BY JOHN CAMPBELL
Welp, school is quickly approaching, and it’s about time for me to head back to the classroom. It’s always a bittersweet feeling, but I’m not going too far and am looking forward to seeing the kids. This will most likely be my last report for the summer, but I’m sure Todd will keep y’all up to date on what’s happening around these parts in the coming weeks and months.
We’ve had a very welcome cool down and the weather looks quite nice for the coming week to ten days here on the caldera with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid to upper 40s. Be prepared for afternoon showers and storms and keep a hoody handy. I had to turn on the heater in the house this morning – mornings are chilly. Flows from IP dam have remained at about 1000 cfs all week and, after a bit of turbidity early this week, the river is in good shape. We are seeing more floating weeds in Harriman State Park, but it’s not too bad right now. I expect flows to begin decreasing in the coming week(s); let’s just hope it happens in manageable increments and not a sudden plug. Drawdown of the reservoir is happening quickly as natural inflow is far less than irrigation demand outflow. Henry’s Lake sits at 96% full and IP Res is at 51%. I’m putting some faith in management so we have another good winter flow in store for us as we are under last year’s and historical average of pool.
Not much has changed around here on the fishing front since the last report. Some good and some bad.
Box Canyon (1010 cfs out of IP dam, add another 200 below the Buffalo River) – This week’s “turbidity event” put the fishing off a touch in the Box, but she’s still one of the more reliable runs of water in the area. The Golden Stone bite has remained consistent on top. Other than that, it’s the usual flies and streamers. Have small Perdigons, Bullet Quills, Zebra Midges, Rubberlegs, PTs, etc. Things should pick back up now that water is clear again. I’d have Hoppers and Grey Drake Spinners coming out of the Box and into Last Chance.
Last Chance and Harriman – Sure wish I could tell you that fishing really picked up with the flow reduction and cooler weather, but I can’t. Anglers are still finding bugs and fish up to a degree from The Islands downstream to Pinehaven, but it certainly hasn’t been consistently lights out. There have been good pockets of PMDs, Callibaetis, and Tricos, but the windows of rising trout have been small if at all. The upper Ranch and here in Last Chance have been downright poor, and it’s getting a bit concerning. I’m not a scientist, not reactionary, but plain and simple… something ain’t right around here. Opinions and theories are wide and varied, but the fact remains that we are not seeing hatches and not much at all in the way of rising trout here in Last Chance.. The Canal Gang saw one decent fish rise once Thursday morning. I’ve been out pretty religiously behind the shop the last ten days, mornings and evenings, clouds and sun, hot and cool, and haven’t seen anything consistent. Nada. Zip. Zilch. That said, and fingers crossed, I‘ll keep beating the paths hoping I run into some bugs and fish. Have all stages of PMDs, Callibaetis, Tricos, and Caddis. Have a good selection of Rusty Spinners and Grey Drake Spinners in various sizes. Have your Terrestrials handy. There are tons of Hoppers clicking right now. One thing’s for certain, fishing will pick up when I leave next weekend, so be ready then…. 🙂
A Quick Update: Friday saw good fishing throughout the Ranch and Pinehaven. We had good clouds and muggy conditions that set off PMDs and Callibaetis and fish were keyed up. We did have a quick window of good PMDs out back behind the shop and a few heads up, but it was short-lived. We’ve had a good rain this morning (Saturday) and it sure feels buggy out there, so I’m hoping for more solid reports from today. I took a quick walk before work this morning but didn’t find much as a North wind was still blowing pretty good; never a good recipe on the upper stretch. Alas, maybe we’ve turned a corner. I will add some updates this week in the comments section of this report if things pick up.
Warm River – Another great option for fishing during the summer sweats. Run those Hoppers and other Terrestrials in tandem or fish a dry-dropper set up. Standard fare on nymphs and beadheads and streamers. Guide reports continue to be positive from this stretch of river.
Below Ashton (1820 cfs below Ashton, 1030 cfs at St Anthony) – A slight increase in flow down here, but it’s still not the best option right now. Fish early if you must and have the Terrestrial box loaded and ready. Be ready to spend the time and effort into reviving caught fish and “keep em wet”. You could have some good fishing early as afternoon temperatures moderate into the low 80s off of the hill.
Madison River (about 965 cfs out of Hebgen, 1070 at Cameron) – Between the lakes and down to Lyons Bridge remain a good bet for wading anglers. You can find fish rising to PMDs, Caddis, and Epeorous mayflies as well as Terrestrials. Hopper-dropper rigs will produce for you down into the float stretch. Smaller Chubby flies and Ants should definitely be in the boxes.
***Many Montana rivers are closed or are under “Hoot Owl” restrictions, so please make sure to check locally before heading out.***
Henry’s Lake – Get out there early, and focus on the springs and creek mouths with the usual array of lake flies. Fish ‘em slow. We had a trip or two up there last week with moderate success early, but it shut down after lunch. This cool stretch of weather should help a bit with that, but even then, expect things to slow down when the sun gets higher.
Hebgen Lake – Another great bet for your angling adventures. Gulpers are still gulping and hatches remain strong. Some of the shop boys and guides have been spending more time up on Hebgen with good success and fun fishing for cruising sippers. Have all stages of Callibaetis, have Terrestrials, and have some Caddis. Dropping Turkey Tails, PTs, and Chironomids can up your catch rate if the fish aren’t cooperating up top. Josh was out this morning in cruddy conditions and found a few fish gulping but had his best luck slow-stripping a Junior Mint pattern.
Yellowstone NP – The Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon remain closed indefinitely due to high water temperatures. “Hoot Owl” restrictions remain in effect on several stretches of waters, so no fishing from 2pm until the following morning:
-Slough Creek and Soda Butte Creek (in their entirety)
-The Gardner River from Osprey Falls downstream to the park boundary
-The Yellowstone River from Tower Junction downstream/north to the park boundary
-The Snake River from Forest Creek to the southern park boundary
-The Lamar River from Cache Creek to the confluence with The Yellowstone River.
Check at the gate on your way in for any additional changes and restrictions.
The Gallatin and Yellowstone remain good bets for some fun dry fly fishing. Expect to see PMDs, Caddis, Green Drake Spinners, and Golden Stones. A variety of Chubbies should get it done as well. Yellowstone Lake is a good bet right looking for cutties cruising for Callibaetis spinners. High Country lakes and creeks, both in and out of the park, are great options during the summer doldrums. I’ve spent a couple of afternoons recently on some small water around here with the 3-weight and have had a blast.
Stop in and say hello. We’ve got select boots and waders and rod and reel combos on sale. We are here from 7am to 8pm daily. Here is a useful link for flow info and water clarity if you haven’t already bookmarked it. Have a great week and Cheers! I’ll see ya around in the coming months on weekends, and if I don’t, see you next year.
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