The Lamar River has been hot hot hot fishing over the past week, and things only continue to get better.  The Yellowstone Cutthroat fishing has been excellent, with plenty of eager, hungry fish.  Unfortunately, there are plenty of eager, hungry fishermen too, so remember to allow at least one pool’s distance between you and the next guy downriver.  Or, better yet, wait until the other guy heads into town for dinner and then fish your heart out.

The recent thunderstorms the region saw late last week muddied the water a bit, but things quickly cleared, and now the river is in tip-top shape with excellent visibility.  The little doddsi or flavilinea drakes are starting to hatch on the Lamar, providing excellent fishing when they mix with the PMDs, usually between 0900-1300.  Terrestrials look like a big fat steak to the fish – anglers are doing well on Hoppers, Ants, Crickets, and Beetles.  Spruce moths are still hanging around, and while not as prolific as a few weeks ago, they are still a must near stands of trees, which they will be falling off long after they have died.

Drakes are another must-have for the Lamar.  Both Gray and Green Drakes are working wonders right now; it is even possible for there to be Drake emergences during afternoon and evening storms.  Having a good fly is crucial, but on the Lamar, a good cast and drift is another critical factor.  Take your time planning and executing your cast.  If you have a refusal, change flies and get back out there. 

Flows today (0600) are 408 cfs, with today’s average 303 cfs at the gage near Tower Ranger Station.

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Flies to Have in the Box

Dries:  Parachute Adams, Lime Trude, Yellow or Orange Stimulator, Berretts Yellow Sally, PMD Cripple, PMD Quill Body Parachute, Harrop PMD CDC Biot Body Parachute, Caddis – X Caddis, tan and gray, Henry’s Fork Caddis, EHC, Headlight Caddis;

Nymphs: BH Pheasant Tail, Red, Green, or Yellow Copper John, Lightning Bug, Bubbleback PMD, Olive Hotwire Caddis, Prince Nymph, Black Rubberlegs Stone.

Streamers / Other: Black, Brown, Olive Buggers

Terrestrials:  Beetles, Hoppers, Black Para Ant, Carl’s Foam Flying Ant, Murray’s Flying Beetle

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