Looking back on 2019 it’s hard to put into words how special this years fishing was. The theme of the summer was hoppers, and we had several guides, locals and visiting anglers tell us that this was the “single greatest hopper fishing year they have ever seen!“ And this was especially true on the Yellowstone River.
It took a while for the snow to melt this year in Montana, so we weren’t fishing quite as early as normal. This gave the river a rest and cool temps prevailed throughout the summer.
We had a good spring season on the Yellowstone and it fished well almost every day in April. We did see a good caddis hatch this year but it wasn’t quite what everyone had hoped for after a long snowy winter.
Runoff was longer than normal this year too, giving us the opportunity to travel around the state to check out how the other great rivers were fishing during May and June. This was also a great time of year to fish some of our private lakes. When the river gets muddy, the local private lakes are at the top of our hit list.
Once the Yellowstone started to drop (around July 1st) we were on it every day. It was a great start and we saw another good salmon fly year. We saw good fishing for the month of July and this was only the beginning to an incredible August and September.
This year’s hopper fishing was truly legendary. If you were lucky enough to experience it, you will know what we are talking about and how special it was. Our guides were fishing single hoppers almost daily and our fly bins were taking a hit because of it. It was fun trying out different hoppers that we are not used to fishing however, and some of the classic patterns from year’s past came through in a big way.
Fall can come quickly in SW Montana and that was certainly the case this year. Starting around the end of September temps dropped quickly and the snowflakes started flying. The Yellowstone fished well when the weather cooperated, and many anglers made the drive towards West Yellowstone to swing streamers and soft hackles for the big browns making their way up the Madison River from Hebgen Lake. If you are willing to put in the time this can be one of the most rewarding fisheries in the fall.
Thanks again to everyone who made this a successful 2019. As we move into winter we are getting the snow shovels ready and filling the hopper bins in anticipation for an excellent 2020.
5 thoughts on “Logan’s End of the Year Report 2019”
Fortunate to have fished with Josh Edwards for the fourth or fifth year out of your shop. Great days of fishing abound on the Yellowstone River, memorable days, the unique, oh my Lord, you are not going to believe this days have occurred with Josh. My gratitude for making it truly inspiring each and every time goes to you guys and gals at the YA! Exceptional service, solid guides and great friendships, make the memorable happen and book with YA. And if you are lucky enough to fish with Josh prepare for the amazing!
Sounds like a great season! Wish I didnt miss the hoppers….
What was your assessment of the lower river (below Big Timber) this year? I thought it was way off normal, but don’t how much of that was timing (or my poor fishing skills!). I’ve been concerned about the number of small mouth bass we’ve been seeing around Reed Point recently. Glad to hear the fishing was great up high though – I need to get up there next year.
Thanks Tim!!! We actually didn’t fish below Big Timber too much this year. When the fishing is good around Livingston its tough to travel too far. Hopefully we have a long, snowy winter with cold temps to keep the bass on lower river. See you up here next year!!!!
Sounds good Logan. I’ll probably hook up with you guys next year to learn the upper river as I’ve never floated it before. We always float around Reed Point (where our place is at), but the fishing has been sketchy at best the last few years. Also, I’m liking your new website redesign – looks sharp!
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