| |
Call us for an ice / wind report! 406-222-7130 The Stone | Spring Creeks | Yellowstone Park | Guide Services Local & Private Lakes | CFS @ Corwin Springs | CFS @ Carter's
Yellowstone River
12.28 Haven't done much fishing lately but the river has cleared up from a lot of the floating ice, at least through town. We've had a few days in a row with temperatures in the 40's, but that window may be gone as more sub teens and even negatives at night are ahead of us this week...
12.22 Above Yankee Jim there was significantly less ice on the Stone, but even here at the new Point of Rocks access it was full of slush. That being said I actually saw a big rise in the middle of the river - right into the slush. As you can see there is too much shelf ice to even bother fishing. Looks like we have a few days in the 40's coming up - give us a call to see if things clear up and are worth wetting a line.
12.18 Unfortunately there's much slush and ice floating down the Yellowstone right now. Several days in a row with 10 degree weather are making things tough. The big ice bridge across the river a Mallard's Rest is gone, but there are some new ice jams above carters. Floating right now is not a good idea.
12.12 No one really seems to be fishing the Stone right now. Through and below town is free of ice. If one were going to get out there it would likely be slow. Bait fisherman can sometimes do well during these cold spells, but getting a fish to chase a streamer can be tough. Midges are now the only hatch around, which can be good for some dry fly fishing if the conditions are right.
12.3 The few spots we checked today at lunch in town were all clear from flowing slush and ice. The slower flows in the valley have been an issue, as of a few days ago Mallard's rest was completely frozen over from bank to bank. Winter conditions are always changing on the Yellowstone, some areas (particularly those next to warmer springs) are fishable year round while others remain unfishable. Give us a call before you head over and we can send you to a hot spot. Looks like we'll be getting some warmer weather next week. Midges have been the main source of food here and will continue as such until spring baetis in early April. Most people would rather skip fishing than deal with a midges, but if you have a lightweight rod like a 3 or 4 weight, the dry fly fishing can be surprisingly enjoyable. If all you have is a 5 weight it's probably more fun to nymph with small flies. Try a mix of small black sculpin patterns, rubberlegs, a red $3 dip, or zebra midge have a few of our winter all stars. If you decided to strip streamers make sure that you really slow down your retrieve..
12.1 A large snow storm hit us around Thanksgiving this year, dense wet snow which is already making a solid base. Looks we'll have another good year in terms of snow pack, at least on paper. The weather man is forecasting a harsh winter this year so we should have plenty of water around by late August / early September.
Livingston Spring Creeks
12.24 Saw one baetis out there and a few midges spattered about. Streamers ended up NOT being the way to go for once - perhaps we didn't give them enough time. I did have one fish eat a gold tomb raider but ended up pulling it right out of his mouth. In the end, small tippet and small nymphs proved best. 12.21 By: Justin Bolduc. Spring Creeks are still fishing good on the warmers days. Still a few baetis around noon till 2, but not many. Nymphing midges and throwing streamers is still working. I had the chance to fish on Sunday with a friend from Dillon, Montana. It was his 1st time fishing the spring creeks and they lived up to everything he had hoped for.
Another nice brown caught on the spring creeks 12.3 By: Justin Bolduc. Spring Creeks are still fishing quite well on warmer days. In anticipation of the upcoming 5 weight shootout my dad and I fished a couple of the rods yesterday on the spring creeks and fishing was good. I streamer fished with the new Sage VXP and nymphed with the new Winston BIIIx. I was more than impressed with both rods and really liked the faster action Sage VXP for small streamers. No hatch ever developed but we were happy throwing streamers and nymphs.
A nice brown that took a streamer on the new Sage VXP. Keep checking back to see how this new rod stacks up in the upcoming 5 weight shootout. More Photos.
Wally Bolduc landing a nice rainbow. Photo: Justin Bolduc Armstrong's, Nelson's, & DePuy's all $40 now till Mid April... Read George's news on Nelson's Spring Creek "Paradise Valley PMD Hatch" by George Anderson Recommended Spring CreekFly PatternsHarrop Baetis short wing emerger #18-20 Harrop Baetis sparkle dun #18-20 Harrop Baetis No Hackle #18-20 Gray WD 40 midge emergers #18-22 Gray WD 50 midge emerger #18-20
Sawyer PT nymphs #18-20 Bead Head Thorax PMD nymph #18 Barr's Slump Buster Black or Olive #8-10 Olive and Grizzly Invader #6 |
Related Links: Archived Fishing Reports
|
||
