Fishing Report 07.31.13

 The YELLOWSTONE RIVER is as good as it gets right now.  Dry fly fishing in the morning or in the clouds has been very, very productive, and the nymph game has never been better.  Very few whitefish coming to the net, and some very large trout caught daily.  I cannot remember a better season on the Yellowstone, and the hoppers are just getting started.  A lot of guides are fishing the chubby (or other nocturnal pattern) with a small Pat's dropped off the back.  Some good reports coming on hoppers toward the lower river.  Temps have come down, and the river is giving up some of its biggest residents. 
Current Flow: 2,780 CFS at Livingston
Things are pretty good on the Upper MADISON RIVER with some pretty good reports of nice Spruce Moth fishing up high, and great nymphing closer to Ennis.  There are a lot of boats on the Upper, but the river is holding up very well.  Girdle bug/small nymphs are catching fish, and small terrestrials are doing well also.  Hopper fishing is just around the corner.  The Lower Madison has nice flow, but high temps and lots of tube-folk.  If you want to fish this, go very early, and work the Chubby/Crayfish angle.
Current Flow: 1,500 CFS at Cameron and 1,500 cfs below Ennis Dam
Water temps have come down on the JEFFERSON RIVER, but the river is still running on the warmish side- not to mention the river is unbelievably low.  Give these fish a break, and fish elsewhere.  This river should be CLOSED.  PERIOD.
Current Flow: 90 CFS at Silver Star.  Seriously.
Great dry fly fishing throughout the GALLATIN RIVER, and more than likely, it is going to just get better.  There are some nocturnal stones and Spruce Moths in the Canyon, and small terrestrial fishing closer to town.  Still some great caddis fishing just before dark. The river is quite low, but fishing well, and the low flows provide even better access than usual.
Current Flow:  583 CFS at Gallatin Gateway
Fishing on the MISSOURI RIVER has been mostly in the morning.  Still some caddis flying around, lots of tricos, and some terrestrial fishing as well.  Fish early, and fish late, but skip the middle of the day, unless you want to catch grass.
Current Flow: 3,050 CFS below Holter Dam

***REMINDER- Both the Lower Madison and Jefferson Rivers are under restrictions right now.  Both are closed to fishing after 2:00 PM, so anglers should fish early, handle all fish with respect, and release them quickly and humanely.***