Ranch
The ranch continues to fish very well. I think the green drakes are on the way out but I have been seeing good numbers of flavs and some pmds. The caddis have been great in the evenings and I would also make sure you have some #16 yellow sallies with you. The mid day heat seems to slowing down the fishing a little but the evenings have been great. I would make sure to have some #16 spent partridge caddis and some # 14 flav spinners. It’s a good idea to also have some #16 rusty spinners with you. The crowds on the ranch will start to thin down good after this week but I think the fishing is just going to continue to get better. Flows will increase as irrigation demand will come into play. It’s hard to predict when that will happen and how much flows will increase but I have heard not until at least July 12th.
Box Canyon
The Box continues to be very consistent. There have been great hatches of golden stones and the nymph bite has been very good. I would have the usual. #16 and #18 red zebra midges and #18 lighting bugs. I would also have #18 red necks. Some #16 olive zebra midges would also be a good idea. Don’t forget about that early morning streamer runs. A #6 wool head sculpin first thing in the morning can be very productive!
Lower River
The traffic on the lower river has really slowed down. It’s not time to write the lower end off. The mornings and evenings have been amazing . If you can do it, I would put a boat in at the Chester back water and look for rising fish. Take some #10 hackled spinners with you. I would also have a few #16 Hi-Vis Rusty Spinners with. Don’t forget some #16 spent partridge caddis. As it heats up throughout the day you find that bead heads are the ticket. Go deep when the dry fly action dwindles. I would have #6 black or brown rubber legs and the usual selection of small bead heads. #16 brown zebra midges and #16 or #18 two bit hookers.
South Fork
I still think we are a ways out before the South Fork fishes consistent. Keep an eye on the flows and please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We did run a few trips this week and have had mixed results.
Teton
Like the South Fork the Teton is still a week, maybe two weeks out from really fishing well. At least the river has cleared and fishing has been productive with nymphs and streamers. Again keep an eye on the flows and call the shop with questions. When this river comes into shape I think the fishing is going to be epic!!!
Madison
The Madison has been nothing short of amazing. The salmon flies and golden’s have moved through most of the river with the best action for the big bugs being in the walk wade area. There has also been an amazing boat hatch and some days even getting a shuttle has been impossible. You may be able to avoid some of the crowds by fishing late afternoon until night fall. This is my favorite time on the Madison. Take advantage of the evening caddis hatches. Have some #16 tan caddis emergers with you. I would also have some #16 tan E-Z Caddis, fish these two patterns in tandem. You can also swing the emergers with great success on the Madison.
Yellowstone
9 more days until the Yellowstone River opens in the Park. I will be there! I am keeping my fingers crossed that the fishing is as good as it was last year. Mike Lawson and I had a great day fishing salmon flies and golden stones on the Yellowstone last year. This river is on the come back and I for one can’t hardly wait to see what happens this year. I don’t have too much new information to report at this time in the park.
Area Lakes
Hebgen has been the place to be this week as far as the lakes in our area are concerned. The gulpers fishing has been real consistent yet but fishing beads under a bobber has been deadly on the lake. I would have #16 two bit hookers and red zebras for Hebgen.