As we explained last week - on Saturdays we plan to post some highlights from the rivers “in the neighborhood” here in southwest (and other parts of Montana).  Yellowstone NP offers some outstanding fly fishing opportunities, no doubt, but there are some other outrageous fisheries within a three hour (or so) drive of the Park - many of which are having banner seasons given the water year in progress. 

Bighorn – Flows have held right around 3000 cfs as they were and are supposed to for the duration of the summer and early fall.  Scuds, sowbugs, Ray Charles, and SJWs have been the go to subsurface flies, but BWOs (that’s right- BWOs!), Caddis (black), and PMDs have kept the dry fly guys and gals happy.  It’s been crowded but outstanding by the reports we’ve heard. 

Madison – Having not been here for decades ourselves it’s hard to personally guarantee that the Madison is fishing as well as it has in a long time - but that’s the buzz among the old timers.  Caddis, stoneflies, Epeorus mayflies, midges, and even consistent terrestrials now.  Craig Mathews is reminding folks to not try and cover a lot of water - there are lots of fish in the river and you need to be patient, fish carefully, and be observant.  ‘Nuff said. 

Beaverhead – PMDs (prolific), caddis, now Tricos in numbers, as well as little Sallies.  We still can’t believe we’re writing this - there are so many fish per mile this year (4000 instead of the optimal 3000) – they’re asking folks to take a few fish home to optimize the population. 

Big Hole – Flows bumped last week with the big storms that rolled through, but are settling.  Tricos, hoppers, Brown Drakes, and Spruce Moths (seen around Dillon already). 

Gallatin below the Park – she’s again dropped and cleared a great deal this week;  Taylor Fork is still pumping sediment in, though at a much reduced rate pending rains.  Nymphing is probably still the most productive approach in lower stretches, there are a few Golden Stones up high, as well as Caddis and PMDs. 

Yellowstone below the Park – Green and with two feet of visibility at Carter’s, reports suggest that fish are coming to big beadhead nymphs, rubber leg nymphs, buggers and Coneheads.  The Stone flies have moved on through, and as flows settle this may be the all star water for August and September. 

Missouri – another flow drop on the 19th, it’s running 4440 cfs this morning.  Caddis, PMDs, Tricos, Pseudos, even some hoppers and ants.  Lots of boats and fishers but this is big, big water. 

The season is shaping up to be one of the best the region’s seen in years, and it’s getting better and better every week.

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