January 19, 2010

Yellowstone River:

With last weeks warm weather, the Yellowstone is finally able to breath. Along with that warm weather came some Chinook with gusts up to 70 mph in Livingston. It looks as if the wind is calming down for now, but who knows since the weather can change without notice. If you are looking to float, please contact an outfitter for the wind report. The open water is going to be found in town. Yankee Jim to Emigrant is still jammed with ice so fishing in the valley is for the most part not accessible. Carters and through town is floatable but you may still run into some ice. As for pattern selection, nymphing low and slow is the name of the game. Midge and stonefly imitations have been producing fish. As for streamers, sculpins have been doing well along with beadhead bugger patterns. Keep in mind that the sculpins keep a dark color this time of year, so black is the way to go.

Recommended Patterns

Nymphs-
Zebra Midge, Black and red #18, #20
Disco Midge Pearl #18-22
Prince Nymph #14
Girdle Bug #4-8
Sawyer PT #16-18
Copper johns #14-18 all colors
Pats Rubber legs #4-10 all colors

Steamers-
Articulated streamers #2-6
Sculpin patterns #4-10 Black!

Dries- (if wind is cooperating)
Griffiths Gnat #18-20
Hi-Viz midge #20


Lower Madison:

The Lower Madison is a great choice for those looking to do some winter fishing. The standard float right now would be from Warm Springs to Black's Ford. As of lately, I have been getting mixed reports. On warmer days, look to sink some midge patterns following a worm or scud. Last weekend there were no signs of slush, but once this warm weather turns, that could chance quickly.

Recommended patterns

Nymphs-
Lightning bug #10-14 red and black
San Juan worm #10
Zebra midge #18-20 red
Tailwater tiny #18-20
Scud #12-16 pink and natural

Streamers-
Deaddrift Crayfish #8
Clouser Crayfish #8 olive and turkey
bush's dad #8


Missouri River:

The Missouri is also a great winter choice. Caution right now since there is an ice jam on the Gallatin River that is in flood stage right now. Below Holter dam is open as of now. Some good reports have came in from the Missouri with nymphing producing much of the fish.

Recommended patterns

Nymphs-
Lightning Bug #16-18 red, pink
Rainbow Midge #20
Sawyer PT # 18-20
Prince Nymph #14

Streamers-
Crayfish patterns #8-12
Buggers #6-10 Rootbeer, Black


Bighorn River:

This might be the best time of year to get on the Bighorn. You may actually find some solitude for a change. Basic tailwater flies and midge patterns are the best right now. Make sure to bring a few midge dries with you should you catch the bighorn on a calmer day. Reports have been consistent with good catches.

Recommended patterns

Nymphs-
Ray Charles #18
Bighorn Shrimp #14
HB Sparkle Scud #16 tan, pink, orange
Zebra Midge #18-20 red, black
San Juan worm #10

Streamers-
Bighorn Bugger #4-8
Wolly Bugger #8-12
Flash Fry #4-6 Yellow

Dries-
Griffiths Gnat #18-20


Gallatin River:

The Gallatin is still slushy even with this warm weather. A few stretches are open, but it looks as if you are going to have to wait till the spring. Caution: due to the ice jam below Big Sky the Gallatin river has a flood warning and is not recommended for recreational activity at this time.