Freestone Fly Fishing Outfitters Fishing Report 07.21.13

YELLOWSTONE RIVER:  Well, the Yellowstone River is fishing as good as ever.  Great reports are coming in from just about everyone that I talk to, regardless of where they fished.  Fishing has been great for me on the Lower river, and the big browns are eating various streamer patterns fished sub-surface:  zonkers, slump busters, and buggers are all catching great fish.  The hatches down here have petered out a bit, but still some bugs flying around.  Look for caddis, and some tricos.  Caddis pupa have been taking some nice fish in the afternoon as well.  Get this while it lasts, it is as good as fishing gets.  
Current Flow: 3,400 cfs at Livingston
MADISON RIVER:  The Madison has been fishing well until early afternoon.  I had a great day up there this week drifting sculpins and caddis nymphs, but the bulk of the Madison boys are riding the Pat's Rubberleg pattern (shocking, I know).  The bite has been strong until 1 or 2 in the afternoon, so go early and get off early.  The Lower Madison is currently under restrictions, so you must be done by 2.  Probably better to fish elsewhere.
Current Flow:  1,350 cfs at Cameron, and 1,720 cfs below Ennis Dam.
JEFFERSON RIVER:  The weeds are dissipating, but the water temps are sky high- go somewhere else.  This river should be closed.  Period.
Current Flow:  259 cfs at Silver Star
GALLATIN RIVER:  Still some great caddis fishing on the Gallatin right now.  Good reports are coming from all over the river.  Great nymphing with Rubberleg/ caddis combos, and some great dry fly fishing in the evenings, and on cloudy afternoons.
Current Flow:  685 at Gallatin Gateway
MISSOURI RIVER:  Dude...weed.   Annoying floating grass throughout the river, everywhere you look, everywhere you throw your fly- dries too.   Good early dry fly fishing (tricos) near the dam, and great nymphing down low if you can keep your flies clean.  I spent two days on the Mo this week, and that was too much.  The fish are there, they always are, but the weeds?  You can have it.
Current Flow: 3,150 cfs below Holter Dam

***Please take care handling all fish caught right now, conditions are tough enough on them, and the great double photo above is the only fish pic we took during an incredible week of fishing.  Keep the fish in the water if possible, fight them quickly, and release them properly.  We all need them***