Right now terrestrial patterns get you the best action on most streams. With cooling and shorter days the Firehole River will offer better action from such as BWO and cadds activity. Trico spinner falls bring action on all Fall River Basin streams. Brown trout are beginning to forage before spawning runs. So be sure to have streamer patterns in your fly box. As we move through autumn, rely more and more on them to bring action.
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.
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.
Generally best action is found through presenting terrestrial patterns on streams and presenting patterns for gulpers on still waters. Days are shortening and we are beginning to cool in the high country. These are signals to begin thinking about presenting streamers.
Terrestrials, particularly ant and hopper patterns, are bringing action on almost all streams. Don’t overlook presenting ant patterns on lakes. Carry cinnamon and black patterns of various sizes in order to be ready for which are attracting fish. And remember lakes such as Beula, Cascade and Grebe have great ant flights this time of the season.
No real change here in that terrestrial patterns are the most consistent producers on Park streams. On higher gradient streams like the Gallatin, the middle and canyon reach of the Gibbon, lower Gardner River and Lava Creek add caddis life cycle patterns. For still waters gulpers are active and approachable on smaller waters such as Beula, Cascade, Grebe, Riddle and Wolf lakes. Trty a dry damselfly pattern on these where you see rises.
Terrestrial patterns are the name of the game on all streams. Look for green drakes coming to Slough Creek soon. On lakes such as Beula, Riddle, Grebe, Cascade and Wolf speckled duns will make for gulpers.
If you prefer dry flies, terrestrial patterns are the way to go almost everywhere on Park streams. We tend to overlook ant and beetle patterns compared to those of hoppers. But a delicately placed ant or beetle can be very effective along banks and overhangs not in direct light.
Its terrestrial time almost everywhere on moving water and lakes. Break out you favorite hopper, ant and beetle patterns. Head for Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek, Fall River Basin, Gibbon Meadows, Duck Creek, the upper Gallatin River, Grasshopper Bank on the Madison River and such. And if you prefer still waters and don’t mind a short walk, Beula and Riddle lakes will not disappoint you for action.
For all streams be sure to have terrestrial patterns on hand. That’s the best way to find action on through this month. Soon it will be time to add spruce moth patterns to yor terrestrial array especially if you fish forested reaches. Guplers will be active on most still waters, but the best gulper fishing will be found on the smaller waters such as Grebe, Grizzly, Cascade, Wolf, Beula and Riddle lakes.