No big changes here. Midging remains the most consistent technique just about everywhere. Best locations for midging are upper end of Daniels Reservoir, Hawkins Res. along willows adjacent to the highway, east and west ends of Springfield Res. Warm weather is sure to boost fishing activity on all still waters.
Madison River below Quake Lake remains discolored and high, but fishing the soft water with streamers on S. J. worms can be effective. River just below Hebgen Dam is in good shape , but it gets crowded. Quake Lake is discolored because of Beaver and Cabin creek run-off.
We have 2011 Yellowstone Park fishing licenses and regulations. Right now the Firehole River is the best stream to fish in the Park. Caddisfly, BWO, PMD and sally life cycle patterns are the way to go. Don’t overlook soft hackle patterns either!
We have had a few reports of stoneflies at the Vernon Bridge and the Ora Bridge. When I say a few I am talking about a dozen nymph casings on the bridge. Not much flying yet but keep posted to the report and the weather report. Again I expect the hatch to really be in full swing by this weekend.
Flows have been increased 348 cfs. Wading is pretty difficult at these levels. If you do fish look for Caddis, Blue Wing Olives and Midges.
The water below Chester Dam still remains pretty dirty, temps will warm up this week and the Fall River will begin to run high again making that section difficult for fishing. Flows out of the Box canyon are staying steady at 2,000 cfs and the water is fairly clear. The water from Warm River down is Tea colored but very fishable. The stoneflies are almost ready to hatch and there are a few hatching. The main bulk of the hatch has not started yet. You can find nymphs staging along the banks fro Warm River down to the Chester Backwaters. With the warm temperatures expected this week I expect the hatch to be in full force about mid week. As always we will keep you posted as things progress.
Flows on the South Fork have been raised to 23,000 cfs. Not much going on here until the water goes down.
The big factor on all of these is the weather. During days with sunshine and (if this is possible) no wind water warms enough to get aquatic insects active and fish responding to them. This goes for all still waters. Next week looks like the beginning of a good weather spell, so we will keep you informed of how things progress.
Flows out of Mackay Dam are about 270 cfs. That makes wading possible. Midge and BWO life cycle patterns make for good PM fishing. Again, don’t overlook small beadhead, small leech and peacock woolly worm patterns.
General fishing season opens today. We expect to have licenses and information folders early next week. Firehole River is your best bet for stream fishing. BWO, PMD, and caddis life cycle patterns are standard fare for this time of year. Don’t overlook small bead head nymphs. Lewis Lake will offer some streamer fishing from both shore and from boats. Dress for not the best weather!