Yellowstone Park, August 7th, 2021
The Park’s version of Montana’s hoot owl restrictions remain in effect. See the Park’s web site for particulars.
Fishing Reports
Henry’s Fork, August 7th, 2021
Whether you fish the upper or lower river, hopper patterns are now the ” bread and butter.” Spinner patterns come in next with PM caddis fly patterns following. So wherever you fish, consider that the higher the water temperatures, the tougher it is on fish to be caught, fought, then be released. Consider using heavier leaders, barbless hooks, keeping fish in the water for “hero” shots and keeping their heads pointed upstream until they appear to recover on their own. Considering the pleasure we gain from encountering them, we owe them as much gentleness as possible during these days of stressful conditions.
South Fork, August 7th, 2021
With Palisades Reservoir a bit more than half full (54%) and no real knowledge of what kind of winter is coming up, flow has been scaled back in the river below Palisades Dam ( now about 14600 cfs at Irwin, 14900 cfs at Heise,10400 cfs at Lorenzo). More reductions will come as we move away from the irrigation season. These actions have no big impact on fishing, but a few strategy changes may help success. For example, spend more time fishing seams,.ie. where channels converge or just below islands. Use such as rubber leg, super renegade or super-X patterns at these places. For sure mayflies are active and will offer good fishing for weeks to come. Terrestrial insect populations are near their peaks and trout know it. So good things are happening on the river.
Small Streams, August 7th, 2021
Our recent rains have helped bring a number of our small streams up to being more hospitable for resident trout. This could be temporary depending on upcoming weather, so let’s keep hoping for more rain!
Good News from The Nature Conservancy
Greetings from Silver Creek.
We are excited to announce that effective August 11, access to fishing will be allowed daily from 9am – sunset at the Silver Creek Preserve. Morning access closures will remain in place.
Due to sustained improvements in stream conditions at the Preserve, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is reopening access to fishing on our property during limited hours. Partial access restrictions remain in place to protect the health of the fishery during times of day when natural stressors are greatest. As always, TNC appreciates anglers’ cooperation in limiting handling and minimizing stress when fishing at Silver Creek Preserve. Whenever possible, please release fish quickly and limit your fishing activity when air temperatures get hot.
We also want to remind everyone of our new designated fishing access points implemented in May 2021. The map of access points at the Preserve and a list of FAQs is attached. If you have questions about this policy or need more info, please email us [email protected] or call the Preserve Office (208) 788-7910.
Erika Green Phillips
Watershed Manager
+1 208 578-4049 (office)
+1 208 721-8112 (personal cell)
South West Montana, August 3rd. 2021
Best fishing is on Hebgen’s Madison Arm for gulpers. Fish during AM when lake surface is calm. Speckled dun spinner, dun, and emerger patterns, size 14-16) Be careful because blue-green algae ( toxic to pets and many domestic animals) bloom is becoming dense along shallows especially in the Grayling Arm. Hoot owl closure still applies to entire Madison River.
South Fork, August 3rd, 2021
Flow is down a bit to 15800 cfs at Irwin and should drop more. Streamers have been producing, moving away from big dries throughout the river. Nymphing drop-offs is good strategy. Look for hoppers and other terrestrial insect patterns to become increasingly effective
Yellowstone Park, July 27th, 2021
Hoot owl restrictions are present indefinitely on all park streams. You can fish only these from sunrise to 2 PM MST. Lakes are exempt from this restriction. Expect crowded fishing on all roadside streams, full campgrounds and lodging, and heavy traffic conditions.
Still Waters, July 27th, 2021
Sand Creek Ponds are open to fishing from water craft. Pond are stocked and those fish are active. Speckled dun and damsel fly life cycle, small leech, small fly rod jig, and soft hackle patterns are effective. It is best for fish well being to begin a visit as early as possible or fish during evenings. Leave mid-day for lunches, etc.
South Fork, July 27th, 2021
No significant change in any way since our last report. Flows are about constant at higher than normal amounts to meet irrigation demands and to place a useful amount of water in downstream reservoirs. Stream-side terrestrial insects are increasing making “hopper-dropper” combos increasingly effective. Rubber leg patterns are good droppers, best hopper patterns are numerous. Proper presentation is more important than pattern selection.
Henry’s Lake, July 27th, 2021
Same story: fish creek mouths and spring holes. Get there at sunrise, fish till mid-day and expect company especially if you are catching fish. Opportunistic anglers will use binoculars to glass the lake and join your success. Again refer to Bill Schiess’s “Fishing Henry’s Lake” to find the best mid-summer patterns. .
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