The Gibbon continues to set new records for low flows: 61 cfs this morning at Madison Junction, beating the previous record low by 20 cfs.  The lower Gibbon is in sorry shape.

The river is still fishing the best above Norris, and it is our opinion that the Gibbon below Norris should be left alone for now.  The river below Gibbon Falls is closed from 2 pm to 5 am, but we recommend not fishing it at any time.  Give the fish a break, with the extremely low water and high water temps, they have had a rough summer.  Things will pick back up in the fall, when the big browns come out.

If you must fish the Gibbon, the area above Norris is fishing well with attractor dries with a flashy dropper and terrestrial patters.  Try the attractors in the mornings and hopper/dropper rigs during the afternoons and early evenings.  Smaller hoppers are better right now, as the naturals are not yet very big.  Hatches are basically gone on the Gibbon now, but you might find some sporadic caddis in the evenings.

The Gibbon is just barely hanging on right now, but give her some time and space to recuperate and the river will be fishing wonderfully in the fall.  Our recommendation is to fish other waters right now.

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Flies to have in the box:

Dries:  Attractors-Royal Wulff is my favorite; Stimulators; Elk Hair Caddis

Nymphs:  Lightning bug, Bead Head Prince, Copper John, Hare’s Ear

Terrestrials: Grand Hopper, Dave’s Hopper, Chernobyl Ant, beetle patters, hopper patterns

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