2010 Montana Snow Pack
The recent cool weather and precipitation has increased our Montana snow pack in the upper and lower Yellowstone river valleys. About this time of the year we stop looking at the snow pack levels and start looking at SWE or Snow Water Equivalent. SWE is a measure of the the amount of water left in the snow.
Currently the Upper Yellowstone is at 86% of normal levels. The Lower Yellowstone is at 128% of normal. What does this mean to anglers, tourists and Montana travelers? Good water conditions for trout and conditions that lower our chances for major forest fires in the late summer and fall. All-in-all it’s looking like a positive start to our summer fishing season. We’ll keep you posted.
Another spring storm warning in Montana
Winter Storm Warning in SW Montana | Really?!? 18-24 inches are predicted through today in the Beartooth/Absaroka mountains. The cool weather has been great for fishing and good for our snowpack which in now up to 85% snow water equivalent, but even the most hardy Montanans are ready for some warmer weather.
Fortunately, it looks like it’s going to get warmer this weekend – middle to upper 60s. Take advantage as the Yellowstone River is likely to start it’s spring run-off! Caddis are still popping and the March brown’s have also been abundant.
Summary:
Yesterday was brutally windy throughout the entire state of Montana. However, it’s just like Montana to have an exception, happened to be in the middle of Paradise Valley. The wind was still blowing, but at a safe and reasonable level. The streamer fishing has been very consistent, but yesterday was a bit slow. Fortunately, at about 3pm the March Browns and Baetis showed up. At 5pm the Mother’s Day Caddis started trickling off at a steady pace. All in all fishing was pretty good and there was even some good dry fly fishing at times.
Best Technique:
The Dry/Dropper technique was most effective, however in the larger foam holes a shallow nymph rig (15-30 inches) with an nymph and emerger was best.
Weather & Water Conditions:
Mid-forties with variable West wind to about 15mph. The water was flowing at 2,240 cfs and had been relatively stable for a few days. The water color is a great caddis-y green.
Hatches:
Light Baetis, great March Browns and steady Mother’s Day Caddis hatch. All starting around 1pm or 2 pm, caddis are starting later as it’s been cold – around 4pm.
Best Bugs:
Our best dry was a parachute March Brown sz 12, best emergers Cat Puke and P.T. Soft Hackle sz 14, best nymph Glass House Caddis sz 12.
Happy Mother’s Day Caddis hatch! We hope you can get out and fish it today, because some nasty weather is rolling our way. Highs over the next few days will continue to drop while the chance of rain will increase through Friday.
Not to worry the fishing will still be very good as we have a great March Brown and Baetis hatch that will be prolific with the cloud cover.
In the video fishing report you’ll see that the caddis hatch really just started yesterday. While the number of bugs on the water are not epic they are starting. Farther downstream near the 89 bridge the hatch was much heavier and we expect to see more of that today.
Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted!
Yellowstone River Brown Trout
Summary: We received reports from two guides today, both floated in close proximity to town (Livingston). Both reports were good but less than spectacular, which was surprising due to the great water temps and perfect spring weather. Maybe such great conditions just freaked the trout out today as they’ve seen massive extremes in weather over the past couple weeks.
Best Technique: Both boats caught a good number of fish (about 15/boat), using a variety of techniques, but shallow water nymphing (about three feet) in the foam holes was definitely the most productive.
Weather & Water Conditions: 65 degrees, light downstream wind with water temps between 48 and 52.
Hatches: Light midge and baetis in the afternoon.
Best Bugs: King Prince, Tungsten Pheasant Tail sz 16 & zebra midge or black copper john sz 16-18.
Tax day can’t be all bad if you get to go fly fishing! Today was a beautiful, sunny day. We started late in the afternoon and because of the bright sun didn’t see too many baetis or midges flying. We did however have good luck with size 14-16 pheasant tails and black copper John’s. We caught a number of good looking rainbows and one nice healthy brown. The weather is supposed to get a bit nasty this weekend so fishing should get better with the cloud cover.
We’ll keep you posted.
