Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 07/30/2023
The dog days have arrived to the Greater Yellowstone Area!
Montana
Hebgen: Fishing on the lake has been getting better every day. Anglers are catching fish all over the lake, focus your efforts on glassier, less windy areas (sheltered bays and coves). Callibaetis season is here, look out for gulpers cruising around shallow. Hanging/stripping leeches and nymphs has also been productive.
Flies: #8 Black or Olive Simi Seal Leech, #6 Flash-a-Bugger, #6 Olive or Black Hot Bead Leech, #8 Thin Mint, #18 BBQ Baetis, #14-16 Turkey Callibaetis, #12 O.S. Buzzer, #16 Found Link Callibaetis, #16 Purple Missing Link
Flows:
Inflow to Hebgen Lake: 859 cfs
Hebgen Lake Outflow: 1250 cfs
Kirby Flows: 1330 cfs
** Flows as of 8 am July 30th, 2023 **
Upper Madison: Nymphing a two fly set up will be your most productive method right now, think smaller if you're nymphing (#16 and smaller). Fish are actively feeding on caddis, PMD's, BWO's, Epeorus mayflies, and small chubbies. Attractors are fishing well additionally. Terrestrials like hoppers, beetles, and ants should start fishing soon.
Flies: #16-18 Redneck, #16-18 Guide Dip, #16 PMD Split Case #16-18 PMD Loop-Wing, #14 Olive Hot Spot, #16 Tilt Wing Mahogany, #18 Rusty Brown Parachute, #16 Pink or Tan Chili-Dog, #14 Butch Sally #15 CDC Elk Hair Caddis #6 Olive Slump-Buster, #4 Olive/White Barely Legal
YNP
The Yellowstone river and its tributaries are open and fishing great!
Flows:
Madison near West Yellowstone: 400 cfs
Yellowstone below Yellowstone Lake : 2470 cfs
Gibbon: 133 cfs
Gallatin near Big Sky: 485 cfs
** Flows as of 8 am July 30th 2023 **
Gallatin: The Gallatin is seeing a multitude of hatches, and is low and clear in the park section. Nymphing has been very productive. Look out for fish rising on Caddis, PMD's, and BWO's. Ants are beginning to fish very well with other terrestrials soon to follow.
Flies: #16-18 Shop Vac, #16-18 Green Lightning Bug, #16-18 Black Krystal Dip, #18 ICU Midge, #18 Split Case PMD, #18 Parachute Adams, #18 Tilt Wing BWO, #16 Rocky Mtn Mint PMD, #18 Baetis Cripple, #14 Royal Stimulator, #16 Arrick's Ant
Madison/Firehole/Gibbon: The Firehole is too warm to ethically fish. The Madison in the park has been slow. If you do choose to fish the Madison, try to get off the water by 11am/12pm. The Gibbon is still cool and fishing well. Try dries in the mornings and soft hackles during the mid-day lull.
Flies: #8-10 Partridge and Orange, #8-10 Partridge and Pheasant Tail, #14 Prince Nymph, #16-18 Frenchie, #14 Diving Caddis, #18-20 Parachute BWO, #18-20 Griffith’s Gnat, #16 Rocky Mtn Mint PMD, #16 Royal Stimulator, #14 Larimer's Yellow Sally
Yellowstone/NE Corner: The Yellowstone is low and clear enough to begin fishing well. Hunt around for rising cutties when you see bugs flying. The Lamar is fishing great as well. Look for fish rising on Sallies, PMD's and Drakes. Pink, purple, and red chubbies will also fish well.
Flies: #18-20 Parachute BWO, #18-20 Sprout Baetis, #16 Rocky Mtn Mint PMD, #16 Butch Sally, #16 Tilt Wing PMD, #14 pink/purp/red Chubby Chernobyl, #6 Black Hot Bead Leech, #6 Olive Slump-Buster, #6 Olive/Black Crystal Bugger
We are still booking float, & walk/wade trips for the 2023 season. Give us a call if you have any questions or are looking to book a guided trip.
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Also in Madison River Fishing Report - Upper Madison River Fishing Report - Greater Yellowstone Area Fishing Reports
Tyler Amory
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