The Yellowstone River in the Park could fish well this week with some warmer temps forecast mid week, though the recent rain and snow have compromised water clarity pretty significantly, and it will in all probability be at least Tuesday and maybe Wednesday for the Park Yellowstone to clean up.

Flows at the Yellowstone Lake Outlet remain very low overall -  today (0515) flows are 525 cfs with today’s average 577 cfs.  Of note this is the first time flows have increased here in months.

Below Fishing Bridge right now is probably some of the least productive water in the Park - see you next opening day July 15th.

Yellowstone Canyons - we’re getting close to the time of year when this section shuts down, though there are still decent BWO hatches coming off on some days, and we’ve heard reports of decent streamer fishing.  The key variable this week will probably be how long the river is off color - may depend on yesterday’s snow / rain amounts and the upcoming temps driving snow melt - our guess is things should start to shape up by Tuesday.  Warmer temps due this week will keep this section alive and bugs hatching. 

Near Gardiner and below has had some decent BWO hatches when it’s not been too windy, though we’ve had a great day on streamers yesterday with small BH mayfly nymph droppers (hookups about 70% streamer, 30% dropper).  The flow spike has added some water, but it’s still pretty skinny here and I’m not sure I’d float my wooden drifter through.  Bigger and more aggressive fish are due the next few weeks.  Same clarity issues as above.

We updated the Yellowstone River outside the Park on Best Fly Fishing Montana today- click here and you’ll go right to the report blog.

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Flies to have in the box:

Dries:  baetis - BWO, Blue Dun, Olive Sparkle Dun, Comparadun, Para-adams; Trudes, various

Nymphs:  Lightning bug, green and gold; Hares Ear, include BH;  Copper John, various colors; FB PT; SH PT; Prince - BH;  Soft hackles - your favorites - mainly targeting baetis

Streamers / Others:  Woolly Buggers, brown, olive, black, Sparkle Buggers, brown, olive, black; Bow River Buggers; Girdle bug; Zonkers; Trick or Treat

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