Time To Explore

FIREHOLE ABOUT DONE

Nez Perce Worth The Walk

Duck Creek Dangerous

gallatin a good bet

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.. The blessed cool weather is still hanging on -- BUT -- the Firehole River continues to spike to 80 degrees. We suggest other waters.
.. Nez Perce Creek has benefited greatly from the caprice of mom and fish have moved into the creek with abandon. You'll have to walk upstream from the Grand Loop Bridge about a quarter of a mile to get to the good holding water.
.. There are sparse & sporadic hatches of PMD's, caddis, and other occasional mayflies. It's probably not mandatory to match the hatch except for size. Your favorite generalized surface fly will work. Even Humpies and Royal Coachmen in size 14 or so will do the trick.
.. Iron Spring Creek and the Little Firehole River can still be fished but the fish have gotten an education and their lips are sore. If you must fish the Firehole River move upstream to the section just below Keppler Cascades, or the excellent Brook Trout water along the trail to Lone Star Geyser.

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.. North of West Yellowstone the Duck Creek Bottoms are seeing some visitation by the neighbors. There are willow thickets, moose, stray bison, and bears - to say nothing of patrolling rangers. Observe the closures and good fish can be had.
.. Reports, (from impeccable sources,) of fish approaching 20" near the park line have caused a stir in the darkened corners of a few local pubs. There are whispers of purple Woolly Buggers and even Muddler Minnows floating through the aether.
.. There are some deep holes in the first quarter mile of water above the park line. Wade carefully. The submerged snags and soft bottom can put a dent in an otherwise perfect outing.

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.. Savvy neighbors are ignoring the sage advice of the pelt pushers and fishing with glee and gay abandon the Gallatin River. Despite the mumbled moanings of the water being too cold.
.. The water in Yellowstone National Park continues to provide spectacular catching for the accomplished nymph fisher.
.. There's even an occasional surface bite for the folks that need to see their flies in order to catch a fish. The fish will come up for an Elk Hair Caddis or a bushy Adams even when there is no hatch.
.. It's still too early to talk about hoppers but ants and beetles of surprisingly large sizes will also bring fish to the top.
.. Should you choose to catch a few more fish than want to rise to the top, the usual suspects will serve you well. Prince Nymphs, and even Yellow Stoneflies will gather up some fun. Tried and tied together this is a perfect combination right now.
.. Today would be the ideal time to stroll the banks and probe the shallows & shadows. Even in mid day the fish are dancing with anglers and seeming to enjoy it. Get there now before the rush and partake of the gentility within sound of the road.

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.. For the need of a quick fix we can still venture deep into Yellowstone, (about 3 miles or so,) and gull a fish or two on the Madison River.
.. The hoppers are between their first and second molt. Buggy things of the appropriate size are taking fish near the banks. Big Elk Hair Caddis, (size 8 or 10,) beetles, and large two-toned ants are all working when there is no hatch.
.. The river is running at below average flows and is as clear as it gets. Subsurface fishing with Woolly Worms, Bead Head Caddis, Feather Duster, and Pheasant Tail nymphs will entice more fish than is seemly.
.. Hatch matchers should have no trouble with figuring out the White Millers or the several kinds of late afternoon caddis that are making a genuine nuisance of themselves. No wonder the trout are eating them.

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