Fall Yellowstone and southwest Montana fly fisherfolk are without a doubt some of the few outdoor enthusiasts who might just frown at a bright sunny day, and be elated at a cool, cloudy, drizzly one.  (I know some elk bow hunters who aren’t too happy about the warm sun this week either). 

On the sunny, warm days this week, it’s been terrestrials that have saved the day for many a fisherman in the northeast corner – mainly beetles and ants but by all means try a hopper too; droppers make good sense.  We heard of some folks throwing small attractors and even a Griffiths Gnat at risers too. 

Some clouds will improve things immensely – be ready with baetis and Drakes, and consider a streamer in the deeper runs.  Looks like the weekend shall bring the clouds and bit more seasonable temps back – it that indeed comes to pass it should be great. 

Today’s pic is an aerial view of the Lamar / Yellowstone confluence. 

Flows today (0715) are 217 cfs, with today’s average 205 cfs at the gage near Tower Ranger Station.

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Flies to Have in the Box

Dries: baetis - BWO, Blue Dun, Olive Sparkle Dun, Comparadun, Fall baetis Sparkle Dun, Para-Adams; Drakes - Paradrake, gray, green, olive, life cycle; Parachute Adams; small midge emergers;  Caddis – EHC, X Caddis, Electric Caddis, EC Caddis, Spent Caddis – tan and olive; Spruce Moth;

Nymphs:  Bubbleback PMD; BH & FB PT; Copper John, green, red, chartreuse; Shop Vac; Flashback soft hackle, yellow; HE assortment

Streamers / Others:  Woolly Buggers, brown, black, olive, blue; Sparkle Buggers, same - note overall they should be on the smaller side

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

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