Soda Butte/Lamar/Slough

September 20, 2007

Some of the best fishing in Yellowstone is found on these three rivers right now but expect to rub elbows in the better stretches, a result of warm sunny weather and no rain. Cloudy cool days will bring about better hatches of BWO's and Drakes. Small Baetis and BWO's have been hatching on Soda Butte along with scattered drake hatches. Prospecting with a drake pattern will surely induce a rise in likely spots, but attractors and terrestrials are equally effective with beadhead droppers. Midges and 6X are necessary on Slough. These cutts have seen it all, don't expect a second glance with hoppers.

Baetis:BWO Parachute Hi Viz 20-22, BWO Almost Dun 20, BWO Tilt-Wing 20, BWO Sparkle Dun 20-22 Drakes:Flav Wulff, Green Para Drake 12 Midges:Parachute Adams 18-22, Olive Gulper Special 18-20, Mosquito 18-20 Terrestrials:Arrick's Ice Beetle 12-18, Parachute and Flying Ant in Cinnamon or Black 12-18

The Madison (Below Quake)

September 20, 2007

Dry fly fishing has been pretty limited on the Madison, but BWO's are hatching (and they're tiny 20-22) just not in sizeable numbers. Terrestrials continue to keep fish feeding on top with flying ants dominating by far, but fish are hopper wary by now. Beetle and ants are the best choice of these three. Fishing very small droppers off the point fly will yield better results than fish dries blindly.

Baetis:BWO Parachute Hi Viz 20-22, BWO Sparkle Dun 18-22, Hackle Wing BWO 20-22 Beadheads:Beerhead Baetis 18-20, Angel Case BWO 18-20, Black Copper John 18-20 Ants:Parachute and Flying Ants 12-18, in black or cinnamon

General Info

August 24, 2007

The hot, dry weather has subsided recently with cold nights and rain having at last arrived. This has allowed Park officials to lift the restrictions in place since July. However, despite these changes, the Firehole is still very warm - 75 degrees F. in the afternoons and fishing it is not recommended until well after Labor Day, there are lots of better options until these fish are no longer stressed by such warm water temps. More importantly, the flows on the Madison are now less than 800 c.f.s. and combined with cold nights, has improved the fishing clearly. Major hatches have declined rapidly making terrestrials the most important bugs to have in your box for the angler fishing dries. Flying Ants have been seen on the Madison in big numbers but also on several major rivers in the Park. Flying Ant patterns should be your first choice for dries. Fish are rising to dries more readily than in previous weeks, a result of cooler water temps. and more consistent flows on the Madison below Quake. However, when fishing dries you will need the longest drift possible, making your presentation really count.

The Gallatin

August 24, 2007

Spruce Moths, PMD's and Caddis are becoming more scarce with each passing week but are still being reported on the water. This makes terrestrials the first choice in dries with Royal Wulffs, Trudes, Humpies and Stimulators a close second. Dropping beadhead nymphs off your dry is even more effective than fishing a two dry combo. Recent rains have washed in silt from both Fan Creek and the Taylor Fork, but at this time the Gallatin has cleared up nicely and fishing quite well. On bright sunny afternoons keep your ant, beetle or hopper tight to an undercut bank to entice larger fish to your offering.

Caddis: CDC Elk Hair 16-18, Iris Caddis 16-18, Etha-Wing Caddis 16 and X2 Caddis 16-18 Hoppers: Stimpson's Klod Hopper 8-10, Grand Hopper and Carnage Hopper 10-14 Beetles/Ants: Arricks Ice Beetle 12-14, Flying Ants 14-18 in Cinnamon or Cinnamon and Black Attractors: Stimulators 16-18, Parachute Royal Wulffs 14-18, Para Humpies 14-16 and PMX Royal 16

Soda Butte/Slough/Lamar

August 24, 2007

When clear enough the Lamar and Soda Butte have been fishing very well, recent rains have thrown both off kilter. PMD's, Baetis and terrestrials are by far the most important and common bugs on the water and should be your go-to flies. Keep your eyes peeled for the first Fall Green Drakes (Timpanoga hecuba), they hatch very sparsely but cutts will feed on them to the exclusion of anything else. Fall BWO's are also making their first appearance of the year on cloudy cooler days, but terrestrials are more effective than anything else on the water.

Having not seen many anglers for over a month, Slough Creek will now fish very well using smaller terrestrials, attractors and midges when necessary. An important point is if you can see the fish you are casting to, they can also see you. Remember to use longer leaders and tippet: 5-6X and keep a low profile when necessary. Avoid walking the high banks spooking fish. Expect to fish midges in the morning hours and hoppers, ants or beetle combos in the afternoons.

Baetis: Hi-Viz PMD, Extended Body and Parawulff PMD 18, Almost Dun BWO and Soft Emerger BWO 16-20, Baetis Paracripple 16-18
Green Drakes: Flav Wulff, Green Para Drake size 12
Hoppers: 3D Hopper size 10, Parachute Hopper 10-14 Tan, Yellow or Olive, Stimpson's Klodhopper 8-10 and Marshmallow Hoppers 8-12
Attractors: Stimulators 16-18, Parachute Royal Wulffs 16-18, Lime and Royal PMX's 16-18, Humpies 16-18
Ants: Flying Ants 14-18 in black or cinnamon, Sparkle Cinnamon Ant 14-16, and Parachute Ants 14-18 black and cinnamon
Midges: Parachute Adams 18-22, Black Midge 22, Mosquito and Griffith's Gnat 18-20

The Gardner

August 24, 2007

One of the best places to take beginning anglers and kids for feisty brook trout is the Gardner above Sheep Eater Cliffs, however now that the restrictions have been lifted other easy access points like the 45th parallel bridge offer good afternoon fishing particularly with terrestrials and beadheads as a dropper. Most of these fish are small requiring a rod no heavier than a 4 wt. General attractor patterns will also work well for these scrappy fighters.

Hoppers:Rainy's Grand Hopper 10-14, Carnage Hopper 10-14, Marshmallow Hoppers 8-12
Beetles/Ants:Arrick's Ice Beetle 12-18, Flying and Parachute Ants 14-18 Cinnamon, black
Beadheads:Yellow SuperFlash 16, Lite Brite Prince 14-16, Zebra Midges 14-18 black or red, Beerhead Baetis 16-18
Attractors:Para Humpies 14-16 yellow and chartreuse, Peacock Stimulator 12, Para Madam X in yellow and lime 12-14

The Madison (Below Quake)

August 24, 2007

The fish in the Madison been responding well to the more even flows on the Madison in the past week. With water being released at no more than 800 c.f.s. the stabilized flows have resulted in fish returning to and holding in their usual haunts. It often pays to offer the fish something a bit different when conditions are challenging as they've been the last several weeks. When nymphing, using two small beadheads in tandem is often more effective than standard size 6 rubber legs with a dropper. Terrestrials are still the best choice for the dry fly angler, especially flying ants, however due to our unusually dry summer, hoppers are somewhat smaller than normal. Small hopper patterns (14's) have frequently been outproducing larger ones. Ants have been seen in enormous numbers both on the Madison (particularly the Slide) and on every major river in Yellowstone Park.

Beetles/Ants:Arrick's Ice Beetle 10-16, Flying Ants in Cinnamon or Black 14-18, Foam Ants in cinnamon or black 12-16 Hoppers:Marshmallow Hoppers 8-12, Parachute Hoppers in olive, tan or yellow 10-14, Rainy's Grand Hopper 12-14 Attractors:Peacock Stimulator 12, Royal Wulff 10-16, Royal Trude 12-16, Para Humpies 14-16 lime, chartreuse and yellow

Hebgen Lake

August 24, 2007

While the numbers of Callibaetis are not what they were earlier this month, they are still plentiful enough to keep the gulpers gulping. On cooler mornings, fishing won't get going until well after 9:00 a.m. Gulpers become notoriously picky about presentation when fishing dries, 5x is now standard and 6X may be necessary at times. Long leaders are needed - no less than 12 feet. Gulpers have also been seen feeding on spinners heavily so make sure to have a few size 16 and 18 spinner patterns in your box. Don't let the wind end your fishing day, by switching over to sinktips or clear intermediate lines (1.5 inch/sec) sink rate pulling small Pheasant Tail or Callibaetis nymphs along the edges of weedbeds will definitely improve your hook up rate. If you only have a floating line hanging an Ice Cream Cone or Arrick's V-Rib Chironomied under an indicator is another effective technique.

Callibaetis Dries: Gray Hackle Wing 16, Quigley's Cripple 16-18, CDC Callibaetis 16-18, Callibaetis Sparkle Dun 16-18 Spinners: Organza Spinner 16-18 Nymphs: Rickards Callibaetis Nymph 14-16, Raccoon 14-16 Chironomids: Ice Cream Cone 12-16, Arrick's V-Rib Chironomid 14-18 in olive, black or red

Yellowstone To Lift Mandatory Fishing Restrictions

August 6, 2007

Cooler temperatures will allow Yellowstone National Park officials to lift mandatory fishing restrictions from all of the park’s rivers and creeks, effective at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 22. Biologists will continue to evaluate conditions and reinstate restrictions if necessary.

Mandatory fishing restrictions have been in place on many of Yellowstone’s rivers and streams since July 21, when low water flows, coupled with unusually high air temperatures, resulted in high afternoon water temperatures of 70-80 degrees. Water temperatures this high can be stressful and even fatal for trout. Angler cooperation with fishing restrictions has helped protect the park fisheries. Changes to the fishing restrictions will be communicated in future news releases and posted on the park’s Web site at: http://www.nps.gov/yell/parknews/newsreleases.htm.

A Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit is required to fish in the park. Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to purchase a $15 three-day permit, a $20 seven-day permit or a $35 season permit. Anglers 15 and younger may fish without a permit if they are fishing under the direct supervision of an adult who has a valid park fishing permit, or may obtain a free permit that must be signed by a responsible adult; with this permit, a child can fish without direct adult supervision.

Fishing permits are available at all ranger stations, visitor centers, and Yellowstone Park General Stores. Fishing permits are also available at many businesses in the Greater Yellowstone Area. No state fishing license is required in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone fishing information and regulations may also be found on the park’s Web site at: http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishdates.htm.

- www.nps.gov/yell -