The Gibbon River report hasn’t changed a great deal since last week; though Gibbon fans are hopeful that this week’s weather change will improve things a bit.  Flows are scraping the bottom of the barrel at this point in the season.

Flows remain quite low, today’s flow reading near Madison Junction was 69 cfs at 0600, with today’s average flow 92 cfs.  This is a new record low flow for today (again).  On the good side, looks like the gauge record was headed up due to showers yesterday (?). 

Water temps on the lower Gibbon were as high as 65-66 F the past few days, and we’re still holding to the line that you shouldn’t be on the river at all below the falls.

On cooler, overcast days the meadows area could be / should be cool enough to fish safely.  Baetis will be the go to hatch, though there are reports of decent afternoon caddis hatches here (and on the Firehole too).

On the sunnier days (the sun and warmth appear to be returning end of the week) you might try a streamer or streamer / nymph set up in the deeper runs or along undercut banks early or late, and pull out the trusty terrestrials and attractors otherwise.  Small attractors in the pocket water above the falls can be a fun way to spend some time.

This fishery has been significantly stressed this season with the low flows and heat - plan your fishing accordingly, and watch those water temps on the sunny, warmer days.

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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;  Wulffs, assorted; your attractor package

Nymphs:  Lightning Bugs, green, gold, silver; PT- BH, FB; Copper John - original, red; San Juan worms, red, brown, olive, black; Soft Hackles, various; Rubberlegs, black, brown

Terrestials: Hoppers - Grand, Whit, Dave’s, Carnage, Kicking, Hoppinator; Beetles- Fire, Foam, HiVis, Sam’s;  Ants - Chernobyl, ParaAnt, black andcinnamon, CDC Flying ant, black, brown, cinnamon; Epoxy, same colors

Streamers:  Wooly Buggers, olive, brown, black; Sparkle Buggers, olive, brown, black; PT Bugger; Girdle Bugs

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