Well the Yellowstone is still holding on. We saw a dramatic comeback this weekend and were able to get out there and enjoy it. Although we had clarity and good flows, water temperature was definitely a factor. Water temperatures dropped as low as 39F which really slowed the fishing. There were reports of windows of baetis coming off but nothing to get too excited about. Fishing was mostly done under the bobber. #8-12 Pat’s Rubber Legs in darker colors got fish to eat. #12 Prince Nymphs, CDC Pheasant Tails and Copper Johns brought fish to the boat as well. The hardest part was the lack of consistency. Fish weren’t really keying into specific flies and made things difficult.
The streamer bite is just okay. Cold water definitely has the fish feeling slow and not super active. Yellow and black were the colors to go with. Mini Dungeons, Home Invaders and Complex Buggers area good bet. Give it a go with smaller sculpin or buggers too if the bigger articulated stuff isn’t working.
If you’re itching to fish. Look into fishing tailwater fisheries, stillwater, or Paradise Valley spring creeks.
With temperature looking to reach the 80s this week we fully expect the river to really get into runoff mode. We got a lot of snow on Saturday and expect that to melt in the lower elevations before the stuff up top really starts to go. Our snowpack is sitting just over 100% which is great for the later in the season. We expect the river to peak here soon. Feel free to give us a call for a more in depth report.