Early in the day trico hatches (females) and spinner fall (males) is making for good fishing. Wading conditions in the river below the dam are good, too. Switch to terrestrial patterns as the tricos ease off later in the morning.
Trico emergences are making for good early in the day fishing on the Madison River and on Fall River Basin streams. It all ends before noon. After that, switch to terrestrial patterns and hope for a cumulus build-up. The Gallatin River along Highway 191 is fishing very well if you can find a spot in a pull-out. Early AM trico activity is good. Afterwards a switch to terrestrial and traditional attractor patterns works. Later in the day, switch over to dry caddis patterns. The same will work on nearby Grayling Creek, and fewer folks will be fishing there.
Some of the best still water fishing in the area is in the Trude Bay-Grizzly Springs area of Island Park Reservoir. Bloodworm patterns under indicators work when the taking depth is found. Springfield Reservoir is also offering some good fishing. For a change of pace there, try offering dry damselfly patterns. They seem to work well, even when the wind kicks up.
We have not heard of a resolution to repairing the leaking coffer dam above the Ashton Dam. When such a resolution appears, we will post it here. Not much change to fishing action on the river has happened since our last report. An increase in day to day thundershower activity sure would help.
Flow out of Palisades Dam was dropped to 11,000 cfs last night. Let’s see what impact is on fishing, especially in riffles. Several dead or troubled whitefish have been spotted in the river below Byington. Reason for this situation is presently unknown. But IDF&G requests if you encounter whitefish in trouble on the river, but still alive, retrieve them if possible. Pack them on ice (Don’t freeze ’em!) and take to the IDF&G office on Commerce Drive. IDF&G is conducting analyses on collected whitefish in attempts to solve this situation.
For most of these, let’s wait until cooler weather happens. So many fish get stressed with the high water temps and less dissolved oxygen, they would thank you to wait a bit until they can give you a better account of their abilities.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is about 350 cfs making for good wading conditions in the river below. Tricos are out in good numbers there. With terrestrial insects abundant and fish taking them and a good late afternoon caddis emergence a trip to fish below the dam is worth considering.
Flow out of Palisades Dam stays around 124400-12500 cfs making for consistent conditions including water temp. , currently about 64 deg. F. That means fishing conditions have not changed much since our last report. So for the time being continue to pitch chernobyl types, hopper patterns, and super renegades toward banks for good results. Expect spotty riffle fishing until flow out of Palisades Dam drops significantly.
Tricos are beginning to show in good numbers on many waters making for early AM action. But presenting terrestrial patterns during daytime remains the best way to get action. Days with cumulus build-up will offer best chances. So will fishing around overhead cover and near well vegetated banks.
Big Elk Creek is now well worth a visit. Fish take terrestrial patterns around early afternoon. Many “go to sleep” until flavs emerge in late afternoon when water temps get to around mid 50s in degrees F. Then all become active to make for great top water fishing. Last Wednesday kokanee were about a mile up the creek. Now they are much further. They don’t bother the cutts from feeding, but they do bring all kinds of anglers. If you witness kokanee snaggers, make an identity effort (vehicle registration works) then contact IDG&F. IDF&G has plainclothes officers patrolling the creek, but they can use help in stopping this illegal activity.