Madison River (Yellowstone National Park) 6-16-2009
The Madison is seeing good hatches of PMD’s and rising fish can often be found mid-morning through the afternoons. Caddis hatches are beginning as well. There aren’t the densities of rising fish here that are on the Firehole, anglers willing to hunt for heads can often find fish willing to feed on the surface.
Firehole River 6-16-2009
The Firehole is kicking out good hatches and is the best option for dry fly fishing in the area. Fish are happily rising to PMD’s, there are some good Baetis hatches and a couple species of Caddis make up the rest of the menu. The river is seeing a good amount of attention from anglers, but it seems as though there are plenty of fish to keep everyone happy. PMD CDC Biot Comparaduns, Emergers and Floating Nymphs in #16-18 are the best flies when fish are feeding on Pale Morning Duns. Make sure to have a few Spinners in #16-18 as well. Baetis can be imitated with #20 Thorax or Paramerger Patterns. Caddis seem to come in two varieties, small and dark along with large and light in color. #18-20 Black Foam Caddis are deadly when trout are interested in the little bugs. Swinging #14 CDC Emergers can work wonders when the larger Caddis are visible. #14 Tan Spent Caddis or Foam Caddis are good flies when fish are rising to these as well.
Gibbon River 6-16-2009
While most anglers take a right hand turn at Madison Junction, there is some good fishing on the Gibbon. With the exception of the meadow stretches, most of the fishing is attractor style dry fly action. Fish are filling to come out of pocket water to eat small Trudes and Stimulators. It isn’t technical fishing, and can be a nice break in between having 9 inch rainbows snubbing your perfect drifts up on the Firehole.
Gallatin River 6-16-2009
The Gallatin is pretty darn clear in the Park. We’ve had some good fishing as of late with Silli Leg Stoneflies trailed by Bead Head Olive Hare’s Ears. The water is high and cool, but there is some good fishing with nymphs especially when you look for fish in pools and slower pocket water.