Flow out of Palisades Dam was reduced to just under 3900 cfs (4600 cfs at Heise) early on 10-6. BWO and mahogany dun activity still attracts interest from trout up and down the river. With continued seasonal cooling, look for terrestrial insect activity to decline. Increasingly we hear reports of improving streamer fishing, especially along the lower river.
Our 9-24-16 small streams fishing report offered some thoughts about the effects of significant rainfall on stream flow. We currently have a repeat of the weather conditions prevailing around 9-24. So again looking at USGS flow gauges on streams not influenced by an upstream reservoir reveals flow increases because of current storms. Current weather has been just what is needed to optimize seasonal aquatic insect activity for certain species, but it also adds food forms because of temporarily increased bank and bottom erosion. So it seems a good idea to once again include patterns imitating these food forms as well as streamer, caddisfly and mayfly life cycle, and terrestrial insect patterns in that fly box.
The best chances for action remains at Daniels and Springfield Reservoirs. Presenting damselfly nymph and midge pupa patterns, both under indicators, seems to work best. Slow-stripping small leech and BLM patterns also brings responses from resident trout.
Flow out of Blackfoot River Reservoir has been reduced to 67 cfs. Not good for resident trout in the river below. Some good fishing on the Teton River in the Basin remains with BWO, mahogany dun and terrestrial insect activities bringing action on the river here. More good news here is that daytime recreational boaters are diminishing as cooler weather proceeds.
With only 192 cfs coming out of Island Park Dam, it is time to wade Box Canyon rather than float it. Increasingly, presenting streamer patterns there will bring better chances for encountering large trout. Concentrate on presenting these in deeper holes and runs. Cooling and unsettled weather is just what is needed for improved fishing on the lower river. BWOs and mahoganies provide top water action and streamer patterns will be increasingly effective as we move through October. Presenting terrestrial insect patterns almost anywhere on the river will remain effective until a killing frost comes along.
With flows consistent at around 4500 cfs out of Palisades Dam and the likelihood that further reductions are coming soon, walk-in wade fishing is becoming more attractive along the river. Unsettled weather coming up means the BWO and mahogany dun activity will continue to offer good fishing. But as we move through October, presenting streamer patterns will become increasingly effective.
The event that so many folks have been wanting is beginning. Fishing is picking up on the lake and should improve as we move through October. Big flies presented in relatively shallow water seems to be working now. Some folks tout big streamers, some folks tout big leech patterns, some folks tout big soft hackled patterns, and some folks tout fly rod jigs. Take your pick!
Other than dry fly fishing (BWO & caddis life cycle patterns, terrestrial patterns) picking up on the Firehole River and the onset of killing frosts coming up, the big news is the beginning of brown trout runs. Browns accompanied by rainbows are running in increasing numbers from Hebgen Lake into the Madison River drainage, especially in the park. Browns from Lewis and Shoshone Lakes are moving into the “The Channel,” as the river between the lakes is known, as well as the Lewis Lake outlet. Good numbers of brown trout running into the Gardner and Snake Rivers will begin a bit later. Presenting streamer patterns is the name of the game for these runs. All these events attract anglers, so expect some crowding. One way to minimize crowding is to pick the worst weather days for a visit. Other park waters offering good fishing include Slough and Soda Butte Creek and the Lamar River where morning trico events and mid-day terrestrial activity bring action. As long as the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road is open, Beula Lake will offer some of the fastest fishing in the Park. Riddle Lake off the south entrance road near the Continental Divide will also offer eager cutthroat, albeit a bit smaller in size.