Soda Butte Creek overall continues to  fish pretty darn well at this point, even though showers stained the water on Wednesday and Thursday of last week.

Flows near the Lamar Ranger Station spike impressively on the 5th and 6th, but have settled since then.  Flows were 46 cfs this morning at 0545, with today’s average 60 cfs.

The automated temperature measuring at this station has registered air temperature highs in 70 or less since the 5th,  with lows ranging from the mid 40s to mid 30s.  Water temps have peaked at around 61-62 F most afternoons by the automated monitors.

Depending on the weather, you still might see some caddis around, though they will not be the predominant hatch at this point.  Midges are prominent in the mornings.  Green and Fall Drakes should be around in the afternoons, and BWOs on overcast days.

Another productive strategy right now is to search with small terrestials (hoppers, beetles, ants) and attractor nymph droppers, particularly in the mornings before the fall hatches get rolling later in the day.  We think this area hosts some of the finest fall terrestrial fishing in the Park.  Smaller streamers in the mornings can be a great way to kick the day off also.

This has been busy water all summer and these fish have seen lots of flies and boots - make that first cast count to an unfished run, and don’t expect to fish alone over here for a few more weeks. 

If you’re new to our site, please check out our How to Best Use This Site page.

Flies to have in the box:

Dries:  baetis - BWO, Blue Dun, Olive Sparkle Dun, Para-adams; Caddis - EHC, X Caddis, Electric Caddis - tan, olive, black;  PMX, red, yellow, black; Paradrake, gray, green/olive; Parachute Adams; small midge emergers; Green and Fall Drake, life cycle; your attractor package (small)

Nymphs:  WD 40, red, green; BH PT; Copper John, green / chartreuse; Micro Mayfly, olive, black; Barrs PMD emerger; small brown caddis nymphs

Terrestrials: Hoppers - Grand, tan, yellow; Dave’s; Para Hopper; Beetles - Fire, Foam, HiVis, Krystal Leg; Ants - Wilcox Glo Ant, CDC winged, epoxy, Para Ant, brown /cinnamon /black

Streamers / Others:  Wooly Buggers, olive /brown / black; Girdle Bug, smaller

Technorati Tags: ,

Tags: River: Soda Butte Creek