Caddis Update

The Yellowstone River’s water clarity remains relatively good at Carter’s Bridge this morning, with plenty of visibility for dry fly action. However, the flow gauge at Corwin Springs is way up overnight, as is the Lamar up in Yellowstone National Park, a notorious source of muddy water. So there’s likely to be more color coming down through the Paradise Valley today. Will it be enough to shut down the topwater fishing? Hard to say; it doesn’t take much visibility to get the fish eating on top if there are a lot of bugs out. There were plenty of caddis out behind the shop last night, but not a ton, and only a few sporadic rises. On the other hand, we’ve had several reports of good dry fly fishing over the last couple of days, though nothing epic yet.

What does it all mean? My guess is that today will be a good day to get out and throw some dries, but you might not want to go too high up the Paradise Valley. Below town would be my destination, if I didn’t have to be slaving away here at the shop. Regardless, it’s going to be a beautiful day to get out and float (or wade), if you happen to be free. Don’t delay; by the weekend, the river could be toast, at least for a little while. Next week’s predicted highs are rather chilly. We may even get a “double dip” of the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch. Stay tuned.

Afternoon update: As we predicted, the Yellowstone River is getting muddier in the Paradise Valley as the day goes on. Compare the picture below with the one from this morning at the top of the post. Both were taken by the weather camera near the Pine Creek bridge.

Coloring Up at Pine Creek