By Jan Axtell
Yellowstone River
Streamflow: 3,610 Cubic Feet per Second on July 22 >>
Substantial rain in Yellowstone National Park created a large mud plug over the weekend, which is persistent as of this writing. However, the river continues to drop in flow from its peak on Friday and is clearing from the park down. In Paradise Valley, visibility has improved to about 12 inches and will continue to clear up today. We should start to see the clarity improve and the fishing pick back up on the upper Yellowstone River today. We will keep an eye on afternoon thunderstorms in the park today and tonight, which could also produce more muddy conditions.
Additionally, water temperatures have been reaching 70° most afternoons. The best time to fish the Yellowstone River will be as it clears and early in the morning when water temperatures are still favorable for trout.
Catching fish in water over 70° F can prove fatal to the fish. Focus your attention on the early daylight hours. Attractor patterns like the Royal Wulff and Purple Haze in smaller sizes were working great (prior to the rain event) in addition to the Chubby Chernobyl or grasshopper dry-dropper rigs. Nymphing is always a good bet on the Yellowstone, and a stonefly dry paired with an attractor nymph like a Prince Nymph should work well.
Yellowstone National Park
The northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park has been fishing very well. The Madison, Gibbon and Firehole rivers remain closed due to high water temperatures. The Lamar River has been extremely muddy all week and will remain unfishable until it clears. Slough Creek is fishing very well with a variety of insects, including midges, PMDs, terrestrials and a handful of drakes.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
The Paradise Valley spring creeks are providing the most consistent trout fishing in our area over the course of the last week. Fish are eating a variety of insects, including PMDs (mid morning to early afternoon,) ants, beetles, baetis emergers, duns and spinners (evenings) as well as western sulphur mayflies.
This is the kind of technical fishing we are known for around the world on our spring creeks. A proper approach, cast, presentation, hook, set and play on light tippet are all essential to success, especially when dealing with small flies.
Take Care of Your Trout
Rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout are impacted by water temperatures above 61° F. Brown trout are impacted by water temperatures above 60° F. Following these simple guidelines will help us keep our fisheries healthy:
~Carry a thermometer: Check water temperatures early and often.
~Minimize air exposure: As water temps rise, every second counts.
~Eliminate contact with dry surfaces: Hold fish with wet, bare hands.
~Reduce handling them: Consider forgoing a fish photo and release fish immediately upon landing.
About Jan Axtell
Jan is a father, husband, and guide in Livingston, Montana. A self-described “Jackass Of All Trades,” he has guided trout anglers for 25 years in Wisconsin, Vermont and Montana.
He guides on the Yellowstone River, the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the Bighorn River, and in Yellowstone National Park.
When not fishing Jan enjoys Nordic skiing, reading, wingshooting over his pointing dog…and more fishing.
Additionally, he enjoys tying flies for his clients, area fly shops, and his own fly box.
He lives in Paradise Valley with his very loving and tolerant wife, Vicki, their very awesome daughter Zoe, and their two dogs, Greta and Parker. He and his family operate Fin & Feather Enterprises together “in three-part harmony.”
