The dog days of summer are upon us. It’s hot and sunny and the rivers are low and clear. We’re still seeing good caddis activity in the evenings, along with some lingering PMD’s and Yellow Sallies. Terrestrials are in play with smaller hoppers, beetles, and ants getting some attention… and there are a few spruce moths along the Gallatin. But perhaps the best dry fly fishing opportunities at this time of the year are the result of a rather unheralded hatch that flies under the radar of many anglers… that hatch is the nocturnal stonefly (also referred to as the midnight or short-wing stonefly).
Our area rivers – the Gallatin, Madison and Yellowstone – all see significant hatches of the nocturnal stonefly. During a normal water year these size 8 to 10 stoneflies start hatching in mid-July (a high-water year will delay the hatch). On some stretches of river they hatch in big numbers, as indicated by the sheer number of abandoned shucks adorning the cobblestones adjacent to faster runs and riffles. Many anglers mistakenly assume that these stonefly shucks are the remnants of the long-gone golden stonefly hatch, not realizing that trout are once again looking to the surface for adult stoneflies. As the name implies, these stoneflies are active primarily during low-light hours… they’re reclusive by day, hiding out under rocks. When active, the nocturnal stones scurry along the river’s edge in search of a mate, making them highly susceptible to fish prowling the banks. A Chernobyl-style fly makes an excellent imitation and will produce well (particularly when skated and twitched) during the early morning hours and again at dusk. It’s a highly anticipated hatch for anglers in the know, as it provides reliable action on big dries and will do so well into August.
GALLATIN RIVER FISHING REPORT
The Gallatin is fishing steadily with gradually dropping flows, sporadic dry fly fishing and a consistent nymph bite.
Water levels and temperatures remain in good shape from the river’s headwaters in Yellowstone National Park down to the mouth of Gallatin Canyon. We’re seeing continued hatches of PMDs, Yellow Sallies and – most prominently – caddis. Good numbers of nocturnal stoneflies can be found throughout the lower end of the canyon where just about any size 8 to 10 low-riding stonefly dry will take fish during the early morning hours. The nocturnal stonefly hatch on the Gallatin is prolific along the river’s lower, valley reaches – but extends upstream through Gallatin Canyon, and gradually tapers off south of Big Sky.
Many anglers are running a big stonefly or attractor dry fly all day with some success, working the flies through riffles and faster runs. Dropping a nymph off the dry fly is highly recommended and will help to ensure that your rod stays bent throughout the day. We’re seeing continued action on a variety of small nymph patterns with various caddis and mayfly patterns producing best. Lightning Bugs are a summer staple on the Gallatin and anglers should carry this pattern in silver and gold… purple can produce well at times also. Shop Vacs are still getting plenty of attention, and our guides are reporting some activity on Transitional Duns. Hogan’s S&M has been a top producer at times lately too. If the fishing slows and it seems nothing is working, try the venerable Zebra Midge in black or olive, size 18 to 20 – and fish it with confidence… with the proper drift they’ll eat it.
Give us a call to book a day of guided fishing on the Gallatin, or stop by the shop for the best selection of top producing flies!
Dries: Chubby Chernobyl (Royal, Purple, Tan) #8-10, Chernobyl Ant (Black/Tan) #8-10, Stimulator (Yellow) #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis (Yellow/Tan/Olive) #14-16, X-Caddis (Olive) #14-16, Lime Trude #12-16, Sparkle Dun (PMD) #16-18, Purple Haze #14-18
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail #16-18, Soft-Hackle Pheasant Tail #16-18, Soft-Hackle Hare’s Ear #16-18, Lightning Bug #16-18, Copper John #14-16, Beadhead Yellow Sally #14-16, CDC Emerger #14-18, Shop Vac #16-18, Serendipity (Red/Crystal) #16-18, Zebra Midge (Black/Olive) #18-20
Streamers: Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6, Home Invader #2-6, McCune’s Sculpin#4, Gonga #4. Be sure to have an array of colors represented in your streamer box including: white, yellow, olive, natural/tan, and black.
UPPER MADISON FISHING REPORT
The upper Madison continues to fish well, particularly during the morning hours and again from late afternoon to dusk.
The Madison is fishing well, particularly early and late in the day. With the warm afternoons we’ve been experiencing lately the fishing has been slowing a bit during the afternoon hours. During this time double nymph rigs fished deep are your best bet. As the heat of the day intensifies, keep in mind that water temperatures are cooler upriver in the walk/wade stretch.
Caddis are the primary emergence of aquatic insects that we’re seeing, with good action on adult and emerger imitations early and late in the day… although the evening hours seem to be providing some of the best fishing. PMDs and Yellow Sallies are still around, and we’re beginning to see strong evening hatches of Epeorous mayflies. In additional to dry flies imitating these insects, we’re experiencing good fishing on attractor patterns – particularly anything of the purple variety… be sure to have a few Purple Haze patterns on hand.
Nocturnal stoneflies are making their way up the valley… this hatch is largely responsible for the current productivity of the Chubby Chernobyl and other large dries. A tan-bodied Chubby is the best representation of the natural, but royal and purple are producing as well. If you want to roll with the Chubby all day, be sure to drop a nymph or micro-streamer (zonker, etc.) off the back… it will pay dividends.
Double nymph rigs are out producing all other techniques… no surprises there. Productive rigs consist of some combination of the following patterns: Shop Vac, Serendipity (brown or red), Crystal Dip, Transitional Dun, Copper John, Hogan’s S&M, Pheasant Tail, CDC Pheasant Tail or Lightning Bug (silver, gold, or purple). Rubberlegs are producing as well in mottled tan/brown… in size 8 this pattern is a dead ringer for the nocturnal stonefly nymphs. If all else fails, our guides are reporting streaky action on purple San Juan Worms… go figure.
Whether you prefer the upper walk/wade reaches of the Madison, or the famous float stretch you really can’t go wrong right now. Call us today to reserve your guide dates for the summer!
Nymphs: Pats’ Rubber Legs #8, Mega Prince #8, Pheasant Tail #16-18, Soft-Hackle Lightning Bug #16-18, Lightning Bug #16-18, Shop Vac #16-18, Serendipity (Brown/Red) #16-18, Crystal Dip #16-18, Anato-May #16, Military May #16, Hogan’s S&M #18, Transitional Dun #16-18, San Juan Worm (Purple) #12
Dries: Chubby Chernobyl (Tan, Purple, Royal) #8-10, Chernobyl Ant (Tan) #8-10, Stimulator (Yellow) #14, Elk Hair Caddis (Tan/Olive) #14-16, X-Caddis (Olive) #14-16, Trude (Lime/Adams Grey) #12-16, Sparkle Dun (PMD) #16-18, Purple Haze #14-16
Streamers: Sex Dungeon #4, Circus Peanut #4, Barely Legal, Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6, Home Invader #2-6, McCune’s Sculpin#4, Gonga #4. Be sure to have an array of colors represented in your streamer box including: white, yellow, olive, natural/tan, and black.
YELLOWSTONE RIVER FISHING REPORT
In typical Yellowstone River fashion, this moody freestone river is fishing inconsistently. Great one day and tough the next. Hit it on the right day and you can expect to catch good numbers of trout in the 16 to 18 inch range, with the possibility of a couple stretching beyond the vaunted 20-inch mark.
Large stonefly and attractor dries are getting some attention, particularly early and late in the day. The nocturnal stonefly hatch is going on in full force on the Yellowstone. The middle and lower reaches of the Yellowstone’s trout water (roughly from Livingston down to Columbus) host a pretty epic nocturnal stonefly hatch… many of the cobblestone banks adjacent to faster water are littered with stonefly shucks. At dawn and dusk, when these stoneflies are most active, any low-riding stonefly imitation will get some attention.
The nymph fishing has been solid with tandem rigs consisting of a larger lead fly (Wooly Bugger, Pat’s Rubber Leg, Bow River Bugger, Sparkle Minnow or Zonker to name a few) trailed by a smaller beadhead nymph (Shop Vacs, CDC Pheasant Tails, Serendipities and Lightning Bugs have been productive). But be forewarned that smaller beadhead nymphs are producing lots and lots of whitefish right now. If you want to avoid the whitefish, try sticking with dead-drifted streamers and larger stonefly nymphs. Ripping streamers off the banks has had its moments, but has slowed considerably with the warmer water temperatures and sunny conditions… smaller streamers dead drifted below an indicator have been finding more success.
Dries: Chubby Chernobyl (Tan, Purple, Royal) #8-10, Stimulator (Yellow) #14, Elk Hair Caddis (Tan/Olive) #14-16, X-Caddis (Olive) #14-16, Lime Trude #12-16, Sparkle Dun (PMD) #16-18, Purple Haze #14-18
Nymphs: Pats’ Rubber Legs #8, Mega Prince #8, San Juan Worm (Red) #12, CDC Pheasant Tail #16-18, Pheasant Tail #16-18, Lightning Bug #16-18, Copper John #14-16, Beadhead Yellow Sally #14, CDC Emerger #14-18, Shop Vac #16, Serendipity (Red/Crystal) #16-18.
Streamers: Sex Dungeon #4, Circus Peanut #4, Barely Legal, Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6, Home Invader #2-6, McCune’s Sculpin#4, Gonga #4. Be sure to have an array of colors represented in your streamer box including: white, yellow, olive, natural/tan, and black.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK FISHING REPORT
The Firehole and Madison have warmed considerably and are largely out of play for anglers. The Gibbon remains a productive option on the west side, and the entire Yellowstone watershed is in prime summer form.
The Firehole and Madison in the park have warmed considerably and are no longer good options. The Gibbon River is fishing well along its entire length, providing a good option for anglers on the west side of the park. Further north, the Yellowstone is in prime shape with good attractor dry fly fishing. The Yellowstone’s tributaries including the Lamar River and Slough Creek are in prime shape with good dry fly fishing on attractor and terrestrial patterns during non-hatch times.
Give us a call (800-423-4742) to discuss planning your own trip.
Dries: Adams #18-20, Sparkle Dun – Olive (baetis), Yellow (PMD) #18-20, Purple Haze #18-20, Light Cahill #16-18
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail #18-20, Soft-Hackle Pheasant Tail #18-20, CDC Emerger #18-20, Partridge & Olive Soft Hackle #18-20, Lightning Bug #18-20, WD-40 #18-20, RS-2 #18-20, Pat’s Rubber Leg #8
