Madison River (YNP) 9/7/2010
We are seeing a few more lake run browns in the Madison in the Park. They are still super sparse, and will remain so until sometime between the 15th and 25th of the month. Swinging soft hackles is the best way to find the larger lake fish, though a few are being caught on both streamers and nymphs. We are still seeing some good dry fly fishing for resident fish with terrestrials and caddis in the evenings. Baetis have popped on a few of the cloudy days and there have been some good fish feeding on them, but it takes a bit of looking to sort them out from the dinks.
Firehole River 9/7/2010
The Firehole is back. The water has cooled down to the point that it is no longer dangerous to the fish and the river is putting out some good hatches. We’ve seen some Baetis in small numbers but these mayflies should really get going once we get some wet weather. In the meantime, caddis hatches and egg laying has made for some good dry fly and soft hackle fishing. White Miller Caddis make up the bulk of the insects on the water. Come prepared with spent caddis and emergers for imitations. Swinging an emerger or soft hackle with an egg laying adult pattern can be very effective in the Firehole’s riffles.
Gibbon River 9/7/2010
Cloudy days are seeing some good Baetis in the meadows. When the sun is on the water, fishing terrestrials can still be pretty good, but it is wise to wait for the water to warm up a bit in the afternoons before heading to the water.
Gallatin River (YNP) 9/7/2010
Inside Yellowstone, the Gallatin has fished decently with terrestrials in the afternoons but isn’t seeing a lot of insect activity on the brighter days. Fall Baetis are fairly weather dependent and make for good fishing on cloudy afternoons. The Firehole will consistently have more rising trout this fall and is about the same drive from West Yellowstone, but the Gallatin remains a good option close by.
Slough Creek 9/7/2010
On Slough Creek, we are seeing some drakes, midges, some Baetis hatching on Slough. Terrestrial fishing is still effective but the fish are well conditioned to the standard patterns. The river is very low and clear and it is easy to spot fish. Try to keep out of sight and the fish are generally more responsive to good drifts.
Lamar River/ Soda Butte Creek 9/7/2010
The Lamar and Soda Butte are fishing pretty well this fall. Rain can still put the Lamar out in an instant, but when it is clear it is still some of the best fishing in the Park. Ant fishing has been very good and the river has had some Heptegenia and drakes hatching as well. Getting away from the road or fishing late into the evening can help with the crowding on Soda Butte.