
.. Most are in the 16 - 20 range and the fish in quiet water can be very selective. You'll need more than a single box of flies if you're "going technical." The clouds have not been too friendly to the afternoon fishers. If you see them grab a double handful of size 18 - 20 flies and drive until your windshield is black with the critters - stop, back-up, fish.
.. The eager fish are still in the Firehole River and the Madison River: the bite is slowing down too early this year, we believe. Flows continue to dwindle and the postcard weather is dragging visitors to Yellowstone National Park in near record numbers. The upper Madison River and it's two main tributaries in the park are at all-time record lows, (Firehole - Gibbon - Madison.) If this keeps up the flow gauges will be stuck in the mud in the very near future.


.. Before and after the hatch a bead head Prince or bead head soft hackle will work wonders. For those that have pretty flies and seek a technical challenge try small loop-wing flies, don't try to force feed the larger sizes, the fish have "smartened up" quickly. The Yellowstone Cinch is still working in sizes 18 - 22.

.. Try the Hotel Run, or saunter upstream to the Bridge Ford. You can fish this little river all day and find fish. Most fish are in the 8" - 10" size range. Whoppers as large as 14" can be found, but bragging starts about 12". Keep the flies at or below a size 12, and pick your spots as you stroll along and enjoy the isolated serenity and beautiful scenery. Keep your bear spray handy as there are a few bruins still around - bison too.

.. The Gibbon Canyon has some Golden Stoneflies and this is an excellent place to exercise your precision nymphing skills. the low water makes the hides very apparent but the stalking is tough in the cobbles. Have patience and the rewards are great - not large - but great
.. Elk Meadows and Gibbon Meadows are both well worth the effort. These wily fish are becoming a challenge for the best of fishers and the low flows are making the fish spooky. There are some Baetis if the clouds are overhead and even some PMD's. This is an excellent area to float an emerger or a cripple. Keep the flies small, (16 - 20,) and remember that a stance resembling a quadruped will be necessary. Evening seems to be best. The riffled sections around Virginia Cascades are still working as is the thin water near Norris Campground.

.. Obsidian Creek, (WHAAT?) is nearly abandoned. Day strolling visitors sometimes walk along the paths, but seldom is seen a fisher older than 12, (with a proud family enjoying the scene.) This is the place for pleasant fishing. Walk along and enjoy everything from open meadows to tangled snags. The fish are everywhere.
.. If you're looking for some early action on a river of some difficulty try the Gallatin River, right now. It's just beginning to warm to the point of "bug activity." A few Salmon Flies have been reported as far up stream as Taylor Fork. The weather forecast is for continued warming and this weekend should improve and allow the big bugs into the river sections in the park. Your favorite Rubber Legs, or a Yellowstone Winter Grub will give the fish a bit of groceries at this time - they love it.
.. The Gallatin River is always a good choice for evening caddis this time of year. Start out with a Feather Duster or a Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear. When you see the bugs, switch to an Elk Hair Caddis and continue to catch fish. Don't be in a hurry to get back to town, these flies come off as late as 9:00, PM.
.. Whispers of clear water and available fish are creeping out of the hinterlands around Slough Creek and Soda Butte Creek. It's a tad early, but it's that kind of year. The Gardner River is elbow to elbow with fish gobbling up big bugs; it's an absolute feeding frenzy and getting better by the day. Visit Parks' Fly Shop for the gory details.
.. Even more frightening are the fantastic sounding reports from the Lewis River, Lewis Lake, and the Snake River: we wonder if Jack Dennis has figured this out?