The summer continues to fly by at a rapid pace! It’s hard to believe we’re more than halfway through August already. Surprisingly, the cooler weather and frequent afternoon storms have made a significant difference in water temps and have even led to the lifting of hoot owl restrictions across much of the state and into Yellowstone National Park.
This has certainly been an odd year for weather, but we aren’t complaining now. Fingers crossed the temps remain mild as we head toward the dog days of summer and the onset of the fall fishing season. There are still a few waterways in our area with restrictions, you can always get the full list on the FWP website here: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions
We would recommend fishing early in the morning, as water temps will be coolest then. Try to avoid fishing in the peak afternoons, as fishing won’t be very good then anyway. Play your fish quickly and keep them in the water as much as possible. Release them right away after a proper recovery. This time of year can be tough on fish.
Now on to the fishing.
Yellowstone River
Our home waters of the Yellowstone River have been fishing ok these days. August can be somewhat of a doldrums around here, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t at least try. A few of these late afternoon storms have knocked the hopper population back to a point where we aren’t seeing a lot of them at the moment, but hoppers are still our go to for dry flies. Put a perdigon or other jig head fly below one and use it as a strike indicator.
Lots of people only fish the banks during hopper season, but don’t be afraid to fish even a couple boat lengths out into the river. On these hot and bright days the trout seek some solitude in deeper water, which is generally cooler too. Hang that dropper a bit deeper, or work a double nymph rig. Something large, such as a wooly bugger or Zirdle Bug, with an attractor nymph behind it will get some action.
The hoot owl restriction below 89 has been lifted with this cooler weather and the entire river is restriction free. You’ll encounter fewer people down low, but more fish and better fishing in the valley. The Yellowstone is a good option now, and it’s just going to get better.
Madison River
The Lower Madison River remains on hoot owl restrictions - no fishing from 2pm to midnight each day. Just leave it alone and fish elsewhere at this point. There are a lot better options.
The Upper Madison is fishing well. Like the Yellowstone River, we’re in a bit of a break in the action. There are still lots of fish to be caught and fun to be had. Hoppers and other terrestrials are the main course, but attractor dries are also a good idea if you want to stick to the dry fly game.
Most of your action will be subsurface. A double nymph rig with a dead drifted streamer with an attractor nymph or perdigon behind it is a good bet. That’s a solid rig for anywhere in the state right now. Hanging a nymph about a foot and a half below a hopper or chubby is a solid bet.
Gallatin River
While the hoot owl restriction has been lifted on the lower Gallatin in the valley, we’d still recommend sticking to the canyon and up. There’s more water, more fish, and more access. It’s just a better option at this point.
You can still find a few spruce moths around, and these are a ton of fun. They start getting active midmorning as the morning sun warms the trees they spend the night in. There are a ton of dedicated spruce moth patterns, but a tan elk hair caddis with a smushed down wing will work just fine in a pinch.
In the canyon and up into the Park, terrestrials are a good bet. Ants and beetles are often overlooked while hoppers take the limelight, but they really shine on the Gallatin. There isn’t a lot hatching, but you’ll still see some caddis fluttering around in the afternoon. There’s a lot of access and a lot of water to cover. It’s a good option for sure.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is fishing well, and with the cooler temps many of the partial fishing closures have been lifted. The west side rivers of the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon remain closed, largely due to the geothermal influence. The Northeast Corner is home to the best fishing of the Park, with Slough Creek and the Lamar hosting good hopper fishing. Bring a box full of sizes, colors, and profiles and have at it. Fall fishing in the park is coming up fast, and it’s some of the best fishing of the entire year.
Small Waters and The High Country
August is time to get up in the mountains and go find trout way up yonder. Go camp out under the stars, carry your home on your back, and unplug for a bit. Many of the lakes in our local mountain ranges offer excellent fishing in late summer. Bring a flying ant, parachute adams, elk hair caddis, and pheasant tail nymphs. Enjoy the sights and soak it up.
Small water is also a great idea this time of year. The fish aren’t big, but there are a lot of them and small water and creeks can be so incredibly fun. You just need a small puck of attractors and you’re good to go. Find a map, find a blue line, and go exploring. That’s half the fun.
Livingston and the shop
You can tell it’s late summer here. School kicks off next week, and the families of tourists have generally gone. There is still a lot of summer ahead, and lots of fishing, biking, hiking, and more to enjoy before fall settles in.
One event to mark on your calendar is the Yellowstone River Cleanup on September 7th. Float a stretch, walk a section, help clean up this incredible place in our backyard! More details on our social media soon.
Our store is open every day and here to help you enjoy this incredible palace we call home. Come stop by, shop and get everything you need, and tell us a fish story. Tight lines this week!
