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Last Updated: 6/10/2008 The Yellowstone | Spring Creeks | Madison | Private/Local Lakes
Yellowstone RiverCFS @ Lamar River | CFS @ Corwin Springs | CFS @ Carter's
The Yellowstone, still high and muddy, should be fishing by the first week in July. The Salmonflies should be around until 7/15... Due to the colder weather, the Yellowstone has dropped this week from as much as 21,000 to around 11,000. While floating is not recommended, you hard core wade fisherman might be interested in spending an hour or two on the stone...
We'll be on the look out for Salmonflies early this year, but right now our guess for the hatch is the 1st week of July. We'll probably see some big nymphs here in a couple of weeks, but the river will probably be too muddy to fish effectively. As guides who have been on the river for over 10 years know, we might not have any fishing for the salmonfly hatch this year. There should still be room for us to hike into the park to find clear water and big bugs however...
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks The PMD's are finally popping on the creeks now. The first PMD’s of the season to appear are the largest – the Ephemerella Infrequens, which are imitated with duns that average size 16 but often look as large as 14’s. Rene’ Harrop’s PMD No-Hackle in a size 16 with a big gray wing silhouette and pale olive body is a perfect imitation. For more information check out George's PMD article.
The best fishing on the creeks is definitely yet to come, probably from June 20th through July 7th. During this period, angler's will experience blanket PMD hatches and some of the very best dry fly fishing in the state. Although the creeks are almost always booked from June 20th until July 15, cancellations do occur and we can help get you on the "backup" list...
The MadisonCFS Below Ennis Lake near McAllister
The Lower has been high and off color this week, but some big fish have moved down from the Bear Trap and have been chasing streamers and crayfish. Visibility is low, but just enough to fool a big brown. As the clarity increases there will be a lot more traffic on the lower, so don't be afraid to get out there before the crowds and move some hogs. There are always a few key spots (AKA hog troughs) where the big fish like to stake out, so if you can afford a guide, their knowledge alone is worth it's weight in gold.
The flows have been jacked up again on the Lower Maddy, as seen below over a 30 day period. A lot of the guides we work with actually prefer a heavier flow on the Lower, but a little consistency never hurts. If you want more constancy and a better chance at an epic day of fishing, it would be better to drive to the Missouri, the Bighorn, or try one of the Private Lakes we fish.
As for the Upper Madison, the fishing up by 3$ bridge has been pretty good, but below that the feeder creeks are bringing in too much mud to make a float trip worth your while.
Local and Private Lakes
Lake fishing is not for everyone, but for those of us who enjoy it, now is one of the best times to catch a lunker. Save some money by eating at home this month and put your extra cash towards a rod fee on one of the private lakes we book. These lakes are a true testament to Simms' new bumper sticker, "What's the weather forecast? Who Cares." Even with gusts up to 48 mph wind we crushed 'em up at Burns. Doug and his wife were fishing one of the exclusive lakes we have access to on a bright-blue bird day and was into big fish all day long. A lot of folks wouldn't be caught dead paying a rod fee, but if you are looking to maximize your fishing results and minimize wasted efforts, you should consider checking out some of these properties. You won't be disappointed!
Butch Craig holds up a nice Brookie from Burn's Lake Burn's Lake is located outside of Big Timber, heading towards Harlowtown. It is truly a phenomenal fishery. Mr. Burn's has down a great job at keeping the lake population healthy, with different age classes of Brookies, rainbows, and cutthroat. There are even a natural browns in the lake that push 5 - 8 pounds! (They don't get caught all that often, but every year someone fools the big ones). The rod fee is $100 per person, with limited rods available each day.
Doug McKnight holding up a Sitz Ranch bullet rainbow (photo: Derek DeYoung) Sitz Ranch is located near Harrison, a little less than an hour from downtown Bozeman. Here you'll find some real hogs, including rainbows, browns, and a few brookies. You also have 4 lakes to choose from, including a 125 acre lake. The best lake is actually one of the smaller lakes - a 15 acre lake with a deep trench full of hungry fish. The rod fee here is $75.00 per person, limited to one group of people each day.
McKnight with another slab rainbow... Photo: Derek DeYoung There are plenty of public lakes in the area to choose from as well. We won't list them here on the web, since many of these places you probably already fish yourself, and the last thing you want is us telling other people about your favorite spots! If you come to us with the name of somewhere you'd like to fish, we won't steer you wrong however. We've been fishing a lot of lakes around the state and can tell you what has (and hasn't) been working for us. Stop by the shop or give us a call... |
Related Links: Archived Fishing Reports
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