Freestone Fly Fishing Outfitters Fishing Report 07.08.13

The YELLOWSTONE RIVER is fishing incredibly well right now, that is, if it is not dirty from an afternoon rainstorm.  NO complaints on receiving the rain, we will take every drop we can get, but enough with the mud plugs.  Fishing below town has been great with the streamer/nymph game and some larger dries as well.  The valley, normal Yellowstone River attractor flies will work throughout the day.  Get on this while it is rocking, no doubt the best river in the state right now (as usual, in my opinion)
Current Flow: 5,470 cfs at Livingston

Things aren't exactly great on the MADISON RIVER right now, but not exactly horrible either.  The river is finally getting the discharge it needs out of Hebgen, so the fishing pressure will spread out a bit. Go early, and beat the crowds/heat.  The fish are eating dries quite well, which is great, but the bite goes south in the afternoon.  The Lower river is very warm, very weedy, and full of tube-folk.  If this is your destination, launch the boat at sun-up, and stay out in front. Warm. Too warm, but pulse flows have begun.  Give these fish a break for a while.
Current Flow: 1,260 cfs at Cameron 1,750 cfs below Ennis

The JEFFERSON RIVER has more grass in it than my front yard.  Not a good option right now.  Last year was similar, and by the end of July the grass was gone- stay tuned.  Not a good option right now- oh wait, did I say that already?
Current Flow: 963 cfs at Twin Bridges

I fished the GALLATIN RIVER yesterday, and it was great.  Fish eating the usual (Chubby), and some great nymph fishing as well.  The river had a lot of pressure yesterday due to lack of options and mud, but it still fished. I also heard reports of great dry fly fishing way up the canyon-  great place to fish right now.
Current Flow: 1,170 cfs at Gateway



Good  reports coming from the MISSOURI RIVER right now.  Lots of bug activity: PMD's, caddis, sallies, stones, and the trico's are really going strong.   There is quite a bit of grass in the river, but the fish are eating.  They are a bit spooky in the sun, but fishing has been great for the majority of the day.  If you can keep the flies clean, the fish will bite.

Current Flow: 2,810 cfs below Holter Dam