(photo courtesy of flyfishingfrenzy.com)
Bob Ward’s Bozeman Rec Report
Upper Madison River post muddy conditions can offer some of the best fishing opportunities. The Goldenstone, Salmonflies, and Sallies should be making their way to the banks, so nymphing with one of these with a worm or soft hackle off the back should produce fish.
The Lower Madison has been the best and most consistent option lately. Clarity has been bouncing around a bit …Nymphing has been most consistent with the usual stuff like crayfish and worms, but the streamer bite has also been pretty good if you catch it.
Yellowstone is still running pretty fast and high. It’s best to avoid this area while the water is fast and the clarity is poor. Try some surrounding waters like lakes and the small feeder streams.
Gallatin River Nymphing is best with stonefly nymphs, worms, and beadhead nymphs fished tight to the bank and in the eddies. Stripping streamers in the slower water can also be good in these conditions.
Butte Rec Report
Rivers and Streams are blown out and muddy with recent rains and heavy snow in the Upper Big Hole. Rapalas and Panther Martins or Mepps have shown to be successful in the Divide Canyon area of the Big Hole. Bait fishing or spinners have been good on the Upper Wise River or small creeks in the region.
The Beaverhead has been good bank fishing below the spillway with egg sacs or bait.
Clark Canyon has been fair fishing on the Red Rocks end of the lake and around lone tree.
Shad Raps have been successful on lead line rigs or with light weighted down riggers.
Georgetown Lake has been fair fishing for salmon and small trout on the North West end of the lake. Powerbait and small copper spoons have been good choices.
(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward and Sons)
