On the Fly Magazine: The Greater Yellowstone Fishing Guide

Fishing Report
Monday, August 13 2007 / 8:59 AM

Location: Greater Yellowstone Region

Snake River – Jackson Hole :
Enough bitching about the releases from the dam. It has been holding around 3500cfs for the last few days. However, I’d expect to see increases over the next few days. Fishing really hasn’t been THAT bad. Lots of smaller Cutthroats and some decent fish are in the reports from guides and local anglers. With the water running as high as it is, you will see the best fishing in the side channels and slower water rather than on the banks and main channel runs where the water is charging through. The cutties are up on basic attractors, foam or otherwise and we’ve found a the best bets are sizes 10 – 14. If you are out past 10am, listen for the hoppers. They are out. A little wind will have some fish keying on them even close to the banks on the main stem. And, as usual, drop a nymph off the bend of an attractor. We are back to bigger patterns with the water being higher than normal. Don’t hesitate to tie on a rubber legs nymph, girdle bug, stone nymph or a bitch creek. Good luck.

South Fork :
The South Fork of the Snake has slowed a little as it usually does in August. The bank fishing is tough and the fish are picky on the riffles. You’ll really need to work the riffles to get the fish you’re looking for. PMD’s – in all stages. Small nymphs without a bead etc…
Don’t forget about the side channels. The water is moving slower and you’ll find plenty of fish if you take the time!

Flat Creek – Jackson Hole :
The season out there is now a couple weeks old. The water is LOW and the fishing has been spotty. There are some tricos out in the mornings and angler’s have been having some luck on small terrestrials in the middle of the day….ants, beetles, hoppers…
It won’t be long before we start seeing, (hopefully), some fall hatches.

Yellowstone National Park:
There are still some mandatory and voluntary closures up there, so check with the park service before you go. We have been getting some afternoon rains and night temps have been a bit cooler than in July. As a result, some of the closures will likely start to be lifted. Even when that occurs, please be considerate of the fish. They have had a TOUGH summer thus far and it’s not over yet! Play them as quick as possible, revive them properly, and mimimze the time they spend out of the water. In fact, it is best to release your barbless hooks without even removing the fish from the water.

The new issue of On the Fly will be out next week! We are very excited about this issue. It will have a much
different look and feel than the last one. The articles are all excellent and provide an interesting read for visitors and locals alike. If you live outside the region and would like a copy, please go to the “Subscibe” page of our website. We are still sending out FREE copies!

Until next time…good fishin’ to ya!