Montana Hebgen & Quake Lakes: The lakes are fishing very well right now. We’re seeing plenty of gulpers on calm days and Callibaetis are hatching sufficiently enough to fish them on the said calm mornings, but if there’s any chop, switch to subsurface techniques. Most of the fish are going to be relatively shallow, anywhere from 5-10′ deep. Leeches and chironomid imitations have been the ticket under the waves.
Flies We’re Fishing: #16 Found Link Callibaetis, #16 Spinner Long Tailed Callibaetis, #16 Peacock Chubby Chernobyl, #18 Bucky’s Midge Cluster, #18 Black, Olive, OR Red Zebra Midge, #14 O/S Opal Buzzer, #14 Olive Nugget, #14 Turkey Callibaetis, #16 Brush Hog, #14 Black/Red Ice Cream Cone, #8 Black Vegas Booby Leech, #8 Black OR Olive Simi-Seal Leech, #8 Hot Bead Thin Mint
Madison Flows: Hebgen Lake Inflow: 515 CFS Hebgen Lake Outflow: 956 CFS Kirby Flows: 1000 CFS Cameron Flows: 1140 CFS Water Temp @ Kirby: High 67 F Low 57 F Flows as of 7am July 31st 2025
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. MRO Shop Staff Levi VonFlue with a great shot of a pretty Upper Madison Rainbow ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Upper Madison: Not much has changed since last week (the 24th). The 50 Mile Riffle is rapidly becoming its mid season usual, with some days being a bit more tricky than others. The bugs have definitely declined but we’re still seeing sparse caddis, and PMD’s, along with BWO’s and Epeorus down there. The fish lower on the river are starting to turn on to hopper and various terrestrial patterns as well. Nymphing has been the most productive but the fish are pretty dialed in on smaller natural patterns (18’s and smaller). Streamers can still move fish, particularly on the stormy and overcast days.
Flies We’re Fishing: #18 Olive Hot Spot Perdigon, #16 Sunburst Perdigon, #18 S&M Dark Baetis, #18 Purple JJ Baetis, #16/#18 Black OR Red Krystal Dip, #16 Pilva’s Perdigon – Olive, #16 Purple Parachute, #16 Nyman’s Flying Ant, #14 Black Bionic Ant, #16 OR #14 Royal Chubby Chernobyl, #16 Peacock Chubby Chernobyl, #4 Olive Supernatural Peanut, #6 Olive MT Mouthwash, #6 Olive/White Barely Legal, #8 Hot Bead Leech – Olive, Black, Brown ———————————————————————————————–
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. MRO Guide Tom Forsberg enjoying a rare day off on Quake ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
YNP
Firehole: The Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon – (below Norris Campground) have all been indefinitely closed to all fishing. Gallatin: The Gallatin is fishing pretty well throughout the whole river. We arent seeing quite the volume of bugs as we have the past few weeks, so its time to start transitioning to the terrestrial side of things. Beetles, ants, hoppers, spruce moths, etc. should all play on the Gallatin. Hopper dropper rigs are a great way to search the deeper runs and pools up-river of Big Sky.
NE Corner: The Yellowstone River is beginning to slow down a bit. There are still fish to be had but they require you to put in the miles to find them. There should still be some decent fish looking up on PMD’s and Sallies, but hoppers and beetles are a great choice as well. It’s tributaries; (Lamar, Slough, Soda Butte) should all be fishing a bit better, due to higher fish counts and easier wading/access.
YNP Flows Firehole: too hot Gibbon: too hot Madison: too hot Yellowstone Outlet: 1680 CFS Gallatin: 330 CFS Lamar: 236 CFS Soda Butte: gage is gone! ———————————————————————————————- Get out there!
Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information on a bull moose that was shot and killed along Middle Cottonwood Trail near Bozeman.
This week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast features hosts Dale, George Bumann, and Jenny Golding discussing the upcoming online Yellowstone Summit, featuring over 30 expert speakers from February 19th to 22nd.
Skijoring evolved from a survival technique in Central Asia to a thrilling sport in America, especially in Montana, blending speed, skill, and culture while maintaining its historical roots.
Coydogs, true 50/50 coyote-dog hybrids, are rare and often confused with coyotes or feral dogs. Actual hybrids can be unpredictable and belong in the wild, not as pets.
Wolf management in Alberta and Montana aims to maintain ecosystem balance, addressing stressed prey populations. It emphasizes science-based strategies rather than emotional reactions, ensuring both predators and prey are sustainably managed.
Minnesota ice angler Beau Rochel shared a clever DIY hack for a multi-ice hole cover that keeps feet warm while fishing. It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and uses simple materials like landscaping fabric and adhesive.
Bear, an AKC purebred Anatolian Shepherd from Wild Rooster Farm, will move to South Africa to join the Cheetah Outreach Trust, aiding farmers in protecting livestock and conserving cheetahs.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating the illegal introduction of northern pike into Pine Grove Pond, threatening its trout fishery. Anglers should report and remove pike to preserve the ecosystem.
Kokanee Quinn’s crock pot pineapple upside-down cake recipe combines yellow cake mix with crushed pineapple, creating a moist dessert topped with caramelized pineapple and cherries, effortlessly delicious and impressive.
Kokanee Quinn shares a quick and easy white perch recipe that’s flaky and sweet, perfect for busy days. It cooks in minutes, requiring no pan-searing, and includes step-by-step instructions.
