Madison River (Yellowstone National Park) 6-10-2009
Hatches on the Madison in the Park have started to get cranking for the season. PMD’s are the most prevalent insect around, though Baetis can be more important on cloudy afternoons. PMD Cripples or Parachutes work great as a searching fly. If fish are steadily rising, Paramergers often will fool picky fish. Salmonflies have been seen on the Madison, though their numbers have been very low. Occasionally, one can pound fish up on an imitation. Nymphing the heads of pools with Stonefly Nymphs, Hare’s Ears and PMD Soft Hackles has been effective as well.
Firehole River 6-10-2009
We’ve had some good times up on the Firehole, as the river’s hatches have been strong. Cool cloudy weather is great for the bugs and it also
means that the river is at its best in the afternoon and early evening, rather than at first light. Lazy anglers (such as myself) greatly appreciate this. PMDs, Baetis and a few different Caddis have been the most prevalent insects. Caddis can be imitated with Tan X-Caddis in #14-16, Tan CDC Caddis emergers and Black Better Foam Caddis in #18-20. If the fish won’t eat a dead drift, try swinging the pattern instead. PMD emergers and CDC Comparaduns in #16 have brought home the groceries when there are mayflies about. Baetis must get lonely, as they are commonly ignored by the trout, especially when PMD’s are also present, but matching these small Mayflies is still important. CDC Comparaduns and Floating Nymphs in #20 are two great flies for this hatch. Don’t forget some Princes and Bead Head Soft Hackles for swinging in the riffles before there is significant surface feeding.
Gibbon River 6-10-2009
The Gibbon is in good shape, with just a touch of color. The water is warming, so fish will actively chase streamers and feed on nymphs drifted in the deeper runs. Baetis have been hatching here and there on cloudy afternoons, so make sure to have flies to mimic them. Yellow Stimulators, Parachute Adams and Elk Hair Caddis can work well as attractors in the afternoons.
Gallatin River 6-10-2009
The Gallatin is pretty darn clear in the Park. As the water is still high and cold, sub surface fishing with nymphs and buggers is really the only shot at fish. The Firehole and Madison are really better options, but if an angler wants solitude, the Gallatin will deliver.