Mayfly time is here again! When our nights start getting colder, the hopper bite slows down. Tricos are hanging in there, but not in big enough numbers to really get the trout interested. Thankfully, along with the cooler weather come the bigger mayflies. Our size 12 yellow duns are out, especially on cloudy days. Trout have started keying on them. A size 12 yellow parachute with a size 16 pheasant tail dropper has been a killer searching rig. If fish are rising, use the yellow parachute with a size 18 purple haze behind it.
The beginning of the fall baetis (Blue Winged Olive) hatches is imminent. I have seen a few size 20 BWO’s already. This hatch usually progresses to large numbers of bigger bugs, up to size 16. Be ready with some olive parachutes and comparaduns.
Last of the big browns on the hopper this season.
Fall is upon us on the Yellowstone!
Montana Trout Scout 