10-05-2004, 02:29 PM
Yellowstone River - October 4th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=91,re"]Yellowstone Angler[/url]
FISHING: Good
Stream Flow Information [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=yellowstone&format=html_table"]click here[/url]]
Weather conditions always dictate the most effective fishing methods in the fall. The return of bright, warm weather has meant that anglers on the Yellowstone have had to switch from a fall mix of streamers and Baetis dry flies back to late summer techniques.
Guide Brian Sienkowski and Tom Bailey with big Yellowstone rainbow In the last week or so, the most effective patterns have included traditional attractor patterns like Royal Wulffs, Royal Trudes, and Parachute Adams. Fish these in sizes 12-16. Although it seems very late, we have heard some reports this week that hopper patterns are still producing. Even though it is already October, we have not had a frost in Livingston yet, although freezing temps are predicted in the next few days. Until we have several hard frosts, don't be afraid to try a favorite hopper pattern—let the trout (not the calendar) decide if terrestrial season is over.
In bright weather, anglers should try small bead head nymphs in tandem with the larger attractors. Pattern choice in the nymph is usually not critical. Popular choices include Princes, Pheasant Tails (including the variations with some extra flash in the body), Copper Johns, etc. Fish these in #14-16.
For most anglers, fishing the Yellowstone in the fall means streamer fishing. Bright weather will make streamers less effective for now, but they will stillproduce early and late in the day. Although it is still early in terms of the actual brown trout spawning period, the browns (along with the rainbows and cutts) will respond more aggressively to streamers once cloud cover is more consistent. Sculpin patterns (like the Gander, Woolhead Sculpin, and the new Rag Sculpin), Zonkers, and any of the Woolly Bugger variations in #2-6 are some of the best fly choices.
Bright conditions will minimize fall Baetis hatches, but in the right conditions, these bugs will appear around 1-3:00 pm. Look for rising fish in foam pockets, backeddies, and on the inside of riffle corners. A Parachute Adams or Parachute Hare's Ear in #16-18 is usually as imitative as the fly needs to be on the Yellowstone, but a Baetis Sparkle Dun or the new Baetis Vis-A-Dun will do the trick if the fish are picky at all.
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=91,re"]Yellowstone Angler[/url]
FISHING: Good
Stream Flow Information [[url "http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=NONE&search_site_no_station_nm=yellowstone&format=html_table"]click here[/url]]
Weather conditions always dictate the most effective fishing methods in the fall. The return of bright, warm weather has meant that anglers on the Yellowstone have had to switch from a fall mix of streamers and Baetis dry flies back to late summer techniques.
Guide Brian Sienkowski and Tom Bailey with big Yellowstone rainbow In the last week or so, the most effective patterns have included traditional attractor patterns like Royal Wulffs, Royal Trudes, and Parachute Adams. Fish these in sizes 12-16. Although it seems very late, we have heard some reports this week that hopper patterns are still producing. Even though it is already October, we have not had a frost in Livingston yet, although freezing temps are predicted in the next few days. Until we have several hard frosts, don't be afraid to try a favorite hopper pattern—let the trout (not the calendar) decide if terrestrial season is over.
In bright weather, anglers should try small bead head nymphs in tandem with the larger attractors. Pattern choice in the nymph is usually not critical. Popular choices include Princes, Pheasant Tails (including the variations with some extra flash in the body), Copper Johns, etc. Fish these in #14-16.
For most anglers, fishing the Yellowstone in the fall means streamer fishing. Bright weather will make streamers less effective for now, but they will stillproduce early and late in the day. Although it is still early in terms of the actual brown trout spawning period, the browns (along with the rainbows and cutts) will respond more aggressively to streamers once cloud cover is more consistent. Sculpin patterns (like the Gander, Woolhead Sculpin, and the new Rag Sculpin), Zonkers, and any of the Woolly Bugger variations in #2-6 are some of the best fly choices.
Bright conditions will minimize fall Baetis hatches, but in the right conditions, these bugs will appear around 1-3:00 pm. Look for rising fish in foam pockets, backeddies, and on the inside of riffle corners. A Parachute Adams or Parachute Hare's Ear in #16-18 is usually as imitative as the fly needs to be on the Yellowstone, but a Baetis Sparkle Dun or the new Baetis Vis-A-Dun will do the trick if the fish are picky at all.