It was one of the more enjoyable Memorial Day Weekends, bucking the traditional weather pattern of wet and cold, the weather was warm and the bugs were out. This weekend looks to bring some nasty weather. The water is much needed, and keep in mind the early season mayflies like to show up when the weather gets mean. If you forget your jacket or just want one that doesn’t leak, we have some pretty sweet options.
In the Caldera
Box Canyon – IP Reservoir 594 cfs
Fish and game will be finishing up the first stage of their electrofishing in the Box. The recapture runs will occur Tuesday June 2nd and Wednesday June 3rd. It could be a good weekend to sneak in between runs as the non-electric fishing has been sparse. There are still some salmonflies around, but if the forecast is accurate don’t expect to see many this weekend. The big bug has a way of burning itself in the Trout amygdala, so keep them in your box and don’t be scared to tie one on. The forecast is great for typical nymph / streamer fare.
Last Chance
Not in it’s prime just yet, but each day shows more promise. The flows out of IP reservoir have been increased so the habitat is much more appealing that it was a few weeks ago. Caddis (Mother’s Day and Small black MFers) and March Browns have been relatively abundant, and I would suspect BWO’s and PMDs will be in the mix this weekend. The Chamber of Commerce fish at the Log Jam are still there and getting finickier with every cast.
The Ranch
Fishing will open on June 15th. As always TroutHunter will be hosting our annual Ranch Opener party on June 14th. Friends of Harriman State Park will be hosting the Pig Roast with raffles, auctions and Tail Hooked Whitey providing the musical entertainment. We are currently selling tickets in the shop. It’s always a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make some new ones and get ready for the best day of the year.
Cardiac Canyon
Hatchery Ford and the Slide are still fishing well with Salmonflies, but like the rest of the river this is waning. Golden stones will pick up the slack for a little while and caddis can keep the rod bent, but have an alternate (subsurface) plan as well. Rubberlegs, big and small beads, leeches and streamers.
In the Valley
Warm River to Ashton
Don’t give up on the big bugs just yet. They still bring some fish to the surface, but the activity has slowed. The best days have been had with a mix of tactics: dry flies, droppers, indicators, streamers. Pick your poison and go for it. If that doesn’t work try a different poison.
Ora to St Anthony Ashton Dam: 1250 cfs Fall River: 1190 cfs St. Anthony: 1170 cfs
The fish just can’t forget about the Salmonflies, but look to Golden Stones for more productive fishing if you feel the need to go big or keep the action fast with a bead dropper. However, PMD’s and Caddis having been providing great opportunities for the grown ups, no droppers necessary. Like every where hatches are ahead of shcedule so keep your Drakes and Flavs handy.
Across the Divide
The Madison
The Madison outside the Park has been a solid option. The temporary bear safety closure in the Ghost Village area has been closed but I would not head in there with out your bear spray. Look for fish eating BWO’s and Caddis. There are not adult Salmonflies as of this report, but after you get that Bear Spray throw in some rubberlegs.
Yellowstone
More Bears and parts of the Firehole are closed as a result. Look for PMD’s, BWO’s and Caddis on the Madison and Firehole. We haven’t been there too much this season so swing by one of the many fine shops in West and get the intel and stock up on some TroutHunter Leaders and Tippet.
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