With the exception of the Firehole, all of the rivers in our area, and most notably the Madison below Quake are in excellent shape for August and have been fishing very well. Caddis hatches have been very heavy on all of our rivers, while the Madison still has some Salmonflies lingering from Lyons Bridge to the Hebgen Dam. The Northeast corner of Yellowstone has finally cleared with Slough Creek having come into shape about two weeks ago, followed by Soda Butte and most recently the Lamar. If you're planning on heading in that direction leave early as there are plenty of anglers on these rivers.

Strong hatches of Caddis have made for some of the best dry fly action on the Madison in the last three weeks. Salmonflies are still hatching but in greatly reduced numbers, don't expect too much with Salmonfly dries as the fish have gorged on nymphs and adults heavily. Goldenstones and caddis have really come on strong, but caddis are definitely the predominant hatch. Emergers like the Iris caddis have been producing numbers of fish when trailed behind an Elk Hair or X2 caddis. Nymphing will still be the most productive method of probing deeper water during the midday hours. Spruce moths have made their yearly appearance in the last week also on both the Madison and Gallatin rivers. A tan size 16 Elk Hair Caddis is a suitable match.

Dries: Elk Hair's, X2 and Iris Caddis 14-16 in tan, brown and olive

Droppers: Super Pupa, Emergent Sparkle Pupa and Primetime Pupa 14-16

The Gallatin is our top pick for fishing close to West Yellowstone(25-30 min. drive) and definitely receives less fishing pressure than the Madison or the N.E. corner of Yellowstone Park. PMD's have been hatching heavily even on bright sunny days on the Gallatin River, however expect very heavy hatches of PMD's if conditions are right (cloudy, rainy or both). Carry a few Green Drake patterns in your box also. Caddisflies and Spruce Moths have also been hatching in numbers on the Gallatin in the afternoos and evenings.

PMD's: Hackle Wing, Sparkle Dun and Comparadun 14-18

Caddis: E.H., X2 and Iris Caddis 14-18

Spruce Moths: E.H. Caddis 14-16 in tan

Slough Creek cleared nicely three weeks ago and has seen strong hatches of Gray Drakes and PMD's. If you are planning a trip to the First Meadow of Slough be sure to take a head net and some industrial strength bug dope as the biting flies and mosquito's have been especially vicious this year. The long awaited Lamar river has finally cleared as has Soda Butte. Ifyou're planning on the N.E. corner leave very early and check the weather the day before, the Lamar River and rain are not conducive to productive fishing.

PMD's: Sparkle Duns, Comparaduns and Parachute PMD's 14-16

Gray Drake's: Carnage Gray Drake, Gray Drake Wulffs 12-14, Gray Drake Parachute 10-14

Despite slower fishing during the bright and warm hours of the day, Henry's Lake continues to produce heavy fish and numbers of them. Early and late are best. One of the big surprises on Henry's Lake this year has been the numbers of Brook trout caught. Many brookies over three pounds have been reported. A Type III WetCel sinking line the number one choice for Henry's but a Clear Intermediate or Type II Uniform sinking line will also be effective, just allow more time for your fly to sink. If a floating line is all that you have, try fishing an Ice Cream Cone below an indicator, this has worked well in the evenings for Brook trout in particular.

Buggers: Peacock, Seal and Christmas Trees 6-10

Chironomids: Ice Cream Cones, V-Rib and Holographic B.H.'s 12-16

Nymphs: Mity Mouse, Halfbacks and Rickards Stillwaters

The Gulper season on Hebgen Lake has finally started with the first Callibaetis mayflies making their seasonal appearance. Small flying ants have also been seen on Hebgen giving some additional opportunities for fry fly anglers. Keep your leaders long and light with dries - 12 foot and 5X. However the most consistent fishing on Hebgen has been anglers using bugger patterns on sinking lines - Uniform Type II or a Clear Intermediate.

Callibaetis Dries: Parachute, Sparkle Dun and Tilt-Wing 14-16

Buggers: Christmas Trees, Black & Gold Buggers and Seal Buggers 6-10