From right below the Lake all the way down to Big Timber, the Yellowstone is drawing anglers from all over the country… really, all over the world.  One of the most renown and scenic rivers around, the Yellowstone is fishing quite well as we experience the first real turn into fall.  Yeah, I know it’s not a fishing related picture, but you have to admit the falls are breathtaking. 

Below the Lake / Above the Canyon – This is arguably the most difficult section of the river to fish; the trout are smart, big, and suspicious.  If you are willing to spend the day quietly walking along the banks searching for big Cutthroats slurping then this is your place.  The trout are after the Heptagenia Mayfly Duns; this mayfly comes off in the quiet, slower water with about a 15 foot reach of the bank.  If you take your time and really stalk to the water’s edge, you should see some nice fish feasting on their daily meal.

Canyons of the Yellowstone – The Canyons are still decent fishing, and though the action had slowed somewhat during the hot weather of last week, things should have changed for the better as cooler weather draws in.  A few Terrestrials are still hanging in there – try smaller Hoppers, Ants, and Beetles.  If you don’t mind the hiking, this portion of the river receives less pressure than the other sections of the Yellowstone and is a nice place to spend the fall day fishing.  The Park’s guys are right about being prepared for any kind of weather if you hike in here. Streamers will be more and more useful from here on out. 

Near Gardiner and beyond – It looks like fall weather has finally arrived (at least a little bit) and I had heard numerous reports of anglers having good luck on the lower portions of the Yellowstone using Streamers.  Drag the big wooly boys though some deep, dark holes and channels and see what takes a look.  Terrestrials are still fair game if the sun is out; again, smaller Hoppers, Beetles, Ants, and even Bees should do the trick.  When the weather is cloudy and cool, BWOs should be coming off in force, which will certainly get the smaller trout excited.  Keep an eye out for Baetis on the cooler, darker days as well – they should be coming off from about noon to four o’clock.  Streamers will again be more and more important from here on out. 

Flows are still higher than average today (0600), reading 1,000 cfs, with the historic average 841 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; Midges and small midge emergers;  Caddis – EHC, X Caddis, Electric Caddis, EC Caddis, Spent Caddis – tan and olive; maybe a Trico too

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; check the shops for the latest secret weapon

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

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