Well we can’t quite say that the Yellowstone is back back, but she’s certainly in better shape than we’ve seen for the past few weeks. This is the earliest that we have had boats back on the Yellowstone River in a long time. Clarity isn’t optimal but there is enough to get fish looking for food and flows are back down to a manageable level. Corwin is currently at 9660cfs and continuing to trend downward. There is a high chance of rain all day tomorrow so we can expect a small blip in the graphs. Depending on where that rain is concentrated there could be a good plug coming as well.
Those that have been out the last couple of days have been having success on big dark bodied nymphs. Pat’s Rubber legs in a size #4-6 in black and brown are a must as either your anchor or a dropper. There have been PMDs out on the river so fishing a large stonefly pattern with a #16 Pheasant Tail, Copper John or Prince Nymph is always worth dropping. Likewise, there have been some chocolate caddis and they should be here soon. We have some great custom patterns in the shop to match that hatch! Fish are likely to be tucked hard to the bank with the flows that we have. Be sure that you’re aware of willows and brush still submerged. You know where to find us if you need to restock those nymph boxes! As clarity continues to improve, look out for the dry fly fishing to get really good in the coming weeks.
Streamers are certainly worth a shot this time of year as well. Smaller sculpin and leech patterns have moved fish. Try a olive or black Sculpzilla, black or tan Bow River Buggers or tan Scheila’s Sculpin on a heavy sinking line. Larger articulated flies may work as well. With clarity where it is, darker colors will definitely be in your favor.
We have been getting lots of inquiries regarding salmonflies on the river. Based on conditions in the river, we are expecting to them in the second half of next week. We still need river temps to come up a little bit and a little less volume is always helpful. The river is sitting at right around 51F just shy of what we need. Once the river at Corwin is around 53F-55F we should start seeing the nymphs crawling out onto the bank. We have an awesome line up of salmonflies in the shop this year so get in here and get your hands on them while you can!
As always everyone, please take the utmost caution when rowing the river at these flows. We are all excited to be back out on the river, but these flows can still present some technical rowing at times. Hydraulics can catch people off guard and want everyone safe out on the river. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions about sections to fish and any hazards along the way. We look forward to seeing you all in the shop now that river is getting back into shape!