Spruce moth, ant, and hopper patterns bring best daytime action on the upper Madison River. The same goes for the Gallatin River and the West Fork of the Madison River. Gulpers are still active but past their peak on Hebgen Lake. Dry fly fishing on the Beaverhead River is terrific with spruce moths, craneflies, caddisflies, various mayflies, and terrestrials all attracting trout. All you need to do is find which fish are taking at a given time.
The upper Blackfoot River seems to be improving with terrestrial patterns finally producing. Flavs are producing afternoon action on Big Elk Creek. Hoppers and ants bring action on all South Fork and Salt River tribs, Warm River, Teton River and the Little Lost River. Attractors work on all streams, so get out and enjoy them before cold weather shut things down.
Algae bloom has slowed fishing on Chesterfield Reservoir. Action on Twenty-Four Mile, Springfield, and Hawkins has also slowed. Action is holding up well on Daniels Reservoir with good water extending above the dead trees. Midging is the best bet, but small leech patterns and nymphs bring returns. As we cool off later this month better days are coming.
Through cautious wading it is fishable below Mackay Dam. Trico spinner falls, BWOS, terrestrial patterns, and midges can bring top water action. Otherwise, small bead head nymphs and small leech patterns work.
Big dry fly attraction here are green drakes on Slough and Soda Butte creeks. There and on other Park streams terrestrial patterns work well. On lakes such as Beula, Cascade, Grebe, and Riddle gulpers are active. On streams hosting brown trout streamer patterns will become increasingly important as we move into fall.
Everyone is waiting for the days to begin cooling. Then watch fishing pick up here.
Make this river a destination, especially late in the day when streamers will be increasingly effective and caddis swarms will make for dry fly fishing. Walk-in locations are plenty, and there are several float fishing alternatives. Snowflake duns are emerging from the river around Tilden Bridge to add to the dry fly fishing. Below American Falls the fly fisher has a wonderful choice of trout and (see below) bass. Come see us to learn more about this great fishery.
Early AMs (spinner falls) and evenings (caddis swarms, speckled duns) remain the best times to fish anywhere on the river. During mid day terrestrial patterns along shaded banks are your best bet for action. Small bead head nymphs work daytime in Box Canyon. Streamers work there, at the Tubs, below Coffee Pot rapids, and along the lower river during evenings.
The upcoming months can be the best to try Park waters. The number of tourist-anglers is down, insect pests are decreasing, and more comfortable weather is coming. Terrestrial insects and caddisflies will be active for weeks to come, the fall mayfly emergence (BWOs, mahogany duns, Slough Creek green drakes) will take hold, and streamer fishing will become increasingly productive. Get in touch with us for “where to fish” information, flies, equipment, and strategies for the fall season.
A good shot of cooler weather will make fish more active. All it take is some time in September!