Fishing Report

EXERCISE CAUTION AND  BE SAFE OUT THERE.

WE ARE STILL IN SPRING RUN OFF. RIVERS AND CREEKS ARE HIGHER AND FLOWING FASTER THAN WE’VE SEEN IN AWHILE. THERE HAVE BEEN DROWNINGS FROM PEOPLE TRYING TO CROSS CREEKS AND RIVERS IN MONTANA SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL.

Montana

Madison River

The flow out of Hebgen is 1890 cfs and at Kirby it is 2420 cfs. The water below Quake Lake is off color, but still very fishable. Larger darker nymphs and bead head droppers that are pearlescent are doing well. Remember when the water is up it puts the fish near the banks so there is no need to wade. Fish the edges!

Streamers are getting some big browns at Raynold’s and 3$ Bridge. Black and olive Sex Dungeons are producing the most action right now.

Gallatin River

This river is still pretty high, the cooler weather has slowed down the run off so the flow did come down some. Taylor’s Fork is still dirty, so try fishing up in the park above it. Black Rubber Legs #6, #8, and Red San Juan Worms, and dark streamers are good choices for the Gallatin right now.

Hebgen Lake

The lake is 98% full and the level came up fast. The cooler weather stopped the callibaetis. Next week looks warmer and so the callibaetis will start up again. Black and Gold Buggers have been picking up a few, but over all fishing is a bit slow right now in Hebgen, so take advantage of the other waters and enjoy what they have to offer for awhile.

Yellowstone Park

Firehole River

The past four days we have seen good BWO hatches in the afternoons and the fish have been looking up. Give #18 Parachute BWO and #18 RS2 Emergers a try when you’re out there. When the weather warms up this weekend look for more caddis, especially tan #16 and White Millers #16. Don’t forget that the soft hackles are always a good option. This year Peacock and Partridge #12, #14, and UV Green Crystal Soft Hackles are the best.

Madison River

In the late afternoons the BWO’s are hatching and we’re seeing some caddis as well. When the fish rise to the BWO’s it’s more gentle and smooth, but when the fish rise to the caddis it’s more splashy and quick. You’ll also see Salmonflies! Yes, they’re still around.