October 5th, 2023

Thanks for taking the time to read our weekly newsletter, and as always if you have questions or comments don't hesitate to give us a shout at 406-646-7642! Our current hours are 7:00am to 8:00pm. 

Fishing Report

Fall mornings on the Firehole are tough to beat.

Photo by Jordan Myers.

The Firehole had some great hatches the last couple days with all the clouds and rain. Folks found success swinging soft hackles like #16 Pheasant Tail Soft Hackles and Spider Hare and Partridge #16. The stars of the show the past few days have been fish rising to little fall Baetis. The fish have been keyed in on little #22/#24's making it a fairly difficult drift to track. One thing we like to do is run a tandem dry fly rig with a #20 Baetis Klinkhammer in front and a #22 Upright Baetis or #22 Baetis Sparkle Dun about 18-24" behind.

The Madison in the valley has been fishing very well and offers anglers a chance to experience great access with little pressure this time of year. A two nymph rig has been the most productive and hasn't changed much over the last couple weeks. We are still using a big attractor nymph like a #10 Black Rubberlegs or #12 San Juan Worm followed by a small blue wing or caddis nymph. We've used #16 or #18 Crystal Serendipities, #20 JuJu Baetis and #18 Olive Two Bit Hookers with good success as droppers.

The Madison in the park has been a little spotty with lake runs but they are in the system from top to bottom. Nymphing has been pretty good in the deeper holes and runs especially later in the day. Morning has been the time for swinging your favorite soft hackle or streamer as the fish have been much more willing to chase during the early hours. Some of our favorite flies have been #10 Shakey Beeley's, #6 Soft Hackle Streamers, #16 Guide Serendipities and #18 Radiation Baetis.

Northeast Corner Soda Butte and Slough Creek have continued to see some consistent hatches of little Baetis and even a few Drake Mackerels that have hung around. #20 Red Zebra Midges have been the ticket early and I wouldn't hesitate to try a #12 Pink San Juan Worm either. If the bugs get going a #22 Upright Beatis or Baetis Sparkle Dun will treat you well. Another thing to try would be a #10 Longhorn Beetle, even though our terrestrial season is essentially over I would bet there's a few fish willing to come up and eat a big bug.



Flies of the Week

Montana Intruder

The Montana Intruder was killer the last few seasons for trout spey applications all over the area, particularly on the fall runners in the Madison inside Yellowstone Park. It's easy to cast and has plenty of action and flash to get the big boys interested.

Adams Parachute

The Adams Parachute is one of the most versatile patterns out there. In a pinch it can be used to imitate nearly any mayfly, and it works great as a searching pattern when there isn't enough of a hatch to bring the fish up consistently. Every one of our guides will have a few of these in their box all season long.

Semperfli Body Wool

These wonderful wool blends from Semperfli make tying flies quick and easy. The Chadwick's 477 Substitute is the perfect blend for the Sawyer Killer Bug.

Semperfli Gold Holographic Fleck Chenille

Semperfli's Gold Holographic Fleck is a stunning chenille with tinsel highlight guard hairs. Chenilles are used for a large variety of fly patterns. Gold Holographic Fleck chenilles take you to the next level with guard hairs acting as an extra attraction.

Simms Bulkley Bootie

The ultimate layer for hardworking feet, pull on the Bulkley Bootie before slipping into your waders for added comfort and warmth in the coldest conditions. Hybrid nylon ripstop and stretch-knit PU fabric construction for easy on and off. Low profile, fully insulated construction patterned for use inside of stockingfoot waders in cold water conditions. Stretch knit collar and microfiber outsole for comfort and durability.

BRF Waterproof Articulated Fly Box

Perfect for trout size articulated patterns. Holds 16 flies and keeps them dry. Box measures 6.5" x 4.5" x1.5" and weighs only 4.3 ounces. Flies not included.

BRF Transit Hoody

Keep warm with this cozy fleece-lined hoody. There is a large handwarmer pocket on the front with a smaller media player pocket inside.

Miss Moxie is very excited October finally showed up!