If you’ve been waiting for the “Mother’s Day” caddis hatch, Mother Nature just hit the snooze button. We’ve got a classic Montana spring mix of rain, snow, and a CFS spike that’s currently doing its best impression of chocolate milk—but don’t pack up the rod tubes just yet.
While the hatch is on a “reasonable hiatus” thanks to the cold snap, that same chill is putting the brakes on the snowmelt. This means the river should clear up for a second (and hopefully third) act of caddis chaos. In the meantime, the fish are still down there, they’re just looking for something with a bit more “pop” to cut through the mud.
Yellowstone River Fishing Report CFS: 3,970 (was 3,320 yesterday)
Clarity at Carter’s, (Thursday 4/23 at 7:50 AM)
Caddis have popped early this year! Gardiner is starting to show some thicker olive but the clarity looked good in town today, albeit a good spike in CFS from yesterday.
As expected, the rain and snow mix put the mother’s day caddis hatch on pause for a reasonable hiatus. But the same colder temps will stop the melting of the snow and the river should clear up again, so fingers are crossed for another good caddis window or two to follow.
The good news is the fish were able to get on the caddis while the water was clear, and we’ve seen years where they will continue to eat through the mud.
Streamers can also be a good method when the water gets off color. Try a mix of all the colors, and don’t be afraid to try some brighter colors that will show up in the mud better.
Keep in mind Grey Bear access is closed as they are working on a new parking lot. 89 bridge is open – however you can’t access it driving east from Livingston on I-90. Instead, you’ll have to drive past it, exit a Mission Creek, do a u-turn and drive west on I-90 exiting at 89 North. (The reason for this is they are working on the bridge that goes over I-90).
Give us a call to book a trip or for the latest clarity/wind report: 1-406-222-7130
