InsideSeam - Shop eReports

Yellowstone River

Well last nights rains apparently dirtied up the river a little bit up high. Probably will be fishable, but there will be a plug of mud running down as of Saturday. We have had several trips out on the river this week, a couple times we had some great days from like Pine to Carters, the town down to 89 stuff I have heard has been really hit or miss, mostly miss. Things up higher have been pretty darn good up top, floated Point of Rocks down to Emigrant and had consistent action on dries, not too shabby. Time wise right now, things have been consistent pretty much all day long, from the early mornings, through the afternoons and right on into the evenings. Streamers and nymphs are working well in the mornings, hatch activity is pretty much non existent except for a few of the midnight goldenstones here and there, and a few tricos way down low. As the afternoon progresses, hopper activity has steadily progressed through the day, fish are looking up at Chubby's and Grand Hoppers as well as the old standbys like a Dave's or Whit's. Evenings are decent if there is any hatch activity left over, maybe a few caddis here and there but not much, it's time for streamers and nymphs again for the evening stretches typically. Had a 26+ inch brown landed by a client on the Yellowstone over the weekend, will post the pics, check it out when we do.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Ugly Bug Brown, Golden, & Black: 6-8-10 Mega Prince: 6-8-10 CH Bow River Bugger Olive & Black: 2-4-6 Silvey's Sculpin Olive, Tan & Black: 2 Chubby Golden: 6-8-10-12 PMX Lime, Black, Red & Peacock: 10-12-14 Chubby Orange: 10-12 Twisted Baby Yellow and Red: 14-16 Twisted Baby Purple: 14-16 Twisted Baby Tan & Chartreuse: 14-16 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Lightning Bug Gold: 12-14-16 Chubby Hopper: 6-8-10 AttractAnt: 16 Fat Head Beetle: 16 Hopper Popper: 6-10 Grand Hopper: 8-10-12-14-16

Upper Madison

Fishing is a little all over the place depending on the weather - nice days grab your hoppers and ants, crummy days grab your streamers and nymphs and there are even a few baetis. They are finally running a little more water down the Upper, right now today it's around 950, so it's not as if that's going to mean a whole lot for floating, but fish will have a little more water to hold in in some places, which is always a good thing. Different stretches have been fishing (and floating) quite differently. Had good reports on some hopper fishing up higher around Lyons to Mac, the stuff down near town has been really hit or miss, some good days, some terrible days, guess that's pretty typical for August in Montana after the summer we have had. River remains in good shape, up high around 3 Dollar and Slide wade fishing has been productive with caddis larvae and mayfly nymphs of sorts, not much hatch activity though. Between the lakes has been good and consistent, as always, red is the ticket (I think I've said this before...) So for the weekend, hopefully the river levels will stay steady.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Ugly Bug Brown, Yellow & Black: 6-8-10 BH FB PT: 14-16-18 Brokeback Goldenstone: 6-8-10 Firey Juan: 10 Electric Caddis Olive: 14-16 Gummy Stone Golden: 6 Copper John Black & Red: 16-18-20 Silvey's Sculpin Tan & Olive: 2 Eyez Wide Open Tan & Olive: 2 Bow River Bugger Olive & Black: 2 PMX Red, Yellow, Black & Lime: 10-12-14 Twisted Sister & Babies (Purple & Chart): 10-12-14-16 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Brokeback Sally: 14-16 Grand Hopper: 6-8-10 Chubby Hopper: 6-8-10 Foam Flying Ant Cinnamon & Black: 16-18 Hi Vis Beetle: 14-16 Hairy Sculpin Brown & Light Olive: 2-4

Lower Madison

Closures Have Been Lifted in Beartrap Canyon, River Still Closed at 2pm to Midnight from Warm Springs Downstream.
Still not interested much in fishing this yet, especially with the onstream report from my buddies the other day. It was really slow, a few fish up on hoppers, but mostly it was a weed fest, tumble weeds in the middle of the river on the exposed weed beds, low flows, face it - water isn't exactly cold either down from Warm Springs. Not my first recommendation for floating, in fact just about the last thing I would recommend floating. But fishing in the mornings has been decent, according to reports Beartrap has been fishing pretty well now, I would imagine you can get a few fish to look up for grasshoppers. My first inclination on this right now would be to head up into beartrap fish the deeper heavier runs with more oxygen in them, fish streamers in the mornings, fish nymphs throughout the day, and try some hoppers in the afternoons, and don't forget your crayfish... Still not ready to send trips out on this, it just looks like crap right now, hopefully the fishing will pick up, have an onstream report for you for the weekend tomorrow at some point.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Stinger Sculpin Olive & Tan: 2 Cone-nan The Barbarian: 2 Silvey's Sculpin Olive & Tan: 2 BH FB PT: 16-18-20 Copper Bead Mayfly: 16-18-20 Grand Hopper: 6-8-10 Hi-Vis Gorilla: 6-8-10 Stalcups Hopper: 6-8 Clousers Crayfish Tan & Brown: 8-10 Deaddrift Crayfish: 4

www.theriversedge.com

8/29 The fishing restrictions on the Lower Madison have finally changed a little bit. The river is now open all day from Ennis lake down to the Warm Springs boat ramp and still closed from 2 PM until midnight from Warm Springs downstream. This means that those willing to hike up into Bear Trap canyon can fish all day but most float trips still need to be finished by 2. The folks out there are typically finding slow fishing until the water and air temps rise to a compfortable level. Find Decent nymphing, however, moss in all water columns will cause snags often. Reliable dry fishing at times on ants, beetles, caddis and tiny general attractors. Some streamer fishing, keep it small though....the water is very low and clear so fishing the banks is out unless you can slide small patterns in the crannies and go unnoticed doing so. Most of the eager fish have been those small, scrappy bow's and browns but a few larger fish are in there. Have fun if you go out, fish responsibly and remember that this section of river was \"out of the question\" two weeks ago before cooler nightime temperatures this past week. The fish are certainly still getting adjusted and need to be handled (if at all) with care.

Recommended Fly Patterns
Nymphs:
Prince nymph,Black copper john,Zebra midge,Olive/coffee rubberlegs,DB Hares ear stone,San Juan worm,

Streamers:
Clouser crayfish, big horn bugger, JJ special, brown bugger, zirdle,zonkers.

Dries: cigarette fly
griffiths gnat, red butt midge,h&l variant,royal wullf,Hot butt caddis, parachute adams.

Lower Madison River Flows
Below Ennis Lake:
Average Flow: 1520 cfs
Current Flow: 1140 cfs

Upper Madison update from Slide Inn:

861 CFS

PPL raised the river up to 861 cfs yesterday-- which is about normal for this time of year-- but it should not be enough of an increase to truly disrupt the fishing. With temperatures getting down into the high 30's/ low 40's a night, its safe to say that we have probably seen the last of the summer pulsings, as the PPL hopes to fill up a very drained Hebgen Lake for next July. In other news, of the fishing sort, we are starting to move out of the mid-August transitonary phases as the Baetis have made their presence officially known. #18-20 olive Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, brown/olive Bubble back emergers, and other small BWO nymphs have been especially productive during the a.m. to early afternoon hours, with the hatch coming off at around 9:00 in the morning. We have also seen a pretty stellar Crane Fly emergence (think #16's) at about the same time, and have been doing well on larger midge patterns underneath the surface as a result. A few epeorus are around, but they should be heading south any day now. Mid day hopper fishing has been more hit and miss more than anything--some days you'll have 40+ fish come to the fly and on others you'll be lucky to see 10; however, a patient and persistant soul will often be rewarded. This year we have taken the majority of our fish on #12 grand hoppers, #10 carnage hoppers, and #10 Stream Bank hoppers. Dropping a sunk BWO spinner, ant, or beetle behind one of the above, has also been effective. Streamer fishing has also been very good-- be it early, mid-day, or in the evening. The T&A Bunker has been ripping it up on the brighter days, and black, as well as olive sex dungeons should be flat-out illegal under all dark conditions.

As always, don't forget to swing by the shop and say hello-- we can't say no to fish stories.

Montana Troutfitters

Yellowstone River:

The Yellowstone has reportedly been a tad bit off color from some accounts, I fished it on Saturday, and drove over it again on the way home around Livingston and it was in fine shape - it has a bit of color to it, sort of green, but is plenty fishable. Fishing wise right now, things have been good pretty much all day long, from the early mornings, through the afternoons and right on into the evenings. Streamers and nymphs are working well in the mornings, hatch activity is pretty much non existent except for a few of the midnight goldenstones here and there, and a few tricos way down low. As the afternoon progresses, hopper activity has steadily progressed through the day, fish are looking up at Chubby's and Grand Hoppers as well as the old standbys like a Dave's or Whit's. Evenings are decent if there is any hatch activity left over, maybe a few caddis here and there but not much, it's time for streamers and nymphs again for the evening stretches typically.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Ugly Bug Brown, Golden, & Black: 6-8-10 Mega Prince: 6-8-10 CH Bow River Bugger Olive & Black: 2-4-6 Silvey's Sculpin Olive, Tan & Black: 2 Chubby Golden: 6-8-10-12 PMX Lime, Black, Red & Peacock: 10-12-14 Chubby Orange: 10-12 Twisted Baby Yellow and Red: 14-16 Twisted Baby Purple: 14-16 Twisted Baby Tan & Chartreuse: 14-16 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Lightning Bug Gold: 12-14-16 Chubby Hopper: 6-8-10 AttractAnt: 16 Fat Head Beetle: 16 Hopper Popper: 6-10 Grand Hopper: 8-10-12-14-16
Last Updated: 8/26/07

Lower Madison:

Still on closures, seeing a lot more people on the water, haven't made any trips out here myself though - heard that fishing has been really marginal and we certainly aren't running trips on it yet. Flows are extremely low still, just because the water is cool, doesn't make it good fishing conditions - bright and sunny and low, not ideal. That is why the restrictions remain in effect still. Fishing wise, I have no clue - see the countless reports in which I explain that I don't fish this again until September at the earliest in drought years. Still wouldn't be my first choice of rivers in the area to fish, but really early in the morning you might be able to go out and snag a few fish in between moss mats... Wait and see, when they lift closures I might give this a thought - still won't send my trips out on this... The river is still low, and the fish aren't going to be very healthy yet at this point.

CLOSED FROM 2PM TO MIDNIGHT

Fly pattern suggestions:
Take a metal detector and a huge musky net and play Find the Empty Beer Can Stash! First one to 100lbs of cans wins, BLM pays the prize winnings, call them for details.
Last Updated: 8/26/07

Gallatin:

It's Sunday and as I update this, the river remains in good fishable condition, fished earlier in the week at Shed's and it was decent, a few fish up right before dark on caddis, but for the most part it was nymphing. Fishing activity wise, it's hoppers down in the valley below Axtell in the afternoons, attractors up in the canyon in the afternoons, plenty of fish on buggers and stoneflies, dropper rigs have been the most effective lately all day long. Hatch wise, caddis only, a few tricos actually here or there, but nothing I would bother concentrating on too heavily. Plan on having a lot of nymphs along with you in the morning till it warms up a bit, then blast some hoppers around. Fished at Williams last Saturday morning, was fun, fishing was decent, caught fish on sculpins, nymphs, and my dad was all over the fish in the nooks with a hopper. Spruce moths are done, don't bother with those anymore at this point, concentrate on nymphing with caddis larvae, it's whats in the river at this point!

Fly pattern suggestions:
BHFBPT: 12-14-16 Little Bit Of E: 12-14 San Juan Worm Red & Brown: 10 Mega Prince: 6-8 Mega Pheasant Tail: 6-8 Mr Rubberlegs Hares Ear: 6-8-10Tungsten Golden Lab: 6-8 Yummy Gummy Golden: 8-10 Mangy Caddis Olive & Brown: 14-16 Mangy Pooper: 12-14 Yellow Rubberleg Stimulator: 8-10-12 Birkenstock Special Olive & PT: 12-14-16 PMX Peacock, Royal and Lime: 10-12-14-16 Elk Hair Caddis Tan & Olive: 12-14-16 CDC Elk Caddis: 14-16 X Caddis Olive: 14-16 Ripcord Caddis Tan: 14
Last Updated: 8/26/07

Yellowstone NP:

Sounds as if restrictions have been evaluated and contrary to rumors, they acted and lifted the closures as of the 22nd. Surprised? I sure am, and it's a really nice surprise, so now it's time for afternoons and weekends into the park to fish the NE corner. So with the nice cooler evenings water temps are easing back to fishable levels and fish are active, there was some substantial rains in the park on Friday, and things are just starting to clear up. Come late August and September this is one of the best places around to go and pitch ants and beetles as well as hoppers and attractors. Don't wait any longer to see on how things shape up, just plan on there being some decent terrestrial fishing on all of the typical stuff. The Gallatin in the park has been fishing well again, a sometimes forgotten place the Gallatin inside the park (off the beaten path up higher) fishes pretty well and the terrestrial fishing in August can be a really good time, to get away from people, hike away from the road a ways, it works wonders...

Park Licenses Available for Sale
Park License Pricing for '07: 3 Day License - $15 7 Day License - $20 Annual License - $35
Last Updated: 8/26/07

www.slideinn.com

August 25th, 2007

785 CFS

Although the Madison continues to run a little skinnier than normal, the flows have been constant for more than two weeks now-- the longest streak we have seen in...who knows how long. With temperatures getting down into the high 30's/ low 40's a night, its safe to say that we have probably seen the last of the summer pulsings, as the PPL hopes to fill up a very drained Hebgen Lake for next July. In other news, of the fishing sort, we are starting to move out of the mid-August transitonary phases as the Baetis have made their presence officially known. #18-20 olive Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, brown/olive Bubble back emergers, and other small BWO nymphs have been especially productive during the a.m. to early afternoon hours, with the hatch coming off at around 9:00 in the morning. We have also seen a pretty stellar Crane Fly emergence (think #16's) at about the same time, and have been doing well on larger midge patterns underneath the surface as a result. A few epeorus are around, but they should be heading south any day now. Mid day hopper fishing has been more hit and miss more than anything--some days you'll have 40+ fish come to the fly and on others you'll be lucky to see 10; however, a patient and persistant soul will often be rewarded. This year we have taken the majority of our fish on #12 grand hoppers, #10 carnage hoppers, and #10 Stream Bank hoppers. Dropping a sunk BWO spinner, ant, or beetle behind one of the above, has also been effective. Streamer fishing has also been very good-- be it early, mid-day, or in the evening. The T&A Bunker has been ripping it up on the brighter days, and black, as well as olive sex dungeons should be flat-out illegal under all dark conditions.

As always, don't forget to swing by the shop and say hello-- we can't say no to fish stories.

From The River's:

Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
8/21/07 Fishing on the Upper Madison has been productive if you are willing to take the time to change flies often. The flows have dropped again so be take that into consideration on your next trip out. Hoppers have been the ticket in the heat of the day but it's probably not going to carry you from the put in to the take out. As always, try to spot the small seams and tiny shelves; fish, clear in the middle of the river will hold in the tiniest nooks and crannies...and they are often large. Bugger-Bead combinations and twin-nymph set-ups can carry the day if you are willing to adjust the amount of weight on your rig. Think about small, beadless patterns for your second fly as the fish will often only accept a perfect imitation. Stop in or give us a ring if you are heading out & Have fun out there!

Recommended Fly Patterns
Nymphs:
Brown/yellow rubberlegs, Black/Orange Crystal Rubberleg, S.H. Hares Ear, Red Copper John, Flashback Pheasant Tail.

Streamers:
Olive and White Zonker, Kiwi Mudler,
Black Bugger, Silveys sculpin leech.

Dries:
PMX Yellow #10, Parachute Caddis, Grand Hopper Tan, Stalcup Hopper Tan and Yellow, CDC Yellow Sally, Spruce Moth, and Ants.

Upper Madison River Flows
Kirby Ranch:
Average Flow: 1060 cfs
Current Flow: 882 cfs

Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
8/21 The Yellowstone is now open down to the mouth of the Stillwater. With this in mind start thinking about fishing with hoppers and large attactor patterns when the wind starts to pick up and blow these terrestrials into the river. Otherwise the bugger-bead combo will be a productive approach if the surface activity is not producing. Streamer fishing has had it's moments so keep the box handy. Rainstorms have changed the water clarity on occasion so be open to fish a number of places before you go. GIVE US A CALL OR STOP BY FOR A MORE UP TO DATE REPORT!

Recommended Fly Patterns
Streamers:
Girdle Bug, Zirdle, Zonkers, JJ Special, Yuk Bug, Crown Jewel, Buggers,
Silvey's sculpin, Bighorn Bugger.

Dries:
Yellow PMX, Parachute Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl Black, JC Special Gray, Royal Wulff #10, Grand Hopper

Nymphs:
Rubberlegs Olive/Brown, Rubberlegs Rusty Olive, Diamond Soft Hackle, Superflash Pheasant Tail, SH Hares Ear, Lightning Bug, SH Copper John, hungarian caddis.

Yellowstone River Flows
Corwin Springs:
Average Flow: 2780cfs
Current Flow: 1610 cfs
More on the Web
Livingston:
Average Flow: 3300 cfs
Current Flow: 1790 cfs

Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
8/21/07 - Gallatin - You can still entice risers to caddis, pmd's and general attractors. The flow is low and clear so you will probably have to downsize your offerings to #14's, 16's and 18's. Beads will be the hot ticket and we mostly recommend soft hackles, small princes and pheasant tail patterns. Blue, Red, Copper, Peacock and standard brown seem to grab attention best. If you are not dead-set on dry fishing you can pull off the twin nymph setup in the deeper runs. Due to the low flows, you should find pods of eager fish in the deeper sections of river. If you are making the trek above the taylors fork in Southern Montana and YNP you'll find very low, clear water in the meadows. Dry only and dry-dropper setups work best, be sure to keep your flies small and your presentations accurate. Trailer flies should be closer than normal to the lead fly as flows are similar to small creek fishing. Have fun and get out and enjoy some good fishing.

Recommended Fly Patterns
Nymphs:
Explosion Stone Purple, Olive/Brown Rubberlegs, SH Copper John Red and Blue, Superflash Pheasant Tail, and prince nymph.

Streamers:
Kiwi Muddler,JJ Special, Girdle Bug,Woolhead Sculpin.

Dries:
Elk Hair Caddis Tan, Limeade, Twisted Sister Purple, Spruce Moth, Yellow PMX, JC Special Pheasant Tail.

Gallatin River Flows
Gallatin Gateway:
Average Flow: 564 cfs
Current Flow: 490 cfs

Via TroutHunter:

August 13, 2007
by Rick Smith

Box Canyon: The "Box" continues to fish well. Streamers, both stripped and dead drifted, have probably taken the largest fish over the past week or so but, small (sizes 16 and 18) beadhead nymphs have produced their share of both large and small fish. Fishing a couple of small beadheads under an indicator will probably get you more fish but a well fished streamer will usually get you the biggest fish. Streamer patterns that have worked well include olive Zonkers, olive and white Double Bunnies, olive Slump Busters, and LE Olive/Black Marabou Leeches. Flows in the "Box" are presently at 996 cfs which is a little below normal for this time of year.

Last Chance/Railroad Ranch: The "Ranch" continues to be somewhat predictable in an unpredictable way. The hatches of tricos, Callibaetis, PMDs and ants have been fairly predictable. In what section of this stretch of water the fish are active has not been so predictable. One day we will have good reports from say the "Gravel Pit" area and the next day it will not produce. But, on that day, the lower end of "Millionaire's Pool" and the top end of the "Third Channel" will be on. You just have to be prepared to check with the shops and do some walking in order to find that spot that is going to produce on any given day. Oh yea! Did I mention being lucky?

Riverside to Ashton: The upper portion of this section of the river continues to fish very well with both dry flies and nymphs. This past week I sent a group of visiting fishermen to both the upper Mesa Falls and the Hatchery Ford areas and they returned with praise for both areas not only for the numbers of fish they caught but also for the solitude they found. As I have reported in the past this is a beautiful section of the river to fish and a great place to find some solitude. Also, the Warm River to Ashton section of this portion of the river continues to produce very well. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers are all producing fish.

Ashton to Saint Anthony: We need shorter days and cooler nights to wake up this portion of the river.

Other Area Waters: Warm River: For the angler who enjoys fishing small water with short, light line, rods for smaller rainbows and little brookies this is a great place to fish. From its headwaters to its confluence with the Henry's Fork this is a wonderful little piece of water that is a real joy to fish. Just grab a handful of little attractor dry flies and have at it.

Madison River (Montana): Although fishing has slowed down a bit on the Maddy it is still producing some good fishing. The key to success at this time of year on the Madison is to show up prepared to fish dries, nymphs and streamers.
--
Rick Smith
TroutHunter
trouthunt.com
208.558.9900

www.slideinn.com

785 CFS

The Madison is officially low...again... so let's hope that they don't drop it too much more. In other news, we have two words for you...FLYING ANTS. Thousands of flying ants crawled out of the ground around the slide area Monday night, and some of our guests wrecked house on Ant Acids up on Quake Lake. So make sure you have a few in your box before heading out to the river today, because if the flying ant bite is on there's not too much that can top it. In addition to ants, Green bodied beetles, red attractors, and small tan hoppers continue to be the top terrestrial producers during afternoons on the river. There were a few Epeorus spinners on the water last night, along with some small caddis and midges, and the fish were actually rising steadily to them from about 8:30-9:15 last night (at Raynolds Pass at least). Nymphs are also taking some nice fish off the bottom-- small brown hare's ears, #16-18 green caddis pupa, three dollar dips,#14-16 princes, and shop vacs being some of the better staples in our boxes over the last few days.

Troutfitters:

Yellowstone river:

The good news came through this week, it's hopper time on the Stone now baby!!! Restrictions have been lifted on the entire stretch from Gardiner to 89 and my father fished it the first day it was open yesterday and said that it was good in the afternoon on hoppers straight through till they took off. So now you can start to rethink your floats on the Yellowstone, no need to be on the water at 5am now, in fact I would bet that the action in the afternoons and evenings is pretty good since those fish haven't seen a darn fly past 2 in nearly a month. It's mostly the stuff you would think of that's working - hopper/dropper combos, ants have been fishing well, I will be religously throwing hopper patterns in the afternoons now, because I'm thoroughly convinced that it will be good terrestrial fishing for the next month or so. Streamer fishing in the mornings can be decent too, water temps have dropped quite substantially over the past few weeks, but we really would advise against floating down low - it's still quite hot between 89 and Big Timber - do the fish a favor and float where the restrictions have been lifted.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Ugly Bug Brown, Golden, & Black: 6-8-10 Mega Prince: 6-8-10 CH Bow River Bugger Olive & Black: 2-4-6 Silvey's Sculpin Olive, Tan & Black: 2 Chubby Golden: 6-8-10-12 PMX Lime, Black, Red & Peacock: 10-12-14 Chubby Orange: 10-12 Twisted Baby Yellow and Red: 14-16 Twisted Baby Purple: 14-16 Twisted Baby Tan & Chartreuse: 14-16 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Lightning Bug Gold: 12-14-16 Chubby Hopper: 6-8-10 AttractAnt: 16 Fat Head Beetle: 16 Hopper Popper: 6-10 Grand Hopper: 8-10-12-14-16 Little Bit of E: 16
Last Updated: 8/15/07

Gallatin:

The Gallatin has been clear now for a while and things have been fishing well. Consistent is the name of the game, caddis in the evenings and that's pretty much it for hatch activity right now. There aren't really many tricos or PMD's to speak of on this river and the spruce moths are pretty much done for now. Been fishing this south of Williams Bridge up in the canyon and in the flat meadow stretch up above Big Sky towards the Park. Throughout the canyon it's been an attractor dry fly affair - stimulators and PMX's with nymph droppers. Outside of the canyon down lower it's mostly caddis and up high towards the Park it's terrestrials and attractor dry flies. For whatever reason I have never done well on grasshoppers in the canyon, but once it gets meadowy up higher hoppers and ants work pretty well. Whitefish tournaments are always fun too, get a few buddies together, get some of the flashiest, gaudiest nymphs and fish the slower water to nymph up whities, the winner has to buy dinner.

Fly pattern suggestions:
BHFBPT: 12-14-16 Little Bit Of E: 12-14 San Juan Worm Red & Brown: 10 Mega Prince: 6-8 Mega Pheasant Tail: 6-8 Mr Rubberlegs Hares Ear: 6-8-10Tungsten Golden Lab: 6-8 Yummy Gummy Golden: 8-10 Mangy Caddis Olive & Brown: 14-16 Mangy Pooper: 12-14 Yellow Rubberleg Stimulator: 8-10-12 Birkenstock Special Olive & PT: 12-14-16 PMX Peacock, Royal and Lime: 10-12-14-16 Elk Hair Caddis Tan & Olive: 12-14-16 CDC Elk Caddis: 14-16 X Caddis Olive: 14-16 Ripcord Caddis Tan: 14
Last Updated: 8/15/07

Upper Madison:

The flows have continued to drop, it's around 914CFS now, down low around town there isn't much water for the fish to be in, so the deep runs and holes are stacked with big fish, has some good fishing on Wednesday and Friday last week, and trips out this week did well but were heading up a bit higher with the dropping flows. Cameron flats is a bit#* again, don't take a drift boat through it if you can help it. But fishing continues to plug right along. The Bow River dropper nymph combo was really effective again, the Little Bit of E was absolutely killer on Friday. Hopper action in the afternoons has been good as well, the chubby hopper has been deadly on top - too many guides think that the golden version is the only one that works, we know the secret, the hopper version gets em... The upper stretches around 3 Dollar are fishing decent, and now that should all be easily wadeable, the whole river is pretty wadeable at just over 900CFS and dropping. On that note stuff's pretty shallow down past 8 mile right now, might not want to be taking a hard bottom boat that you care about down there.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Ugly Bug Brown, Yellow & Black: 6-8-10 BH FB PT: 14-16-18 Brokeback Goldenstone: 6-8-10 Firey Juan: 10 Electric Caddis Olive: 14-16 Gummy Stone Golden: 6 Copper John Black & Red: 16-18-20 Silvey's Sculpin Tan & Olive: 2 Eyez Wide Open Tan & Olive: 2 Bow River Bugger Olive & Black: 2 PMX Red, Yellow, Black & Lime: 10-12-14 Twisted Sister & Babies (Purple & Chart): 10-12-14-16 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Brokeback Sally: 14-16 Grand Hopper: 6-8-10 Chubby Hopper: 6-8-10 Foam Flying Ant Cinnamon & Black: 16-18 Hi Vis Beetle: 14-16 Hairy Sculpin Brown & Light Olive: 2-4
Last Updated: 8/15/07

Spring Creeks:

Nothing really new to report on. Trico spinners, that's the ticket at least out on Milesnicks. Fortunately this is a hatch you don't have to be up at the crack of dawn for. Right around 11 or noon it gets pretty nuts. With the rain again last night and rivers a tad bit off color, the creeks might be a good option. The FFF Conclave is done in Livingston as well so you have a better chance of finding an open rod on the creeks. Pretty much the same story still on the creeks although afternoons are getting better with cooler temps, making the terrestrial fishing with ants, beetles and hoppers quite a bit more productive. Right now hatch wise it's mostly PMD's - spinners, duns and emergers and of course tricos. As we continue into August with winds drying out the grass and blowing insects on the water, small ant beetle and hopper patterns are becoming a bit more effective. The terrestrial fishing will pick up into mid to late August and through the early part of September usually. Just got in some excellent Rene Harrop CDC Ant patterns, perfect for the fish on the spring creeks, stop by and check em out.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Real Meals Black & Olive: 16-18 Scuds Olive, Tan, and Grey: 16-18 Ray Charles Grey and Tan: 16-18 Pheasant Tail: 16-18 Mini Juans: 16-18 Wilcox's Little PT: 16-18 Bow River Bugger Black & Olive: 6-8 Black Pheasant Tail: 16-18-20 PMD Emerger: 18-20 Cripple PMD: 16-18-20 Real Thing PMD: 16-18-20 Tailwater Tiny Brown: 18-20 Hogans Sipper PMD: 18-20 Pheasant Tail: 20 Hat Creek PMD: 18-20 PMD CDC Spinner: 18-20 AttractAnt: 16 Fat Head Beetle: 16 Grand Hopper: 14-16 Foam Flying Ant Cinnamon: 18\
Last Updated: 8/15/07

Yellowstone NP:

Yellowstone Park officials have NOW issued mandatory fishing closures from 2pm to 5am on many of the major fisheries in the Park including the Firehole, Gibbon and Madison, Slough, Soda Butte and Lamar and the Yellowstone. For complete listings give us a call.

Things are getting quite a bit cooler in the park with cold nights. The fishing has been picking up accordingly. Park officials told me yesterday on the phone that they were meeting to evaluate the closure situation, keep your fingers crossed that they lift a few, Soda Butte, Slough and Lamar are in good shape. So with the nice cooler evenings water temps are easing back to fishable levels and fish are active, things should be good for the weekend barring any rains in the park. Come late August and September this is one of the best places around to go and pitch ants and beetles as well as hoppers and attractors. Closures are still in place, although with cooler evenings in the park, it would be nice if they started lifting a few of them... Wait and see on how things shape up, but plan on there being some decent terrestrial fishing on all of the typical stuff. The Gallatin in the park isn't on restrictions and it has been fishing well again, a sometimes forgotten place the Gallatin inside the park fishes pretty well and the terrestrial fishing in August can be a really good time. Consider making a weekender and heading down and checking out the northeast corner.
Park Licenses Available for Sale
Park License Pricing for '07: 3 Day License - $15 7 Day License - $20 Annual License - $35
Last Updated: 8/15/07

Missouri:

Reports are again that things continue to be pretty tough up on the Missouri right now. The word continues to be, tough and a bit weedy. The one nice report coming through is that there is some decent hopper and terrestrial action on the Missouri in the afternoons if you can stand the smoke. Along with the tougher fishing you have some tough fishing conditions, smoke, wind and warm afternoons. Fishing is definitely better in the mornings when the tricos are going, that's going to be the best bet on top, but really they haven't been spectacular according to what we've been hearing. If the wind dies down a bit and some cloud cover hangs around, the fishing can be decent. The other thing you have to contend with is some moss, it's getting bad. Plan on mostly nymphing this right now, it's been pretty tough up on top, but decent below the surface, now isn't the time to be learning this river - go with someone that knows what they are doing, or be prepared to smell like skunk...

Fly pattern suggestions:
San Juan Worm Brown & Red: 10 WD 40 Red and Grey: 18-20 Disco Midge: 18-20 Zebra Midge: 18-20 Scud Pink and Grey: 18 Pheasant Tail: 18-20 Ray Charles Grey and Pink: 18 Wilcox's Little Green Machine PT: 16-18-20 Bloom's Para Caddis Tan: 14-16 PMD's (Cripples, Emergers, Duns): 18-20 Tailwater Tiny Brown: 18-20-22 Hogans Military Nymph Brown: 18-20 The Brokeback Flymph PMD: 18-20 Bloom's Sedge Hammer Ginger and Brown/Olive: 16-18 Lawson's Spent Partridge Tan & Peacock: 16-18 CDC Trico Spinner: 18-20-22 Trico Emerger: 20-22-24
Last Updated: 8/15/07

Big Hole:

Fishing has dropped off some in the last few weeks according to some reports, and has stayed steady according to others. The spruce moths have tapered off, only a few left around and not worth concentrating on. Tricos in the mornings, but not as many and fishing getting tougher. Flows are coming down more, getting too low to be floating in a drift boat anymore, hanging around the 140 level, but evenings have been downright cold. Fly wise right now, it's going to be mostly nymphing and hoppers if you go, but from the sounds of the reports, it may not exactly be the best place in the area to be on right now, I would probably head to the Ruby or Beaverhead instead.

Fly pattern suggestions:
CH JJ's: 2-4-6 Silvey's Sculpin Tan, Black & Olive: 2 Delektable CDC Baby: 14-16-18 Lightning Bug: 14-16 Pheasant Tail: 14-16 Chubby Golden: 6-8-10 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Rusty Spinner: 14-16 PMX Peacock, Yellow, Red: 14-16-18 Headlight Sally: 14-16 Yellow Stimulator: 12-14-16 CDC Elk Hair Caddis: 12-14-16 PMD's (assorted duns, and spinners): 16-18-20 Trico Spinner CDC: 18-20 Para Trico: 16-18-20 CDC Trico Emerger: 18-20 Sunken Trico: 20-22
Last Updated: 8/15/07

www.slideinn.com

Well...They dropped it again. Now runinng 870 cfs out of the dam, which is actually normal for this time of year, we'll see if the PPL will break they current record of six days of consistent flows. In other news, we have two words for you...FLYING ANTS. Thousands of flying ants crawled out of the ground around the slide area last night, and some of our guests wrecked house on Ant Acids up on Quake Lake. So make sure you have a few in your box before heading out to the river today, because if the flying ant bite is on there's not too much that can top it. In addition to ants, Green bodied beetles, red attractors, and small tan hoppers continue to be the top terrestrial producers during afternoons on the river. There were a few Epeorus spinners on the water last night, along with some small caddis and midges, and the fish were actually rising steadily to them from about 8:30-9:15 last night (at Raynolds Pass at least). Nymphs are also taking some nice fish off the bottom-- small brown hare's ears, #16-18 green caddis pupa, three dollar dips,#14-16 princes, and shop vacs being some of the better staples in our boxes over the last few days.

From The River's Edge:

Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
8/14 The Yellowstone has finally opened upstream of highway 89, but remains closed after 2pm below 89. With this in mind start thinking about fishing these upper stretches with hoppers and large attactor patterns when the wind starts to pick up and blow these terrestrials into the river. Otherwise the bugger-bead combo will be a productive approach if the surface activity isn't producing. Streamer fishing has had it's moments so keep the box handy. Rainstorms have changed the water clarity on occasion so be open to fish a number of places before you go. GIVE US A CALL OR STOP BY FOR A MORE UP TO DATE REPORT!

Recommended Fly Patterns
Streamers:
Girdle Bug, Zirdle, Zonkers, JJ Special, Yuk Bug, Crown Jewel, Buggers,
Silvey's sculpin, Bighorn Bugger.

Dries:
Yellow PMX, Parachute Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl Black, JC Special Gray, Royal Wulff #10, Grand Hopper

Nymphs:
Rubberlegs Olive/Brown, Rubberlegs Rusty Olive, Diamond Soft Hackle, Superflash Pheasant Tail, SH Hares Ear, Lightning Bug, SH Copper John, hungarian caddis.

Yellowstone River Flows
Corwin Springs:
Average Flow: 3040cfs
Current Flow: 1540cfs

Upper Madison report from www.slideinn.com

The river seems to have stabalized at 996 cfs-- at least for the time being. Although many have said that this morning was slow, A.M. fishing has been the most consistent, with PMDs, caddis, and tricos being the most predominant insects on the water. During a float from Lyons to Ruby, we couldn't buy a fish on top until we switched to terrestrials around 1:30 in the afternoon; however, they were taking small bubble back PTs, #16 green caddis pupa, and #18-#20 midge patterns underneath. That being said, we had our best luck on Royal PMXs and red-bodied terrestrial patterns during the heat of the day, while running prince nymphs 24 in. below them (go figure...). Ant patterns have also been bringing some nice fish to the surface, such as Nyman's red butt ant, and Kelly's Ant Acid. Over the last week, our Greek friend Aeolus has been making evenings difficult for dry fly fishermen of the Madison-- Steady winds have been blowing spinners off the water, and anglers back to their cars. In such cases, it would be wise to head to more protected stomping grounds of the river such as the Pine Butte/ West Fork ares, and hope for calmer seas. Streamer fishing continues to hold its own throughout the river pulsing-- Black Sex Dungeons, black and olive circus peanuts, T&A Bunkers, and yellow fat heads have been at the top of our list this week.

Troutfitters Friday Reports:

Yellowstone:

As of Friday, things are in good shape, the river is clear through the entire stretch now, and with that nice little bit of rain and mud that came through, we are seeing water temps at their coolest in a long time, it's about time that FWP starts looking at lifting closures on this river as things aren't getting above 70 at Livingston. Hopefully that will stay, but what has been happening is that fishing is staying pretty consistent right up until you have to quit fishing. Before the rains came through our hot combo was a friggin olive wooly bugger or any other streamer of choice with a red san juan worm off the back... Not exactly rocket science. Hopper dropper combo is going to be really solid through the afternoons now. If you aren't on our E-Fishing Update, get on it! Or check it out online. I've got some good recommendations (with pictures) for hopper and terrestrial patterns.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Ugly Bug Brown, Golden, & Black: 6-8-10 Mega Prince: 6-8-10 CH Bow River Bugger Olive & Black: 2-4-6 Silvey's Sculpin Olive, Tan & Black: 2 Chubby Golden: 6-8-10-12 PMX Lime, Black, Red & Peacock: 10-12-14 Chubby Orange: 10-12 Twisted Baby Yellow and Red: 14-16 Twisted Baby Purple: 14-16 Twisted Baby Tan & Chartreuse: 14-16 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Lightning Bug Gold: 12-14-16 Chubby Hopper: 6-8-10 AttractAnt: 16 Fat Head Beetle: 16 Hopper Popper: 6-10 Grand Hopper: 8-10-12-14-16 Little Bit of E: 16
Last Updated: 8/10/07

Yellowstone NP waters:

Yellowstone Park officials have NOW issued mandatory fishing closures from 2pm to 5am on many of the major fisheries in the Park including the Firehole, Gibbon and Madison, Slough, Soda Butte and Lamar and the Yellowstone. For complete listings give us a call.

The Park is in better shape again, barring more rains. Things got a little dirty this week with some of the rain showers that cooled things down. So with a nice little refresher, things should be good for the weekend. Although I didn't list the park as a place to fish terrestrials (don't ask why, it was late ok...) this is one of the best places around to go and pitch ants and beetles as well as hoppers and attractors. Closures are still in place, although with cooler evenings in the park, it would be nice if they started lifting a few of them... Wait and see on how things shape up, but plan on there being some decent terrestrial fishing on all of the typical stuff. The Gallatin in the park isn't on restrictions and it has cleaned up as well and is fishing well again, a sometimes forgotten place the Gallatin inside the park fishes pretty well and the terrestrial fishing in August can be a really good time. Consider making a weekender and heading down and checking out the northeast corner.
Park Licenses Available for Sale
Park License Pricing for '07: 3 Day License - $15 7 Day License - $20 Annual License - $35
Last Updated: 8/10/07

Spring Creeks:

Nothing really new to report on. Trico spinners, that's the ticket at least out on Milesnicks. Fortunately this is a hatch you don't have to be up at the crack of dawn for. Right around 11 or noon it gets pretty nuts. With the rain again last night and rivers a tad bit off color, the creeks might be a good option. The FFF Conclave is done in Livingston as well so you have a better chance of finding an open rod on the creeks. Pretty much the same story still on the creeks although afternoons are getting better with cooler temps, making the terrestrial fishing with ants, beetles and hoppers quite a bit more productive. Right now hatch wise it's mostly PMD's - spinners, duns and emergers and of course tricos. As we continue into August with winds drying out the grass and blowing insects on the water, small ant beetle and hopper patterns are becoming a bit more effective. The terrestrial fishing will pick up into mid to late August and through the early part of September usually. Just got in some excellent Rene Harrop CDC Ant patterns, perfect for the fish on the spring creeks, stop by and check em out.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Real Meals Black & Olive: 16-18 Scuds Olive, Tan, and Grey: 16-18 Ray Charles Grey and Tan: 16-18 Pheasant Tail: 16-18 Mini Juans: 16-18 Wilcox's Little PT: 16-18 Bow River Bugger Black & Olive: 6-8 Black Pheasant Tail: 16-18-20 PMD Emerger: 18-20 Cripple PMD: 16-18-20 Real Thing PMD: 16-18-20 Tailwater Tiny Brown: 18-20 Hogans Sipper PMD: 18-20 Pheasant Tail: 20 Hat Creek PMD: 18-20 PMD CDC Spinner: 18-20 AttractAnt: 16 Fat Head Beetle: 16 Grand Hopper: 14-16 Foam Flying Ant Cinnamon: 18\
Last Updated: 8/10/07
Spring Creek Phone Numbers: DePuy's - (406) 222-0221 Armstrong's - (406) 222-2979 Nelson's - (406) 222-6560 Milesnick's - (406) 388-7001

Latest from Slide Inn (8/8/07):

We're not sure when they're going to bring it up again, but after a good amount of pulsing, the river has dropped down to a reasonable 996 cfs. The evening spinner fall last night around Pine Butte was pretty impressive-- starting as early as 7:30 p.m.-- However, the fish seem to ignore them until around 8:45 until dark. That being said, we still got a few to come up on #14 spinners, and fish were feeding steadily from about 9:00-9:30. After days in which cooler fronts and rain has come in, there have been quite a few Pseudos on the water. We have also been seeing Gray Drakes hatching in between the lakes, which can produce some spectacular spinner falls at dusk. During the heat of the day, #10 parachute and Dave's hoppers have been bringing up some nice fish, and spruce moths continue to be extremely productive in areas abundant with conifers. Streamer has been very good over the past few days-- Start white and yellow, and then go through the tans, olives, browns, and blacks.

When I came down the canyon last night there was still a little color to the river, but it looked fine for fishing and was still clearing.

This report looks suspiciously similar to the previous report that was posted before all that mud came down. Even if that's the case, I suspect it's still fairly accurate.

From The River's Edge:

8/8 Spruce Moths! We can't keep this pattern in stock here at the shop. Dry fly fishing has been outstanding in the canyon with spruce moths. If you don't have any, try a large tan Elk Hair Caddis or any light color attractor dry fly. Even if you're not seeing the moths on the water, be certain the fish will still rise for them. Caddis, some PMD's and some smaller stones will pick up fish under the right conditions. General attractors and specialty soft-hackles always seem to be a hit as well. If you head all the way up into the park expect to find great fishing and fewer anglers on your next outing. Keep in mind that afternoon rains will frequently turn the river slightly off-color, so be prepared with a up-to-the-minute report. Enhance your success with light flourocarbon tippet and gentile presentations when you're out there and don't be afraid to fish slight variations of the above mentioned patterns. Stop in or give us a jingle before you go for the latest updates.

Montana Troutfitters
www.troutfitters.com:

Upper Madison

Flows have dropped once again, now its running around 1290CFS, when it's dropping fishing is generally good, accordingly yesterday and today reports of fishing have been good from more experienced anglers. Fishing on the Upper has been just like the flows, a little all over the place with no real consistency to speak of. One day it's 2000CFS, the next it's dropped down to 1300, and when that happens fish are in limbo and moving to readjust for cover and feeding lanes - so when that happens it's time to start searching the river and fishing some places you might not normally think of - ie the middle of the river. When things do get like this, typically the dry fly fishing is kind of hit or miss and it becomes more of a streamer and nymph game. Trips have been running all over the river, and things have been mixed. I personally like to fish a sculpin pattern with a beadhead off the back below an indicator when flows are all over the place that way you're covering all your bases below the surface. The upper stretches around 3 Dollar are fishing decent, again, fish are all over the place, I personally unless I saw fish rising to a hatch would be fishing nymphs below an indicator. I won't predict where flows will be, but if they do settle in, hopper fishing should really pick up.

Fly pattern suggestions:
Ugly Bug Brown, Yellow & Black: 6-8-10 BH FB PT: 14-16-18 Brokeback Goldenstone: 6-8-10 Firey Juan: 10 Copper Bead BWO: 16-18-20 Electric Caddis Olive: 14-16 Gummy Stone Golden: 6 Copper John Black & Red: 16-18-20 Silvey's Sculpin Tan & Olive: 2 Eyez Wide Open Tan & Olive: 2 Bow River Bugger Olive & Black: 2 PMX Red, Yellow, Black & Lime: 10-12-14 Twisted Sister & Babies (Purple & Chart): 10-12-14-16 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Brokeback Sally: 14-16 Grand Hopper: 6-8-10 Chubby Hopper: 6-8-10 Foam Flying Ant Cinnamon & Black: 16-18
Last Updated: 8/7/07

Missouri

Things are a little tough from reports we have been hearing up on the Missouri. Along with the tougher fishing you have some tough fishing conditions, smoke, wind and warm afternoons. Fishing is definitely better in the mornings when the tricos are going, that's going to be the best bet on top, apparently there are still some caddis hanging around in the afternoons and evenings, but really they haven't been spectacular according to what we've been hearing. If the wind dies down a bit and some cloud cover hangs around, the fishing can be decent. The other thing you have to contend with is some moss, it's getting bad. For the trico's, have some cdc spinners as well as some sunken patterns, I have found that fishing one that rides below the surface film sometimes is deadly. For your caddis most of the Missouri guides I know prefer a CDC caddis this late in the season, the Sedge Hammer is a pretty good pattern up on the Mo in late season.

Fly pattern suggestions:
San Juan Worm Brown & Red: 10 WD 40 Red and Grey: 18-20 Disco Midge: 18-20 Zebra Midge: 18-20 Scud Pink and Grey: 18 Pheasant Tail: 18-20 Ray Charles Grey and Pink: 18 Wilcox's Little Green Machine PT: 16-18-20 Bloom's Para Caddis Tan: 14-16 PMD's (Cripples, Emergers, Duns): 18-20 Tailwater Tiny Brown: 18-20-22 Hogans Military Nymph Brown: 18-20 The Brokeback Flymph PMD: 18-20 Bloom's Sedge Hammer Ginger and Brown/Olive: 16-18 Lawson's Spent Partridge Tan & Peacock: 16-18 CDC Trico Spinner: 18-20-22 Trico Emerger: 20-22-24
Last Updated: 8/7/07

Big Hole

Well the Big Hole saw some rain and the river has come roaring up a whole 12CFS, woohoo!!! Fishing wise over there right now, mornings are still better than afternoons, getting a good trico hatch in the am that fish are keying in on, so surface action is decent. Haven't heard anymore about spruce moths, probably waning with the cooler weather and rain. Have heard that fishing has been decent however. Hoppers and attractors once light starts to hit the water are pretty decent. With cooler water temps, the afternoons can be a bit more productive - flow wise, it's around 200CFS at Melrose, hopefully they keep getting a bit of rain and cooler weather to help things along. This might be worth making a trip over to and get in some trico fishing in the late morning and then switch up to hoppers and attractors in the afternoon.

Fly pattern suggestions:
CH JJ's: 2-4-6 Silvey's Sculpin Tan, Black & Olive: 2 Delektable CDC Baby: 14-16-18 Lightning Bug: 14-16 Pheasant Tail: 14-16 Chubby Golden: 6-8-10 Mustang Sally: 16-18 Rusty Spinner: 14-16 PMX Peacock, Yellow, Red: 14-16-18 Headlight Sally: 14-16 Yellow Stimulator: 12-14-16 CDC Elk Hair Caddis: 12-14-16 PMD's (assorted duns, and spinners): 16-18-20 Trico Spinner CDC: 18-20 Para Trico: 16-18-20 CDC Trico Emerger: 18-20 Sunken Trico: 20-22 Spruce Moth: 10
Last Updated: 8/7/07

The Upper Madison report from Slide Inn:

We're not sure when they're going to bring it up again, but after a good amount of pulsing, the river has dropped down to a reasonable 1,340 cfs. The evening spinner fall last night around Pine Butte was pretty impressive-- starting as early as 7:30 p.m.-- However, the fish seem to ignore them until around 8:45 until dark. That being said, we still got a few to come up on #14 spinners, and fish were feeding steadily from about 9:00-9:30. After days in which cooler fronts and rain has come in, there have been quite a few Pseudos on the water. We have also been seeing Gray Drakes hatching in between the lakes, which can produce some spectacular spinner falls at dusk. During the heat of the day, #10 parachute and Dave's hoppers have been bringing up some nice fish, and spruce moths continue to be extremely productive in areas abundant with conifers. Streamer has been very good over the past few days-- Start white and yellow, and then go through the tans, olives, browns, and blacks.

From The River's Edge:

8/5 The Yellowstone is clear and fishing well, set the alarm and get out there early to take advantage of the best fishing. Nymphing with a bugger or girdle bug trailed with a bead had been the most productive, try some of the faster riffles as it seems a lot of fish are in these. Hopper fishing has been the main action on the surface, as the hatches have died down. Fish the hopper tight to the bank, and maybe throw a beadhead dropper a couple of feet below it to increase your odds. Due to the warm water temperatures and river closure at 2, it is best to fish a heavy leader so you can bring the fish in and release them as quickly as possible. GIVE US A CALL OR STOP BY FOR A MORE UP TO DATE REPORT!

8/5 Spruce Moths! We can't keep this pattern in stock here at the shop. Dry fly fishing has been outstanding in the canyon with spruce moths. If you don't have one try a large tan Elk Hair Caddis or any light color attractor dry fly. If the fish don't want to rise and take your dry fly hang a nymph about two feet below your dry. Don't forget about the YNP section of the Gallatin this time of the year, try a small hopper trailed with a beetle or ant in some of those slower s-turn banks. Due to the warmer temps, the lower reaches of the Gallatin from I-90 to Three Forks is closed to fishing from 2PM til Midnight. To be honest, the river is very mossy down there so I'd recommend giving those fish a break and avoid the lower river all together. Have fun and release fish as quickly as possible, it's hot outside!

From Montana Troutfitters on 8/2:

Upper Madison

The flows have come back up again, filling up Ennis for pulse flows. We had been running nearly all of our trips on the Madison, but with spiked flows we headed over to the Yellowstone some as well. Reports from up this way have varied, if you find the sweet spot and fly combo things have been really good. But if you are used to running hopper dropper and never try anything different it can be tough. When the water is coming up, fish tend to be in limbo, not really hanging in one place, thus trying all over the river with big searcher patterns seems to work well for me. In the case you find yourself stumped, I like to pitch a streamer or sculpin below an indicator with a nymph off the back. At these water levels that's a pretty good way to comb the river. Upper stretches around 3 Dollar are ripping at this level, best to find the pockets and fish something heavy, I guess you could look for fish heads, but you'll have to have good eyesight and patience at nearly 2000CFS. I would guess flows will drop back off here again in a bit, when that happens, look for dynamite fishing - almost always good on this river when flows start dropping.

The Stone

The clarity on the Yellowstone now is back to normal, and barring any more big rainshowers in the park should stay that way for a while. Reports were pretty good just as the river was clearing, and with the last push of really hot heat the other day, things dropped off a little bit, look for it to recover as long as the evenings stay cool as the days shorten. Fish have been looking up and eating some grasshoppers, so it's definitely time to start pitching your hopper dropper combo. For the dropper, this year I highly suggest if you haven't ever tried it pitching an ant off the back. My father is a big believer in the epoxy ant, and I personally have seen it work. Hopefully we will continue to see a cooling trend in the weather and that will be good for everyone. Still it's a morning game, closures are from 2pm to midnight river wide. If you are just nuts enough it's fun to do a night float on the Yellowstone, done a couple myself and there's nothing quite like getting your line tugged out by a big brown trout at 3am in the pitch blackness...

From Slide Inn on 7/31:

PPL brought up the water today almost as quick as they dropped it last week. The reason for increasing the flow, again, is to cool down the lower section of the Madison below Ennis Lake. That being said, expect fish to relocate towards the banks over the next couple of days, and use this opportunity to give them an offer they can't refuse--- Terrestrials. #16 Ant-Acids, #10 Dave's Hoppers, and #8-10 Turk's Tarantulas were all good producers last week during the heat of the afternoon, as were #14-16 Beetle patterns. Caddis are not as big in numbers as they have been for the last six weeks, but there are still enough of them around to bring fish to the surface in the evenings. Epeorus spinner falls in the evenings have not been as epic in the last week, but they are still happening from around 8:30- dark. After days in which cooler fronts and rain has come in, there have been quite a few Pseudos on the water. We have also been seeing Gray Drakes hatching in between the lakes, which can produce some spectacular spinner falls at dusk. Streamer fishing continues to produce some great fish, despite the fact that many are convinced "they don't hatch until the fall." Some of our go-to-patterns this week have been T&A Bunkers, Black and Olive Sex Dungeons, White Articulated Zonkers, and Olive Circus Peanuts.

The River's Edge:

8/1 The river has cleared up quite a bit in the last day or two. It is still off-color with a green tint, but clear enough to fish. Fishing was good yesterday with streamers, buggers and other large nymphs. The river should be back to normal in a couple of days. GIVE US A CALL OR STOP BY FOR A MORE UP TO DATE REPORT!