MRO Fly Fishing Report 10/5/2016
Montana
Upper Madison (Hebgen-Ennis)
While heavy rain and snow storms have temporarily throw out other area rivers, but the Upper Madison is in great shape and fishing well. Weather for the next few days is highs in the 40's, might get to high 50's by the weekend. Perfect weather for fall baetis fishing! We've seen plenty of fish rising through the Wade section the last few days, plan on getting on the water by 10:00 and seeing a decent hatch by noon/early afternoon.
As mentioned the past few reports, we're seeing lots of nice fish right on the bank through the wade section. So keep your eyes open before stepping in, or stay on the bank and work the soft water with streamers. Medium-sized sculpin patterns have been the most reliable, hit those pockets and keep em movin downstream.
The nymph bite is just as good as it should be for the first week of October. While many anglers are sticking with a #10 Sili Leg (or any other Rubberlegs variation) on the rig no matter what, I would recommend fishing two small patterns. The fish are pretty keyed in on these Baetis hatches, and are very willing to eat nymphs on their way to the surface; #18 Black Crystal Dip, #16-18 Guide Dip, #16 Red-Headed Step Child, #14-18 Flashback Hare's Ear, and the always reliable #18 Black Lightning Bug.
Upper Gallatin
Expect a color out of Taylor Fork for a few days as more is expected and recent snowfall will be melting. Don't come to the Gallatin looking for a stellar day on dry flies. As we slip closer to winter, you're best fishing will be nymphing the deep canyon runs and swinging streamers.
YNP
Madison
Flows spiked to 650cfs, currently dropping and coming in at 400cfs, right on the par with the year-to-year norm. Water has been much more tea-stained than muddy, and still fishing great. Our favorite swinging flies are the #8 Peacock/Partridge, #6 Swinger Leech, #6 Orange/Partridge, #6 Rusty Squirrel Leech.
Firehole
Tea-stained water may be the story for the next few days, especially as the snow melts. Otherwise, we're expecting to have great fall baetis weather all week.
Lamar
Don't expect much over here until the water clears and we get some warmer weather.
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Jake Schilling
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