We have stories of good fishing success at Chesterfield Reservoir, but some fish caught are recent planters for next year. Others range to over twenty inches. Streamers, fly rod jigs, wooly bugger types, midge pupa patterns under indicators; all seem to work. Hawkins Reservoir continues to produce some nice fish for those presenting streamers and wooly bugger types.
Browns are active throughout the lower river, and streamers are the best way to encounter them especially under low light conditions. For a change of pace try, BWO life cycle patterns especially during overcast conditions.
Flows were dropped to 2,500 cfs. Blue Wing Olive hatches have been going off fairly regularly. The moss is still heavy and getting in the way. Streamers still seem to be the ticket for the big fish.
Bank fishing has been so good at Chesterfield Reservoir that a boat is not needed. Fish up through trophy sizes seem to respond equally well to midge pupa under and indicator, streamers, or nymphs. Which works best depends on which stories you wish to believe. Fishing success is also holding up well on Hawkins Reservoir where streamers and wooly bugger types are bringing action.
Weather may bring an end to the comfortable fly fishing season here, but a trip to enjoy some top water fishing may be in order with flows out of Mackay Dam around the 100 cfs mark. Brookies and bows are responding well to BWO and midge activity. Small bead head nymphs are making for action, too.
Recent storms have shut down access to many in the back country. So the season on many is over until next spring. Here are a few exceptions. All are near well-maintained highways, but be sure to check road conditions before you venture to them. Warm River in the Three Rivers area and Buffalo River around the campground will offer responses to good BWO activity. Birch Creek in the family area will do the same, and all these waters hold fish that will respond to small nymph pattern with & without bead heads.
Spotty fishing along the river so far, but we have a story from a lady fly-fisher from California. Fishing the river here in town she landed two brown trout around twenty-four inches using rubber leg nymphs! She also had a few smaller browns. She brought in pictures to back up her story. Are high gas prices putting a crimp to your travels to find good fishing? It may be under your nose here within the city limits.
Fishing remains very good. Too bad we cannot say the same for the weather. It is predicted to improve next week, so look for crowds to return.
Migrating brown trout are bringing action on the lower river. The recent stormy weather seems made to order for fishing here. On these stormy days BWOs are bringing action there and on the upper river. Now is also the time to pitch streamers in Box Canyon and the Tubs above Mack’s Inn, weather permitting.
The Park has closed several roads because of recent snows. If you are planning a trip to the Park’s interior, it is a good idea to check its web site for road closures and weather forecasts. Such as the Madison River along the West Entrance Highway and around Baker’s Hole remain accessible, as does Duck and Grayling creeks and the Gallatin River. On the south side of the Park the Snake River, featuring a late season brown trout run, is accessible. For all these streamer fishing is the name of the game.