It’s a hot one up here on the caldera! Temps in the low 90s will continue through the weekend and then look to be more seasonal down the road. The best fishing will be early and late depending on the stretch of water you’re standing in. Please make sure to handle fish carefully and spend the time reviving if necessary. Flows are high out of IP dam, but clarity remains quite good. Flows came up to 1600 cfs early in the week and should remain there for the next ten days to two weeks (don’t hold me to that, I’ve given up trying to predict what’s coming in that regard). Soooooo…. what does that mean for fishing?
Box Canyon (1630 cfs out of IP dam, add another 200 below the Buffalo River) – She’s cranking, but has been fishing pretty well despite the high water. There are still good numbers of Golden Stones and Gray Drakes for surface fishing, but as always, the nymph game has been most productive. Have Perdigons, Daggers, CDC Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges and small Rubberlegs. I wouldn’t hesitate to dead-drift and twitch some small streamers when the sun is off of the water. Be careful rowing and floating, and for Pete’s sake, put life jackets on the little ones – saw some crazy things over the weekend of the fourth.
Last Chance and Harriman – It’s been pretty tough going with the release of water this week, but things seem to have settled down, and the last couple of mornings have been pretty good in The Ranch, especially Middle Ranch and down. I’ve been out the last few evenings just here behind the shop and have had sparse targets on the banks, and last night was pretty quiet of bugs as well. Best fishing has been from 7:30ish to noonish and the last hour or so before dark. The lineup: Flavs and Flav Spinners #14-16, Gray Drakes and Gray Drake Spinners #10-12, PMDs #16-20, Caddis #16-20, Rusty Spinners (my absolute go-to this time of year) #14-20, and Ants and Beetles. There are still a few rogue Green Drakes and have heard rumblings of some Tricos and Callibaetis (which seems early, but the way things have been most of the summer, I’m not shocked). On the positive, crowds have really thinned out, so if the bugs and fish are cooperating, you’ll have a good stretch all to yourself.
Warm River – Always a good bet this time of year as temperatures start to climb. We’ve had several trips running this stretch with good success using dry-dropper rigs. Try a Golden Stone or Chubby or even a Hopper up top and standard smaller beads underneath. Double-nymph set-ups will work just fine, too. Also have your PMDs, Caddis, and a variety of small attractor dry fly patterns.
Below Ashton (2510 cfs below Ashton, 1220 cfs at St Anthony) – She’s hanging on by a thread below Ashton. Water temperatures are starting to get iffy. Best fishing has been during early morning spinner falls and running Hoppers and Golden Stones. There are better options to fish this time of year, particularly in the coming weeks.
Madison River (about 1140 cfs out of Hebgen, 1570 at Cameron) – The upper Madison from Hebgen to Ennis is open to fishing. The lower Madison below Ennis Lake is under “Hoot Owl” restrictions (no fishing between 2pm and midnight). You may still find a stray Salmonfly around, but the hatch is mostly done. Have Golden Stones, Caddis, and PMDs, and Rusty Spinners. Standard fare on nymphs and bead heads. If you’re heading up to Montana, make sure to check for any closures or restrictions particularly around the lower ends of many watersheds.
Henry’s Lake – It’s getting to be time to target the creek mouths and springs. Have an assortment of Leeches, Scuds, Chironomids, Renegades, and Damsels. Keep an eye on the wind and stay safe.
Hebgen Lake – The Gulpers are doing their thing. Have all stages of Callibaetis in the quiver. There are Tricos, Caddis, Damsels, and Terrestrials as well. Targeting the gulpers is about as much fun as you can have with a fly rod.
Yellowstone NP – This is THE time of year for angling in the park. The Gallatin is in great shape. The Yellowstone is dropping. The Northeast Corner is prime. You’ll need Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Caddis, PMDs, and Gray Drakes in the boxes to tackle these waters. Yellowstone Lake and the high country lakes and creeks are a solid bet this time of year as well. It’s no secret that you’ll lose 80% of the crowds by simply walking for a bit. Don’t forget your bear spray.
Stop in and say hello. We are here from 7am to 8pm daily. We are in the process of revamping some of the website. Here is a useful link for flow info and water clarity if you haven’t already bookmarked it. Stay cool out there wherever you are.
-Campbell
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