Sweetwater’s Rich Ridgeway has been getting out fishing on the Yellowstone River and has some great tips for your next angling adventure, plus a special tip for getting the kids out and into some willing fish:
The Yellowstone is currently flowing at 3,200 CFS with colored but fishable water and temperatures around 42°F. The recent bump in flows has added some stain and hard to predict what it’s going to do. We’re seeing a steady nymph bite develop this spring, especially from late morning into the afternoon as water temps tick up slightly. Fish are holding in typical early-season water including inside seams, slower buckets, and soft edges off the main current.
Nymphing has been the most productive approach, with bigger, darker bugs standing out well in the off-color conditions. Pat’s Rubber Legs in sizes 4–6 has been a consistent lead fly, paired with a Twenty Incher in sizes 8–12, a jig pheasant tail variation in size 12, or a purple blowtorch in sizes 12–14. A zebra midge in sizes 16–18 is a good option when fish are holding tight to the bottom. Focus on getting flies down, maintaining a clean drift, and covering softer water. Overall, solid early spring conditions with improving consistency as temperatures continue to rise.
Kids:
Kids Club went fishing last weekend at the lagoon and did quite well. Fishing really short under an indicator and single fly. Here are some recommended flies: #8-10 Olive leach, #14 Gold Lightning Bug, # Prince Nymph
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