MRO Fly Fishing Report 10/19/2016
Montana
Upper Madison (Hebgen Dam-Ennis)
Weather outlook for the upcoming week is daytime highs in mid-50's, lows in the 30's, and a low chance of snow/rain. With many anglers out of West Yellowstone heading into the YNP section of the Madison, Betwix and the Wade Section haven't been too busy. Which is good news because the Wade Section has been really fun the past two weeks.
The Baetis hatches are hit-or-miss with the weather constantly changing, but if you spend enough time stalking the banks, you'll find a few heads. You can certainly find them out in the mid-river slicks rising, but the most reliable water is soft and slow areas right off the bank. Top dry patterns haven't changed much; #16-18 DOA Cripple, #18 Smokejumper, #16-18 CDC Comparadun, and the good ol #416-18 Purple Parachute.
Per the norm, nymphing has been solid. From big #8 Sili Legs and #6 Flash-A-Bugger, down to itty-bitty Baetis and Midge patterns like #16-18 Guide Dip, #16-18 $3 Dip, #16 Rainbow Warrior, and #18 Olive Zebra Midges. If you find yourself in a hatch, but can't get 'em on top, nymph two small (#16-18) patterns with little to no weight. May surprise yourself with how many fish are hanging near the surface gobbling up emergers.
As mentioned the past few reports, it's certainly the season to cruise up the banks and hit the pockets with streamers. We have our best fishing with medium-sized sculpin patterns.
Upper Gallatin (YNP-Big Sky)
Flows are on their way down after peaking at 715cfs a few days ago. Expect water color to stay a little off-color this week as we get more precip and/or some snow melts off. From Big Sky upstream through the YNP section, you can generally count on few anglers. Don't expect anything stellar dry-fly wise, but bring your Baetis/Midge box along. A really fun option is Euro/Czech nymphing the deep runs/pockets.
YNP
*Keep on eye on YNP's road closures here*
Madison
The Madison fished great on streamers the past few days on flows rose from Heavy rain and snowfall. The river as of today (10/19) isn't muddy, just has a tea-stained hue to it. The cold weather has kept a few more anglers from getting on the river at daybreak, so get up early and start swingin! Our favorite swinging patterns are the #10 Peacock, #10 Orange, #8 PT, #6 Swinger Leech, and the #6 Olive Crystal Bugger. Leave your eggs at the farm.
Firehole
Flows have leveled out, but expect tea-stained waters possibly through the week. Hatches are getting a little inconsistent as the weather has been all over the place, but as usual, spend a good chunk of time mid-day on the water and you'll find risers. If not, #12 Orange and Green soft hackles are about as reliable as it gets.
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Jake Schilling
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