With the Firehole and Madison Rivers temps too high, look to fish other rivers and streams in the park. Streams in the Lamar Valley are dropping into shape but shouldn’t be prime for another week or so. Smaller streams will be in good shape and fish are hungry! Smaller creeks like Black Tail and Obsidian Creek will fish well with small attractor dry flies like Royal Wulff’s #14-16, Stimulators #14-16, and Parachute Adam’s variations in #14-16. You can drop a small nymph on the bottom but those fish shouldn’t be too picky. Slough Creek and the Lamar River may still need a few days, but you can expect to catch fish on PMDs, possibly Gray Drakes, and Green Drakes. We would suggest Slough Creek right now before the Lamar, but it should be fishing any day now! Be sure to add some Golden Stones to your box if you are on the Lamar.
If you are still trying to chase the Salmonflies, head to the Gardner or Yellowstone Rivers. Salmonflies were seen near Tower Junction last week and fish are probably still looking for them. There have also been Golden Stones around so be sure you have some in your box. There will also be Caddis, Green Drakes, and PMDs coming off on the Yellowstone as well.
As always, be sure to bring your bear spray in the park and make sure you are up to date with the new regulations!