Bozeman
MT FWP announced that there will be restrictions on angling times to coolest parts of the day. The affected waters include the upper Big Hole, lower Madison, Smith, Dearborn, and Sun rivers where fishing will be prohibited between 2 p.m. and midnight. Signs explaining the local restrictions will be posted at fishing access sites.
UMR. Hoppers in assorted colors and sizes try trailing it with an ant or beetle to get the sub surface action. Dries are hit and miss but don’t be afraid to throw a few out and see what happens. In the morning when it is cooler is best for dries like caddis flies, pmds, and mayflies. If you are going deeper, use larger sized rubber legs or sculpin patterns with a small baetis nymph or mayfly. Larger streamers are working very well too.
LMR Not the best fishing right now due to the high water temperatures. Hit it really early with some caddis flies, pmds and parachute adams.
Yellowstone Still has some of the best fishing in the area. Smaller sized hoppers are producing very good results. Try other terrestrials like red ants, two tone ants, and beetles too. Elk hair caddis, smaller mayflies and stoneflies are excellent options if the fish aren’t going after the terrestrials.
Gallatin River If hitting the water early try spruce moths, they are lingering while the temperatures are cooler. Hoppers are working well; try using a dropper such as smaller dry or nymph off of the back. Nymphing with smaller rubber legs, pheasant tails, and stoneflies are getting good results also. If going for surface use small mayflies, baetis and pmds
Butte
The entire Big Hole River from Notch Bottom FAS to the mouth is closed to fishing this week. The
Jefferson River is on Hoot Owl Restriction, therefore, closed from 2 p.m to Midnight each day.
Early Morning anglers have been successful fishing Golden Stone Fly Nymphs in size 8 or 10 and PMD’s in size 14 or 16. Night Crawlers are a good choice for bait fishermen and Panther Martin Spinners in size 6 or 9 with Black Blade and yellow or Chartreuse spots.
Clark Canyon Reservoir has given up some nice Rainbows this past week to suspended bait, or slow trolled gold size 9 Rapalas.
Georgetown Lake is fishing well to bank fishermen, float tubers, or trollers. If it fits on your rod or in you tackle box, tie it on and cast it. You will probably catch fish.
(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward and Sons; Cover Photo: gallatinvalleyoutfitters.com)
