Fishing Report 06.30.11

MISSOURI RIVER: 21,900 CFS below Holter Dam

The MO is big, but clear and fishing well. Hopefully it is not going to get much bigger than today. The name of the game up here is nymphing, the worm is still getting them, but some other big bugs are working as well. The big fish on the Missouri are eating small fish as well as PMD, caddis, and Sally nymphs. The usual worm and scud/sowbug combo is working best near the dam, but below the fish are eating streamers, crays, worms, and aforementioned nymphs. Should be quite busy on the MO this weekend, as it is still the best available option, and it is a holiday weekend.

LOWER MADISON: 6,390 CFS below Ennis Dam

The Lower is fishing well, do not let the clarity fool you. Again, the fishing is all subsurface, but he fish are cooperating very well. Personally, I love fishing the Lower when it is FULL of water- the big boys seem to let their guard down when it is ripping over there. Bring your favorite crayfish pattern, some caddis nymphs, and some small stonefly nymphs.

UPPER MADISON: 3,290 CFS at Kirby

Good reports coming in from the guys fishing the wade section above Lyon's bridge. The clarity is way better up there, but remember, no fishing from the boat. Stonefly nymphs, worms, and larger beadheads are all taking good fish. Below Squaw Creek, the clarity basically goes away, and that is that. This river, like all of the rivers listed below, will fish very well this year. August, September, and October is going to be fantastic all across the board.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER: 35,200 CFS at Livingston

Punched, like really blown out. Bigger today than I have ever seen it. Not an option at all right now. Probably a month from now, but when it comes around- look out.

GALLATIN RIVER: 6,710 CFS at Gallatin Gateway

The Gallatin is currently quite big for such a small river. Better clarity above Taylor Fork, but all and all, the river is marginal at best. I heard today that House Rock is a full two feet under water. For those of you that know of this famous rock, that should put things in perspective.

JEFFERSON RIVER: 9,190 CFS at Silver Star

High, but dropping fast. This awesome piece of water is going to come around very soon. Stay tuned. Not much going on as of today, but any day now....