Just like everywhere else in the Park, Indian Summer has made its mark on the Yellowstone this past week.  Mayflies are still hatching, just in lesser numbers in the sun.  The bright sun and warm temps (relatively) has kept terrestrials alive and kicking for the most part. 

Below the Lake / Above the Canyon – This upper section of the river is still fishing, although one must be extraordinarily patient and skillful to enjoy an afternoon on the water.  Come prepared to sight-cast (much like you would on the saltwater flats) and make sure your presentation is up to snuff.  There are some decent sized fish in this section of the river, but you have to be ready to cover a lot of water looking for signs of rising fish.  Heptagenia mayflies are coming off in large emergences, as are midges; you might see a Drake and BWO too.

Canyons of the Yellowstone – The canyons are great fishing for those who don’t mind a little up and down hiking.  Some of the best fishing in the Canyons can be a two or three mile hike; this is one where you bring the hiking boots and pack in your wading gear.  Terrestrials are still hot while the weather is warm; try a smaller Hopper with a small bead head dropper.  Streamers are also very much in play here.  BWO are the go to hatch when it’s on. 

Near Gardiner and beyond– Outside of the Park, the river is slipping into its transitional fall behavior, and can be deemed a challenge on some days.  Terrestrials – Hoppers, Ants, Beetles, and Bees are all fair game, especially when paired with a dropper.  Try dragging a Streamer though some deep, smooth runs and hang on.  There are still a few sporadic Caddis hatches in the evenings, and baetis will be strong when the clouds come back someday. Think about a hike into Yankee Jim (today’s pic).

Flows are still higher than average today (0600), reading 1,080 cfs, with the historic average 928 cfs.  These flows are measured on the Yellowstone Lake Outlet gage.

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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; PMDs – think smalls parachute, sparkle dun, sprout, cripple, CDC Emerger, PMX - yellow, peacock, royal; Drakes - Paradrake, gray, green, olive, life cycle; Parachute Adams; Midges and small midge emergers;  Caddis – EHC, X Caddis, Electric Caddis, EC Caddis, Spent Caddis – tan and olive;

Nymphs:  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:  Hoppers (smaller), ants, beetles, bees

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