Rivers Finally Dropping

Pure Cutthroat taken on the Stillwater, below Cliffswallow.

So great to see the pure Cutty strain is hanging on in the Stillwater. We see one or two a year below Cliffswallow.

Our rivers and streams are finally dropping. It’s still high and fast out there, but some wade fishing spots can be found. Old Nye, Moraine and Buffalo Jump accesses on the upper Stillwater are wadable, but don’t take chances!

The last three days on the Stillwater have been excellent. Fish are eating nymphs and big stonefly patterns on top. There has been a great caddis hatch around 2 pm. PMD’s are still around and the big drakes are starting to show themselves.

Big winners are: Nymphs – Batman, Montana Prince, small Pheasant Tails. Drys – Chubbies, Yellowstoner, Stimulators, small yellow parachutes and Sparkle Duns, size 12 Purple Haze, Parachute Hare’s Ear and Adams, size 14 tan Elk Hair Caddis.

Time for the Stillwater!

Eating stoneflies on the Stillwater

The Stillwater is finally fishing! Wade fishing is pretty much out of the question due to high flow, but boat fishing is good. Fish are looking up for the big bug. A Chubby, Stimulator or Madam X will work. A beadhead dropper is also picking up fish. Try the Batman or Montana Prince. There is a nice PMD hatch in the early afternoon and fish are keying on the little yellow bug. A size 16 yellow parachute is working best for the hatch!