[ARCHIVE] Yellowstone River Report – 04/22/19

As is typical this time of year, water clarity has fluctuated and been inconsistent. We likely won’t get the prime blue-green tinted water this spring, but if there’s at least a foot or two of visibility , it’s fishable. There have been Midges and BWOs coming off once the day starts to warm up and the sun gets on the water. March Browns have begun to appear, and should do so in larger numbers this week. If the water is clear enough, fish beadhead mayfly nymph patterns like a hare’s ear, pheasant tail, or red coper john. Otherwise, nymphing with black, brown and coffee colored rubber leg patterns like girdle bugs and Pat’s rubber legs, or similar colored stonefly patterns is likely the best way to go unless there are actively feeding fish. Black and darker color streamer patterns like the Grinch or a black bugger, as well as a san Juan worm, are good options in off color water as well. For dry fly action to rising fish, try a smaller size Purple Haze or Parachute Adams. With more consistent, warmer weather, runoff will likely be here to stay soon.