News from Blue Ribbon Flies

Fishing Report
Weekly Conditions and Tips

By Craig Mathews and Bucky McCormick
15 September 2011
Thanks to dear Bill Hayes for this perfect picture of a perfect spot.

Two days ago Del, Chip, and I set out to climb high above the Madison Valley in search of bighorn sheep skulls I located in September 1988 while on a mountain goat hunt. The skulls were left in the crotches of white bark pine trees by Sheepeater Indians hundreds of years ago. When I'd first found them near a spring I thought to myself, "What idiot killed a bighorn and left its skull in the trees?" It became apparent to me on closer examination just how long ago it was done and in later talks with forest service archeologist I found how the skulls came to rest in the trees. I found out how rare this was, to find this kind of evidence of Native American bighorn hunting. I'd revisited the skulls in 1993 and wanted to find them again, to make sure in this time when nearly all the white bark pines are dying from disease that the skulls were still there.

After 3 hours of climbing straight up we were in the high alpine meadow I was sure held my prizes. The Mountain Blue Bell, Indian Paintbrush and other wildflowers were incredible and so was the sign left by a huge grizzly bear that was making a good living eating currant and huckleberries. We found what we'd came for and took a few photos before a cold wind came up, clouds rolled in, and we left. The white barks are now mostly dead and sure to split and fall and with it the skulls likely will split and fall too, a sure sign of the times. The grizzly too that depends on the fat from whitebark pine nuts is adjusting its diet to the rich high alpine berries and army cut worm moths.

On our long hike we talked about the on-going Westslope Cutthroat Trout project at Sun Ranch where we began our trek this day. We talked about how successful the project has been, how man has had to adjust our wild trout programs to include more native trout back into the mix, and that maybe the grizzly bear might be able someday to use spawning native Westslopes in their diets again. While we were hiking a helicopter shuttled overhead, lifting another load of Westslope fry from the Sun Ranch hatchery to a high elevation stream for reintroduction. Won't it be great to once again fish for Westslope Cutts in a setting they historically occupied! There is hope for native species, but the sheep skulls will have to fall with the dead white barks, and I can only hope they remain on the grounds they have occupied for hundreds of years.

This week's fishing report is provided by Bucky, who sat down and thought through all the fishing he's been doing lately. Here's a rundown of what's fishing and what's working.

Firehole River: This river has remained cool enough for us to fish all summer and the fish have reaped the benefits of the cooler water temperatures. Although the trout in this stream are certainly not large on average, they are very healthy and chunky this fall. Look for good hatches of Baetis on cloudy days during the late morning to early afternoon hours. Size 22 will be a good starting point. Sparkle duns, cripples, soft hackles and floating nymphs will all have their place. White Miller caddis are still around too and our White Miller soft hackle or a Nick's soft hackle in green have been best. Midges will be a factor soon. A size 22 Zelon Midge should fit the bill.

Gibbon River: This river too has had great flows and cooler temp's all summer. The meadows have fished well with hoppers and ants recently, although the trout are very wary in these sections. Long leaders and a cautious approach are paramount to success. Baetis will begin shortly and the same patterns used on the Firehole will be relevant here. Early morning streamer fishing can also be effective and should only become better as slip further into autumn.

Madison in the Park: We are seeing a few more lake fish enter the system, but I would not say this in full swing or even half swing yet. A few more days of cold rain should drive the rainbows and browns up. Shakey Beely's and full dressed reds have been the most effective soft hackles so far. For streamers I would consider the sculpzilla patterns in white, black or olive and a copper zonker. There are white miller caddis from 9 mile hole up to the junction in the late afternoon hours and if there are any lake fish around they will rise to these caddis. The soft hackles have been best, but a fluttering white miller skated in front of the riser can bring a big take.

Madison River below Quake Lake: We are seeing a few midges hatching down here, but with all the sunshine the Baetis have been sparse at best. Small ant or Beetle imitations fished carefully along the banks have brought a few nice trout to net, but this section has really been better with small nymphs. Zebra midges, serendipities and small pt's have worked well. Streamers can also be effective in the early morning or late evening hours. There are still a few spinners and caddis left after the sun dips below the hills, but this will be localized and moving around to find the risers will be necessary.

Gallatin River: This river has fished best between Big Sky and Bozeman. Hoppers, ants and beetle patterns are all working. This is also the time for the Mahogany duns to begin hatching. We have not seen many yet, but I would not go without a few in my box. Nymphing the deeper pools will also be effective. A rubber leg nymph with a smaller Baetis or midge dropper should do the trick.

Slough, Lamar and Soda Butte: There have been plenty of fall Baetis and good numbers of drakes along Heptagenia hatching. A size 22 slough creek Baetis, Green drake sparkle duns and emergers and an olive sparkle dun should be in the box. Ants, beetles and hoppers will still bring fish up when and if the mayfly hatch is not too strong. There have been plenty of fisherman in this area along with an ample supply of grizzly Bears. I would not venture to this area without my Bear spray.

Hebgen Lake: If you are die hard gulperer you may still want to give the lake a try. It is the beginning of the end here, so the mornings will be hit and miss. This is one of my favorite fishing activities here, so I do not mind taking the risk. Callibaetis cripples and spinners in 18 should do it.

Henry's Fork: Looking for the most difficult fishing you'll ever experience? Look no further. The Ranch has plenty of big Rainbows and a decent number of insects. Mahogany duns and Baetis can both be seen. The hitch? Holy cow are these fish tough. The water is low and the trout are very selective. One bad cast or drift will send them fleeing to the next county. Bring only you're A+ game here and hope for one.

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