Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 7/21/21
Montana
Upper Madison: Still some caddis, PMD’s, and Yellow Sallies buzzing around, with most activity being earlier in the mornings, and then again later in the evenings. Hoppers, ants, beetles and attractor patterns have had a few fish looking up as well. Nymph fishing remains very consistent with smaller caddis and mayfly patterns. Still pretty hot and smokey out there, hopefully the afternoon storms in the forecast the next couple days help cool things down. Keep an eye on water temperature at the Kirby gauge, as it’s getting up to 68 degrees most afternoons.
Flies: #16-18 X Caddis, #16-18 Peacock Caddis, #16 Tilt Wing PMD, #16 Purple Parachute, #12-16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl, #12-14 Pink Thunder Things, #14-16 Arricks Ant, #14-16 Hi Viz Ant, #16-18 Redneck, #16-18 Guide Dip, #16-18 Pheasant Tail
Hebgen: Callibaetis, Chironomids, and Tricos are all on the menu right now. Gulper fishing has been hit or miss the last few days, but there’s been enough fish looking up to keep you busy chasing them most mornings. Fishing a Callibaetis dry fly with a turkey callibaetis or a small pheasant tail nymph dropped off the back has been effective as late.
Flies: #14-16 Turkey Callibaetis, #12 O.S Opal Buzzer, #16-18 Pheasant Tail, #14 Olive/Red Nugget, #8 Olive or Black Simi Seal Leech, #8 Olive or Black Hot Bead Goat Leech, #8 Thin Mint, #6 Black/Olive Flash Bugger
YNP
Gallatin: Still some hatches of PMDs, Caddis, and some little stoneflies going on most days here. If you aren’t finding fish rising, try doing some searching with your favorite attractor dry fly pattern. A hopper dropper combo with a heavier nymph trailing is a good option now as well.
Flies: #14-16 Parachute Adams, #16 Lime Trude, #14-16 Royal Stimulator, #14-16 Tan Chubby Chernobyl, #12 Pink Morrish Hopper, #16-18 Tan Elk Hair Caddis, #16-18 Rusty Spinner,
NE Corner: Fishing remains consistent on Slough, Soda Butte, and the Lamar. Look for PMD’s, Caddis, maybe a few Green or Gray Drakes hanging around. Terrestrials and attractor patterns are good options if fish aren’t looking up. A dry dropper rig with a nymph a few feet underneath a bigger dry or hopper pattern can be a fun and effective way to find a few fish also. Rainstorms can cause these rivers to blow out pretty easily, so keep an eye on the Lamar gauge before heading over.
Flies: #16 PMD D.O.A Cripple, #16 Missing Link Caddis, #14-16 Royal Wulff, #16 Arricks Ant, #14-16 Chubby Chernobyl, #12-14 Tan Morrish Hopper, #14-16 Frenchie, #14-16 Redneck
Yellowstone above the falls: It has been a good opening week on the Yellowstone. Lots of anglers over there but still fish to be found if you walk a little bit. Lower than average flows this year has made wading/crossing a little easier than usual. Look for PMD’s, Caddis, and Green Drakes. Swinging or stripping small leeches isn’t a bad idea if you aren’t finding rising fish.
Flies: #16 Sprout PMD, #16 Kilnkhammer PMD, #16-18 X Caddis, #12 Jakes Green Drake, #12 D.O.A. Green Drake, #8 Black Simi Seal Leech
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Nick Toller
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