Wild Trout Outfitters June 1, 2020 Fishing Report
It’s good to have options… and we have plenty right now. Runoff be damned. Yellowstone National Park’s fishing season has finally started (opened June 1st, 2020 at 10am). The park has countless options for anglers seeking clear water and willing trout. Throughout southwest Montana, most anglers are focusing on tailwater fisheries such as the upper Madison, and Missouri. These will remain productive throughout runoff.
An often overlooked option at this time of year is the clear flowing tributaries of the Gallatin and Madison. Many of these creeks offer excellent fishing. And of course we have our area lakes, such as Hebgen and Quake, that are fishing well.
The mainstem freestone rivers such as the Gallatin and Yellowstone are high and muddy. We are close to peak runoff levels on these rivers and based on the remaining snowpack, we expect runoff conditions to continue for another two to three weeks. That said, fish are being caught on our area freestones, including some good size fish.
A few tips for fishing high water during runoff:
- Focus on the slack water along banks. Shallow water will hold fish, but deeper water is better. Depth can be difficult to determine with little to no visibility… this is one of those times where familiarity with a river really pays off.
- Fish large profile nymphs and streamers along the river bottom – if your depth is in doubt, add another BB.
- This isn’t the time for 5x tippet… dirty water allows you to get away with heavier tippet. You’ll need it for keeping fish from running out into swift currents.
- Seek out clear flowing tributaries and fish below the mouth of these streams… dilution can be the solution.
- Befriend the worm… it doesn’t matter the variety, just fish it in red, pink, and purple – worm patterns are excellent producers during high water.
- Be persistent and remember that the fish still have to eat!
- Hire a Wild Trout Outfitters guide – these guys know the river better than anyone and will get you into fish. You’ll be amazed by what you can learn over the course of a day with a good guide.
Our Fly Shop and Guide Service are fully open. There is no longer a 14-day required quarantine in Montana. If you are coming from out of state, we can take you out fishing! We have sanitation and social distance protocols in place that our guides must abide by to keep us all safe during these times. Give us a call and we can help make your Montana Dream a reality!
Wild Trout Outfitters
406-995-2975
June 1st, 2020 Fishing Report
GALLATIN RIVER FISHING REPORT
Currently: Large nymphs or dead-drifted streamers in the #4-6 size range such as the Pat’s Rubber Leg, Dirty Trixie Worm, Bitch Creek, Yuk Bug, Mega Prince, San Juan Worm, Bow River Bugger or Sparkle Minnow.
Patterns to stock up on for post-runoff:
Dries: Flutter Bug #6-8, Cat Puke (salmonfly & golden stonefly) #6-10), Rogue Stone (salmonfly and golden stonefly) #6-10, Chubby Chernobyl (Golden) #8-10, Stimulator (Yellow) #10-14, Elk Hair Caddis (Yellow/Tan/Olive) #14-16, X-Caddis (Olive) #14-16, Lime Trude #14-16, Sparkle Dun (PMD) #16-18, Purple Haze #14-18
Nymphs: Pats’ Rubber Legs #8, Dirty Trixie Worm #10, 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
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.
Gallatin River near Gallatin Gateway MT
With many 80 degree days, the Gallatin is now in full runoff mode. We expect it to stay in runoff until at least the middle of June. Hopefully the salmon flies will be popping by then, but for now Nymphing is your best friend.
Too thick to drink and too thin to plow, the Gallatin is in runoff mode. There’s a lot of suspended sediment in the river below the Taylor Fork and even more below the mouth of the West Fork. However, prime time is right around the corner. The Gallatin River drainage is currently holding about 100% of median snowpack for this time of year; coupled with warm temperatures forecast for next week we will probably see the river peak over the next few days. As snowmelt wanes over the next couple of weeks we’ll see water conditions steadily improve as we move into some of the best fishing of the year. Salmonflies are on the horizon, stay tuned for a few tips for fishing the hatch.
If you are determined to fish the Gallatin
For the time being, drifting large nymphs and streamers will find fish in the right area. Again, like we always say during runoff, intimate knowledge of the river will help you find the fish. The larger browns in the Gallatin are having a tougher time seeing and can be easier to fool. Throw your large black rubber legs and favorite worm. Get them into that slow deep water where the fish can catch a break, and you should still find fish. The fish will be concentrated heavily in these areas this time of year.
Other local options
If you’re still not convinced, try some of the clear flowing tributary’s of the Gallatin. We have found fish in most of the creeks between Big Sky and Bozeman. Stop by the shop and we can point you in the right direction to some of our favorite small streams on the Gallatin.
Our guide calendar is filling quickly now that the 14-day mandatory quarantine is no longer in effect. Drop us a line or give us a call (800-423-4742) to book your dream trip and let us do what we do best… put people on fish!
June 1st, 2020 Fishing Report
UPPER MADISON FISHING REPORT
Nymphs: Pats’ Rubber Legs #8, Yarn Egg #14, Dirty Trixie #10, Mega Prince #8, Pheasant Tail #12 & #18, Soft-Hackle Lightning Bug #16-18, Lightning Bug #18, RS-2 #18-20, WD-40 #18, Shop Vac #16, $3 Dip #16-18, San Juan Worm #12
Dries: Parachute Adams #18, Purple Haze #14-18, Sparkle Dun (olive) #18 and #12 (brown), X-Caddis #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis #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.
Madison River at Kirby Ranch near Cameron MT
The upper Madison remains fishable and productive with a off color green hue to it and good visibility above the West Fork. The float section has variable water clarity day to day, depending largely upon the inflows of the West Fork. Clarity is significantly less as you get close to Ennis.
The upper Madison is hanging in there from a water clarity standpoint. The Madisom River drainage is currently holding about 75% of median snowpack for this time of year. Above the West Fork the river remains off color depending upon the day. Dry fly fishing remains a possibility in the walk wade stretch with lingering hatches of baetis, caddis, and March browns. But the bulk of the action is on nymphs and streamers fished tight to the banks.
Streamers and Nymphs
The streamer bite has been really good over here this spring and that should continue for a few more weeks before low, clear flows change the game. Large black streamers are always a go to in off color water. Stonefly nymphs remain a top producer as these hatches are imminent and the mature nymphs are migrating toward the banks. This is right where the trout are currently hanging out. We’re anticipating excellent river conditions for this year’s salmonfly hatch on the Madison. It’s not too late to get in on the action… call us today to talk shop and reserve your spot with one of our guides. There’s a beautiful stonefly-crushing rainbow out there with your name on it!
LOWER MADISON FISHING REPORT
Nymphs: Pats’ Rubber Legs #8, Yarn Egg #14, Dirty Trixie #10, Craw Daddy #8, Crawpin #8, Mega Prince #8, Pheasant Tail #12 & #18, Soft-Hackle Lightning Bug #16-18, Lightning Bug #18, RS-2 #18-20, WD-40 #18, Shop Vac #16, $3 Dip #16-18, San Juan Worm #12
Dries: Parachute Adams #18, Purple Haze #14-18, Sparkle Dun (olive) #18 and #12 (brown), X-Caddis #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis #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.
Madison River below Ennis Dam near McAllister MT
The lower Madison continues to fish very well. The clear water brings many people to the river this time of year. Both wade fishing and float fishing are great options.
The Madisom River drainage is currently holding about 75% of median snowpack for this time of year. Being a tailwater, the lower Madison continues to be a clear fishery that draws many people away from the dirty water we see on the Gallatin and upper Madison near Ennis. If you want to avoid fishing around other anglers, this wouldn’t be my first choice. However, if you are willing to walk, you can still find some solitude.
Wade Fishing
For the wade fisherman, bear trap canyon is as good option. Many wade fisherman on the lower Madison drive along the river and get distracted by the great looking water along the highway. If you don’t mind a little company, these stretches will produce fish. The fish will be tucked along the bank, so don’t go charging into the water. Take the time to fish the bank before you step in. We have been seeing golden stonefly’s flying high above the river, so you might get a chance at some dry fly fishing with big foam flies if the come down to the water. Nymph fishing will still be your most productive fishing with stoneflys and crayfish patterns.
If you want to avoid the crowds, keep your eyes on the road and keep driving up to bear trap canyon. Remember, there is a reason it is called bear trap canyon, so bring your bear spray and make some noise. Fish will hold to the bank in this stretch and you will find them in the classic, slow deep water as well.
Float Fishing
Lot’s of good, floatable water on the lower Madison. Easy river to float down if you are new to rowing. Nymphing will likely be your most productive strategy. With all of the golden stones we have seen around, try a large foam fly with a small crayfish underneath. The foam fly may get the attention of a few fish, but you are mostly using it as an indicator for the crayfish. Fish this setup tight to the bank. If that isn’t working, setup your favorite double nymph rig and fish deeper water.
YELLOWSTONE RIVER FISHING REPORT
Currently: Large nymphs or dead-drifted streamers in the #4-6 size range such as the Pat’s Rubber Leg, Bitch Creek, Yuk Bug, Mega Prince, San Juan Worm, Bow River Bugger or Sparkle Minnow.
Patterns to stock up on for post-runoff:
Dries: Flutter Bug #6-8, Cat Puke (salmonfly & golden stonefly) #6-10), Chubby Chernobyl (Golden) #8-10, Stimulator (Yellow) #10-14, Elk Hair Caddis (Yellow/Tan/Olive) #14-16, Sparkle Dun (PMD) #16-18, Purple Haze #14-18
Nymphs: Pats’ Rubber Legs #8, Mega Prince #8, San Juan Worm (Red) #12, Pheasant Tail #16-18, Lightning Bug #16-18, Copper John #14-16, CDC Emerger #14-18, Shop Vac #16
Streamers: Sex Dungeon #4, Circus Peanut #4, Barely Legal, Sparkle Minnow #4-6.
Yellowstone River near Livingston MT
The Yellowstone will be in runoff mode over the next 3 to 4 weeks.
The Yellowstone is likely not going to be a great option for the next couple of weeks as river levels have risen substantially and there’s enough snow remaining in the high country to sustain high flows for a while yet. Check back in a couple of weeks… you don’t want to miss that sweet post-runoff window on this river. As the ‘stone drops and clears it offers up some of the best fishing of the year on big dries and streamers fished tight to the banks.
June 1st, 2020 Fishing Report
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK FISHING REPORT
Yellowstone National Park’s fishing season is open! The Firehole and Gibbon will be fishing well, we may even see some salmon flies on the Firehole.
The early season in Yellowstone typically finds most of the park’s streams and rivers swollen with snowmelt. Many river systems, such as the Yellowstone and its tributaries, are virtually unfishable during the early portion of the park’s fishing season. The portion of the Gallatin River within the park is typically fishable from a clarity standpoint. However, the river and its tributaries will be flowing high and water temperatures will be cold. These fish have been untouched for some time now. Less fishing pressure generally means these fish will not be as educated to flies as some of the more heavily hit rivers in our area.
For the opener
Some of the best early season fishing opportunities in the park can be found along the Madison River and its two primary tributaries: the Firehole River and the Gibbon River. These fisheries are located near the park’s west entrance and are go-to destinations for most of our guide trips in the park. The Firehole is a popular opening weekend destination for anglers, and for good reason. Flows are typically moderate and it’s a fairly safe bet that trout will be found rising to hatches of both caddis and baetis in the classic meadow water above the falls.
Below the falls on the Firehole, anglers may still find a few large, holdover fish that migrated up from Hebgen Lake during the fall spawning run. These fish can be taken on large stonefly nymphs imitating the giant salmonfly. This hatch occurs in early June on the lower Firehole due to its thermal influence. Have a few salmon fly dries on hand in case you stub your toe on the beginnings of the hatch. Should the Firehole be flowing high and turbid, anglers can still find success, but may need to shift gears and trying swinging soft hackles or nymphing.
The Gibbon River
The Gibbon River is a very diverse fishery that provides less reliable fishing for opening day – some years it fishes very well on the opener, and during other years it is too high and off color to be productive. If conditions allow, anglers will do well nymphing below the falls with stonefly patterns, or with baetis imitations along the river’s upper meadow reaches.
Give us a call (800-423-4742) to discuss planning your own trip, or an up to the minute fishing report!
June 1st, 2020 Fishing Report
Dries: Adams #18-20, Sparkle Dun (olive) #18-20, Purple Haze #18-20, Flutter Bug #6-8, Cat Puke (salmon fly) #6-10), Rogue Stone (salmon fly) #6-10, Chubby Chernobyl (Golden, Purple Salmon Fly) #8-10, Stimulator (Yellow) #10-14, Elk Hair Caddis (Yellow/Tan/Olive) #14-16, X-Caddis (Olive) #14-16, Lime Trude #14-16, Sparkle Dun (PMD) #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, Baetis Emerger #16-20
