Fishing Report 08.18.13

Well, we hopper fishing is in full swing on the YELLOWSTONE RIVER, and as usual, fishing is truly day to day.  A few clouds in the afternoon seem to help; as do long, drag-free drifts, and of course, spinning through several different patterns.  I prefer tan or pink hoppers in the AM, and yellow in the afternoons  Sometimes it helps to fish something other than the Morrish too...
Current Flow:  1,900 CFS at Livingston
The MADISON RIVER has been spotty at best.  The small hopper game, ants/beetles, and small attractors have all been getting fish to look up in the Storey- Ennis stretch.  Dragging sculpins has also been productive for a few big ones.  The Lower had a bit of respite the last week or so, but water temps are slowly climbing again.  The weather has been scorching hot the last few days, and the the river temps rise accordingly.  Fishing early on the Lower has been good.  Still under closure here, so no fishing after 2 PM.
Current Flow: 860 CFS at Cameron, 1,160 below Ennis Dam
The tricos are still going strong in the mornings on the  MISSOURI RIVER.  Look for the best trico fishing closer to the dam.  The Missouri is relatively empty this time of year, so some good fishing can be had without the usual gong show of boats.  Try fishing hoppers lower on the river, they eat them there too.
Current Flow:  3,150 CFS below Holter Dam
Things are pretty good on the GALLATIN RIVER.  Spruce moths up the river, and hoppers closer to Bozeman.  This river always seems to produce, not necessarily big fish- but nice, healthy wild trout.  If you have a few hours to kill, head to the Gallatin, and enjoy some nice consistent fishing.
Current Flow: 422 CFS at Gallatin Gateway
And of course, last but not least, the JEFFERSON RIVER.  I spent a couple of days fishing the very upper reaches of the Jeff this week, and the river THERE is in good enough shape, fishing was actually good.  But with only 40 or so CFS coming out of the lower Big Hole (thanks to a big diversion ditch), there really is no water left in the river.  Once you get below yet another major diversion, it is truly devoid of water.  This is a constant, sad state of affairs on this truly majestic river.  It saddens me to see a river like the Jefferson with barely any current, almost no water flowing between pools.  This scenario is far too common in this valley, and things have to change.  They are killing my river.  End of story.
Current Flow: 52 CFS at Silver Star, yep, 52. Tragic.