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Recent Fishing Reports for Montana. 7/28
#1
These reports are for specific areas of Montana. Please scroll down to the area that interests you and find your report for that section. There is some flyfishing information included for most of the areas as well.
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#2
Big Hole River - July 25th, 2004 supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=133,re"]The Stonefly Inn[/url] FISHING: Good Stream Flow and Height [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current/?type=dailystagedischarge&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=Big%20Hole"]click here[/url]] Montana Fishing Guide Big Hole [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/q_Big_Hole_River__1123386455678_0_153.195007324219.aspx"]click here[/url]] The Fishing Factor - July25th, 2004 As we reach the midway point of our summer season our schedule is starting to ease up a bit from the June/July rush. Our tactics are changing a bit, from the gentlemans hours of 9 to 6 in the spring to a bit more aggresive schedule - launching the boat at 0600, being off the water by 2 in the afternoon. Although we are not experiencing the 100+ degree days of summers past, it is still hot. An afternoon/evening float is producing well for us as well - there are plenty of fish looking up as the caddis start moving when the sun goes down. It is a good feeling sliding the boat off the trailer as most of the others are taking out - heading back to the lodge. Evenings are cool, the wildlife (and the fish) are more active and I like it. Summer tactics, for summer fish. Its whats going on around here. There are hoppers on the Madison, hoppers on the Beav, hoppers on the Big Hole, hoppers on the Ruby, hoppers on the Yellowstone, and dont forget the summer stonefly. Just because you dont see them, doesnt mean they arent there. The attentive angler will see schucks along the rocks on all of these rivers - but they are nocturnal. Unlike the very evident salmonfly hatch of 1 month ago - these fish only see them in the wee hours, and they know it. The nymphs are there, the fish eat them on a regular basis as well, but to get them to eat it on top - you better be fishing the first or last hour of the day. As far as the catching - the big fish are out to play. The day after the wedding, I floated with my two cousins - some 10 years had passed since we wet a line together - and we saw more big fish to the fly in one day than I have ever seen. The weeks since then have been steadily producing several opportunities per day at larger than average fish. With August right around the corner, the hopper fishing should get nothing but better, the foothills are green, the rivers have water and we have a few openings. Maw nature is taking good care of us sportsmen this year with daily rainstorms minus the dry lightning, and the word around the campfire is that the fire season that so many run from is gioing to be minimal. If you have a hankering to toss a fly to the banks in Montana this fall, and havent already made your reservations, now is the time - who knows, your picture could be on the next newsletter with a 20"+ Montana brwon trout.
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#3
Beaverhead River - July 25th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=133,re"]The Stonefly Inn[/url]
FISHING: Good
The Fishing Factor - July25th, 2004

As we reach the midway point of our summer season our schedule is starting to ease up a bit from the June/July rush. Our tactics are changing a bit, from the gentlemans hours of 9 to 6 in the spring to a bit more aggresive schedule - launching the boat at 0600, being off the water by 2 in the afternoon. Although we are not experiencing the 100+ degree days of summers past, it is still hot. An afternoon/evening float is producing well for us as well - there are plenty of fish looking up as the caddis start moving when the sun goes down. It is a good feeling sliding the boat off the trailer as most of the others are taking out - heading back to the lodge. Evenings are cool, the wildlife (and the fish) are more active and I like it. Summer tactics, for summer fish. Its whats going on around here.

There are hoppers on the Madison, hoppers on the Beav, hoppers on the Big Hole, hoppers on the Ruby, hoppers on the Yellowstone, and dont forget the summer stonefly. Just because you dont see them, doesnt mean they arent there. The attentive angler will see schucks along the rocks on all of these rivers - but they are nocturnal. Unlike the very evident salmonfly hatch of 1 month ago - these fish only see them in the wee hours, and they know it. The nymphs are there, the fish eat them on a regular basis as well, but to get them to eat it on top - you better be fishing the first or last hour of the day.

As far as the catching - the big fish are out to play. The day after the wedding, I floated with my two cousins - some 10 years had passed since we wet a line together - and we saw more big fish to the fly in one day than I have ever seen. The weeks since then have been steadily producing several opportunities per day at larger than average fish.

With August right around the corner, the hopper fishing should get nothing but better, the foothills are green, the rivers have water and we have a few openings. Maw nature is taking good care of us sportsmen this year with daily rainstorms minus the dry lightning, and the word around the campfire is that the fire season that so many run from is gioing to be minimal. If you have a hankering to toss a fly to the banks in Montana this fall, and havent already made your reservations, now is the time - who knows, your picture could be on the next newsletter with a 20"+ Montana brwon trout.
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#4
Madison River - Upper - July 25th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=133,re"]The Stonefly Inn[/url]
FISHING: Good
The Fishing Factor - July25th, 2004

As we reach the midway point of our summer season our schedule is starting to ease up a bit from the June/July rush. Our tactics are changing a bit, from the gentlemans hours of 9 to 6 in the spring to a bit more aggresive schedule - launching the boat at 0600, being off the water by 2 in the afternoon. Although we are not experiencing the 100+ degree days of summers past, it is still hot. An afternoon/evening float is producing well for us as well - there are plenty of fish looking up as the caddis start moving when the sun goes down. It is a good feeling sliding the boat off the trailer as most of the others are taking out - heading back to the lodge. Evenings are cool, the wildlife (and the fish) are more active and I like it. Summer tactics, for summer fish. Its whats going on around here.

There are hoppers on the Madison, hoppers on the Beav, hoppers on the Big Hole, hoppers on the Ruby, hoppers on the Yellowstone, and dont forget the summer stonefly. Just because you dont see them, doesnt mean they arent there. The attentive angler will see schucks along the rocks on all of these rivers - but they are nocturnal. Unlike the very evident salmonfly hatch of 1 month ago - these fish only see them in the wee hours, and they know it. The nymphs are there, the fish eat them on a regular basis as well, but to get them to eat it on top - you better be fishing the first or last hour of the day.

As far as the catching - the big fish are out to play. The day after the wedding, I floated with my two cousins - some 10 years had passed since we wet a line together - and we saw more big fish to the fly in one day than I have ever seen. The weeks since then have been steadily producing several opportunities per day at larger than average fish.

With August right around the corner, the hopper fishing should get nothing but better, the foothills are green, the rivers have water and we have a few openings. Maw nature is taking good care of us sportsmen this year with daily rainstorms minus the dry lightning, and the word around the campfire is that the fire season that so many run from is gioing to be minimal. If you have a hankering to toss a fly to the banks in Montana this fall, and havent already made your reservations, now is the time - who knows, your picture could be on the next newsletter with a 20"+ Montana brwon trout.
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#5

Bitterroot River - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=78,re"]The Kingfisher[/url]
FISHING: Good
River Levels [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=dailystagedischarge&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=Bitterroot+River"]click here[/url]]
Bitterroot River Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/report.aspx?llid=1141176468612&begmeas=0&endmeas=84.2779998779297"]click here[/url]]
West Fork Bitterroot Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/report.aspx?llid=1141267459398&begmeas=0&endmeas=42.326000213623"]click here[/url]]

REPORTS: The upper river, while low, is fishing the best. The clear nights of late have allowed the water temperatures on most of the local rivers to begin dropping finally. The hatches are still not what they were, but at least the bug activity is increasing. The upper river (all the way up The West Fork is seeing decent PMD, caddis and hopper activity. The tricos have begun on the mid to lower river at this point, but they're just getting going. Look for your best fishing to be early in the day untill about 1 p.m. using such offerings as #14 royal Wulffs, parachute Adams, red humpies, etc... Rainy's and Dave's hoppers are also a good option right now. Jason might suggest a Chernobyl since that what he used with clients yesterday to land a TAPED, MEASURED and yes PHOTOGRAPHED 27 3/4" rainbow. Wow, catach a couple of those and it'd be a good day! ; )

HATCHES: Midges, caddis, yellow sallies, giant goldens, PMDs,terrestrials.

FLIES: Golden stones of several varities such as Rogue, parachute madam Xs, or bulletheads. Parachute adams are always a good standby on this river in sizes 12 to 18. There will be lots of PMDs now, so have appropriately sized comparaduns, thorax ties, button emergers, etc... Have some Goddard and elk hair caddis for the evening hatch. Keep some smaller green and red bodied nymphs such as brassies if the fish won't play on top.

WEATHER: TODAY...MOSTLY SUNNY... HIGHS 89 TO 94 TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR... LOWS 51 TO 56 SUNDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 91 TO 96. SUNDAY NIGHT...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS... PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 54 TO 59. MONDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 82 TO 87. MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY... LOWS 49 TO 54... HIGHS 78 TO 83. TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 48 TO 53. HIGHS 78 TO 83. WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR... LOWS 50 TO 55. HIGHS 80 TO 85. FRIDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY... HIGHS 82 TO 87

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Fishing early in the day is your best bet at this stage of the game.
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#6
Blackfoot River - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=78,re"]The Kingfisher[/url]
FISHING: Good
River Levels [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=dailystagedischarge&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=Blackfoot+River"]click here[/url]]
Blackfoot River Montana FWP Online Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/report.aspx?llid=1138907468712&begmeas=0&endmeas=127.319000244141"]click here[/url]]
North Fork Blackfoot River Montana FWP Online Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/report.aspx?llid=1131290469848&begmeas=0&endmeas=38.4850006103516"]click here[/url]]

REPORTS: The water up here has cooled considerably in the past few days with the colder nights. Large attractor dries will keep you hooked up on lots of little fish at this point with a few fatties scattered throughout the day. Your best shot at the big boys is subsurface with deep nymphs or streamers. Overall, The Blackfoot is fishing pretty well right now. You'll do best, for sure, from about dawn until around noon or 1 p.m.

HATCHES: Caddis, golden stones, PMDs, terrestrials.

FLIES: Golden stones (both giant and yellow sallie), button emerger and cripple mayfly patterns, #12 or 14 royal Wulffs, deep and slow tandem nymph rigs, brown, olive or black streamers in the clouds, brighter colors like peach and yellow in the sun. Big fuzzy junk that you can strip across the surface for fluttering caddis.

WEATHER: TODAY...MOSTLY SUNNY... HIGHS 89 TO 94 TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR... LOWS 51 TO 56 SUNDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 91 TO 96. SUNDAY NIGHT...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS... PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 54 TO 59. MONDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 82 TO 87. MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY... LOWS 49 TO 54... HIGHS 78 TO 83. TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 48 TO 53. HIGHS 78 TO 83. WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR... LOWS 50 TO 55. HIGHS 80 TO 85. FRIDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY... HIGHS 82 TO 87

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is a great river for beginners right now since there are LOTS of fish (small ones for the most part) that're willing to come up and eat big dries even if they're dragging.
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#7
Clark Fork River - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=78,re"]The Kingfisher[/url]
FISHING: Fair
River Levels [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=dailystagedischarge&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=Clark+Fork&format=pre"]click here[/url]]
Clark Fork River Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/report.aspx?llid=1162072481455&begmeas=9.43000030517578&endmeas=336.802001953125"]click here[/url]]

REPORTS: The draw down from the dam is still producing murkey conditions on the floats from Missoula down to about Tarkio. Below this chunk of water, you'll have a much better shot at hooking up. It's definietly an early morning or late evening affair here these days due to warmer water temperatures and limited bug activity in the blazing sun. The tricos are just getting going now, and in specific spot, can produce some very good morning activity. Your best bet midday is a hopper dropper rig. Either that or a really straight 19 oz. cue and a pitcher of Fat Tire (dark of course).

HATCHES: Caddis, giant golden stones, PMDs, terrestrials.

FLIES: Royal stimis, Rogue goldens, parachute madam x, Ausable Wulffs, comparadun and thorax PMDs, parachute Adams in 12s and 14s. Goddard caddis (especially in the late evening), flashback p-tails.

WEATHER: TODAY...MOSTLY SUNNY... HIGHS 89 TO 94 TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR... LOWS 51 TO 56 SUNDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 91 TO 96. SUNDAY NIGHT...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS... PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 54 TO 59. MONDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 82 TO 87. MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY... LOWS 49 TO 54... HIGHS 78 TO 83. TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 48 TO 53. HIGHS 78 TO 83. WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR... LOWS 50 TO 55. HIGHS 80 TO 85. FRIDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY... HIGHS 82 TO 87

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Look for the trico fishing to come on huge in the next week or two.
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#8
Rock Creek - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=78,re"]The Kingfisher[/url]
FISHING: Good
River Levels [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=dailystagedischarge&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=Rock+Creek"]click here[/url]]
Rock Creek Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/report.aspx?llid=1154428475830&begmeas=0&endmeas=10.9219999313354"]click here[/url]]

REPORTS: You're WAY better off getting on the rivers early these days. The water is cooling down somewhat with the colder nights, but it's still not ideal. If you hit the creek, plan on some decent dryfly action until about noon on such offerings as #14 parachute Adams, Wulffs, humpies, etc... Bigger stuff like chernobyls and tarrantulas will work too, especially with p-tail droppers. After about noon, you'll be wanting to start swinging tandem nymph rigs that include red San Juans, z-wing caddis, copper Bobs, etc... The evenings up here have been slow the past 2 or 3 days.

HATCHES: Caddis, golden stones, PMDs, terrestrials.

FLIES: More realistically sized mayfly offerings such as parachute Adams, comparaduns or cripples in the 14 to 16 range. Hopper and ant patterns are also working well now. Try tossing big ugly junk with lots of rubber legs. Slow moving streamers will also be a good option.

WEATHER: TODAY...MOSTLY SUNNY... HIGHS 89 TO 94 TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR... LOWS 51 TO 56 SUNDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 91 TO 96. SUNDAY NIGHT...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS... PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 54 TO 59. MONDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. PARTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 82 TO 87. MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY... LOWS 49 TO 54... HIGHS 78 TO 83. TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY...SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 48 TO 53. HIGHS 78 TO 83. WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR... LOWS 50 TO 55. HIGHS 80 TO 85. FRIDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY... HIGHS 82 TO 87
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#9
Gallatin River - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=86,re"]Montana Troutfitters[/url]
FISHING: Great
Steam Flow Information [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=Gallatin&format=html_table"]click here[/url]]
Gallatin River Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/q_Gallatin_River__1114924459385_0_97.1900024414063.aspx"]click here[/url]]
East Gallatin River Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/q_East_Gallatin_River__1113345458915_0_42.1290016174316.aspx"]click here[/url]]

Flows at Gallatin Gateway are 800 C.F.S. The Gallatin has been fishing extremely well over the past couple of weeks. Hatch activity is slowing a bit but you will still see some PMD's, caddis and Yellowsallies in the am with caddis activity in the evening. General attractor patterns have been producing the best result. The terrestrial fishing is starting to heat up as well and we have had some success with hopper droppers as well as some flying ants. You can expect to see a few rising fish throughout the morning and evening hours but you best bet is to fish all the water that is likely to hold fish. You do not have to find rising fish to have success with dry flies on the Gallatin. Your best areas for fishing hoppers and other land born insects is either south of Big Sky or here in the Valley close to town. Dry dropper rigs have been deadly in the canyon and as we hit the warmest month of the year many of the fish will move into the faster pocket water where the oxygen content is highest. Good luck on the water, the Gallatin is a great place to beat the heat of summer.

Fly Pattern Suggestions: Royal Trude #8-12, Royal Stimulator #8-12, Peacock Trude #8-12, Bloom's Parachute Caddis #12-14, Parachute Adams #12-16, Yellow Stimulator #12-14, Elk Hair Caddis #12-14, Royal Wulff #12-14, Peacock Anatomay #10-12, Hot Wire Caddis #10-12.
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#10
Madison River - Lower - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=86,re"]Montana Troutfitters[/url]
FISHING: Poor
Stream Flow Information [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=Madison&format=html_table"]click here[/url]]
Madison River Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/q_Madison_River__1115074459269_0_131.90299987793.aspx"]click here[/url]]
South ForkMadison River Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/q_South_Fork_Madison_River__1112332447461_0_20.701000213623.aspx"]click here[/url]]
West Fork Madison River Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/q_West_Fork_Madison_River__1115837448893_0_33.1749992370605.aspx"]click here[/url]]

The flows at the Ennis Powerhouse are 1160 C.F.S. It doesn't appear that they have started the pulse flowing that normally comes along with the heat of summer. It would expect to see some pulses of water in the river soon. As of 8 am this morning the water temp on the lower river was at 73 degrees which is much too warm for anglers to safely pratice catch and release fishing. Please respect the great resource that we have in the lower madison river and let the fish have the best chance at getting through this tough period on the lower river. If you see anglers on the river please do not hesitate to try and inform them of the situation with the lower madison and ask them to please fish elsewhere.



Fly Pattern Suggestions : Great Bikini Hatch on warm afternoons.
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#11
Missouri River - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=86,re"]Montana Troutfitters[/url]
FISHING: Good
Stream Flow Information [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=Missouri&format=html_table"]click here[/url]]
Missouri River Montana FWP Guide [[url "http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/guide/q_Missouri_River__1039825479786_1586.77905273438_2312.46704101563.aspx"]click here[/url]]

The Mighty Mo is flowing at 2840 C.F.S. The Tricos are out in full force and the fishing has been very good. Trico activity has been the best near the town of Craig. The river is busy right now so don't expect to be there by yourself. The hopper fishing later in the day is also producing some good results for anglers that are willing to fish them. Try trailing a small dropper off the back of your hopper patterns. There is also some good caddis activity just prior to dark. The moss is starting to cause some problems if you go below the surface with nymphs or streamers. Dry flies have been king and if you are fishing tricos give some of the sunken patterns a try off the back of a more visible dry fly.

Fly Pattern Suggestions: Hi Vis Caddis #14-16, Bloom's Parachute Caddis #14-16, Hen Wing Caddis #14-16, Trico Thorax #18-22, Trico Spinner #18-22, BH Trico Spinner #18-20, Parachute Pheasant Tail #16-18, Molly Hopper #6-8, Parachute Hopper #6-8, BH Mangy Caddis #14-16, BH Lightining Bug #16-18.
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#12
Yellowstone National Park Rivers - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=86,re"]Montana Troutfitters[/url]
FISHING: Fair
The Park waters have been affected by rainshowers over the past week and the fishing has been fairly inconsitent. We did not have any reports from the opener of the Yellowstone over this past weekend. The Lamar, Slough and Soda Butte are starting to fish well but fortunately we have been getting some copious amounts of rain and clartity has been an issue. The Gallatin River inside the Park has been fishing very well with some terrestrial patterns and attractor dry flies fished in riffles. We have seen very few anglers whose destination is the park this year, however they may just be stopping at places that are in closer proximity to the park waters.
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#13
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=91,re"]Yellowstone Angler[/url]
FISHING: Good
Armstrong Spring Creek (O'Hair Ranch), Nelson's Spring Creek, DePuy's Spring Creek
The Pale Morning Dun hatch is still going strong on the Paradise Valley spring creeks, but hatches have slowed a bit in the last week or two. Regulars on the creeks are reporting more consistent hatches of PMDs than we have seen for several seasons.

Nymph fishing is very productive in the morning hours before the hatch starts. Good pattern choices include Pheasant Tails, Sawyer Style Pheasant Tails, George's Copper Drake Nymph, and a new pattern for us this season, the Olive Epoxy Biot Nymph, all in #16-18. Fish these under a PMD dry fly, a small foam or yarn indicator, or try sight fishing without an indicator if there is good spotting light.

The PMD hatch should start around 10:30-11:00 am. In the early stages of the hatch, try fishing a variety of PMD emergers, as you see fish rising to take mayflies in the film. Some of our favorites include René Harrop's Biot Body Cripples (in the Parachute, CDC or Hairwing versions), CDC Transitional Duns, and PMD Sprout Emergers. Once the fish start keying on duns, some of the best patterns include PMD No Hackles, Biot Sparkle Duns, Comparaduns, and CDC Biot Parachutes.

PMD spinner falls will provide good dry fly fishing early and late in the day. Expect to see spinners on the water in the morning and again in the evening, unless the wind stays up. The best spinner pattern is the Harrop Pale Olive Biot Spinner in #16 or 18. This represents the female spinner, but the fish see a lot of the male spinners, too, so a Rusty Spinner in #18 is also a good choice.

The Sulfur hatch is now at its peak, and will continue to provide dry fly action for several weeks. This hatch starts in late afternoon/early evening, usually starting around 4:30 or 5:00 pm. During this hatch, the fish really key on emergers, and don't eat many duns until late in the hatch. Some of the best emergers include the Parachute Sulfur Emerger, Hairwing Biot Body Cripple, Swimming Sulfur, and CDC Transitional Dun, all in #20-22. As the hatch winds down, the fish will pick off more duns, and at this point, a Sulfur No Hackle or Sulfur Comparadun will work very well.

Midge hatches will continue to provide some surface action on the spring creeks. There is usually some emergence in the morning and again late in the afternoon and early evening. If you see sipping rises in the morning, do some careful observation to see if the fish are eating PMD spinners or emerging midges.

During midge hatches, try fishing a variety of surface emergers like René Harrop's CDC Biot Midge Emergers and our Z-lon tailed CDC Midge Emerger. Midge larva and pupa patterns are also excellent, so be sure to have some of these in your box. The Miracle Nymph, Green Krystal Midge Larva, and any of the Lace or Epoxy Head Midge Larva patterns can be very effective.

With the return of warmer and brighter weather, small terrestrial patterns like ants and beetles will also be effective. Best sizes are #14-18. If the wind kicks up in the afternoon, try larger terrestrials like hoppers or crickets.
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#14
Yellowstone River - July 24th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=91,re"]Yellowstone Angler[/url]
FISHING: Fair
Stream Flow Information [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=yellowstone&format=html_table"]click here[/url]]

The Yellowstone has been dirty most of this week due to heavy rains in Yellowstone Park. The river started to clear today, but reports indicate more muddy water may be on its way. A break from rain in the Lamar valley should clear the Yellowstone quickly.

Summer hatches of Pale Morning Dun and Sulfur mayflies are going strong on the Paradise Valley spring creeks. Trico spinner falls have started on the MZ Ranch spring creeks.

The Missouri is fishing very well, where anglers are enjoying a combination of Trico spinner falls in th4e morning and caddis hatches in the evening.
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#15
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