The Yellowstone River continues to fish well through the rising temperatures this week. Despite temps getting up into the high 80s and low 90s, the fishing has still been great. Mornings have proven to be the best time of day, but folks are still moving fish throughout the latter half of the day. Flows on the Yellowstone are still continuing to drop, however it should start to plateau here soon. As always, keep your eyes on the graphs, especially any tributaries in the Lamar Valley. We do have projected storms in the coming days which may send a mud plug or two through the Yellowstone. We did experience one this past week, but were able to work around it and still have productive fishing. With the storm systems rolling in, don’t shy away from a day of fishing! Often times the low light from cloud cover can promote great days on the water. Low light conditions promote hatches, as well as make those wary trout a little more comfortable. We’ve got plenty of great rain jackets here at the shop so come get your rain gear and get out on the river!
Dry fly fishing is really beginning to take off right now in Paradise Valley. We are still continuing to see hatches of PMDs, Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and Stoneflies. Be sure to have your Blooms ParaCaddis #14-16, Hot Wing Caddis #14-16 and Peacock Caddis #14-16 when you’re seeing Caddis on the water and fishing rising. During the day it has been good to have different stages of PMDs in your box. Sparkle Duns #18, Purple Haze #16-18, and Purple Haze Cripples #16-18 can be effective right now. Yellow Sally variations in both adult and nymph patterns have been working as well. In regards to stoneflies, we are beginning to see lots of Nocturnal Stonefly shucks show up on the banks. Be sure to carry some #10-12 Water Walkers, Chernobyl Ants, and Chubbies in your box! Wont hurt to have some brown or tan rubber legs as well.
Terrestrial fishing is starting to heat up as well. While we are still a little bit away from true hopper fishing, fishing are starting to look out for them. With it still being the early stages, we recommend fishing smaller patterns in the #14-12 range. As those hopper mature we will be able to get more into the #8 range. Beetles and ants are also beginning to become more and more of a factor on the water. Keep watching the banks and start splatting those big foam flies on the bank and twitch!
Those that are looking to fish sub surface, #10-12 Stonefly nymph imitations with #12-16 Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Duracels, Copper Johns, and Copper Bobs have been effective. The dry fly fishing has really heated up so we suggest you put that bobber away and go out in search of trout with their eyes on the surface!