On the Fly Magazine: The Greater Yellowstone Fishing Guide

Fishing Report
Friday, July 20 2007 / 6:34 PM

Location: Jackson hole and the South Fork

The Snake has slowed a little but is still fishable even with the relentless heat. It’s an early thing right now… If you can get out at daybreak, or close to, you’ll have the best luck. Attractor dires will pull some fish up shortly after sunrise. The fishing will start to slow around noon and continue to be tough until the next morning. The warmest water temps right now are actually in the evening, after the heat of the day has taken it’s toll in the river. So, unless you plan on fishing right before dark…mornings are really your option.
If you do find yourself out during the heat of the day, go DEEP! Weighted rubberlegs with a beadhead dropper will help bring a few fish to hand. You won’t need to get fancy with your nymphs either. Any medium sized beadhead or even a San Juan will be fine. There are no real hatches at the moment.

The South Fork is slowing in the middle of the day as well. The banks are fishable but not as productive as the riffles. If you are heading over there, keep in mind the fish up on the riffles have seen tons of anglers over the past month or so. They are smarter than most think! The less hackle on your bug, the better at this time of year. If your go-to PMD emergers and dries aren’t happening on the riffles, toss a small attrator at them. Sometimes all it takes is something new that they haven’t seen hundreds of. Hoppers are showing up on the lower river and should have some fish rising to them.

That’s all for now. Keep your fingers crossed for some cooler weather and most of all…..RAIN!

The new issue of On the Fly is right around the corner. You’ll see it around the valley in about twop weeks. Pick up a copy and tell a friend or two. If you don’t live here in Jackson, feel free to use the “Subscribe” feature on the website. We will be happy to send you a copy.

Cheers,
Andy