[ARCHIVE] Stillwater River Report 08/06/18

Flows are dropping, with the lower river at a comfortable flow for floating. As flows drop, the lower river is the best option for float fishing. While the entire river is floatable, the river above Absarokee is getting pretty bony in places and is best floated with a light load. Dry fly fishing has improved, with PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Caddis and Golden Stones all coming off at one time or another during the day. Fish are starting to eat the big dry with regularity by early afternoon. Stimulators, Jack Cabe, Chubbys and PMXs are good choices. Royal, Yellow, Orange and Olive are good body colors. They’re also hitting smaller dries like the Purple Haze with a good presentation, even with no actively rising fish.  Fish have been on a dropper nymph, like a prince nymph, hare’s ear, batman, red copper john or pheasant tail. If fish are hitting the big dry, particularly tight to the banks,  leave it off as it allows for better accuracy. Nymphing has also been producing, particularly early in the day. For information, the Stillwater River road remains closed at Midnight Canyon.