Although fishing on the Gibbon has slowed slightly over the past few weeks, it is still far better than in past years.  Those who were in the Park last year will remember dry, dry conditions and low, low water.  Ugh.  Flows today are still a good 15 cfs above average – good for the fish, good for the fishermen.

There are lots of little trout on the Gibbon, and although they make for fun sport, many anglers are looking for bigger fish.  Here’s the secret – be prepared to cover lots of territory and cast accurate drifts in hard-to-reach spots if you want the big guys.  Near overhanging banks, log jams, and moss beds are the best places to look for decent fish. 

Terrestrials are hot right now, so try an Ant, Beetle, or Hopper as you search for fish.  Stimulators are also a good bet, and one can still find sporadic PMD and Caddis hatches in the evening.  If you are not having any luck and just want to catch a friggin’ fish, go to the upper Gibbon and try for some little Brookies.  They are often an easy catch, and although most of them may be little, they are still fun. 

Flows today (0700) are 108 cfs, with today’s average 95 cfs, taken at the gage at Madison Junction in the Park.  Water temp is approximately 58 degrees Fahrenheit this morning, but has been pushing 74 on the warmer afternoons of late. 

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Flies to Have in the Box

Dries:  PMD CDC Emerger, PMD CDC B. Comparadun, Parachute PMD, Parachute Adams; EZ-Caddis, tan and light brown, X-Caddis, tan, black and light brown, EH Caddis, tan, black and light brown, Headlight Caddis, tan; your secret weapon - attractors

Nymphs: PMD Trigger nymph, PMD Glass Bead Wonder nymph, BHPT, Might May PMD; Mangy Caddis, olive, BH Emergent Sparkle Pupa, olive

Terrestrials:  Beetles, Hoppers, Ants.

Streamers / Other: Woolly Buggers, olive, brown, black; Sparkle Buggers, same

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