Ok, I'm back. All that I will say about the 10 days between posts is that I like the Madison but like the Gallatin more!!
As I write this ALL the rivers (Millers, EB and Swift) are in prime condition. Even the reluctant Millers is down into the 200cfs range which is where it should be historically. I guided there Thursday evening with all of the action occurring at sundown. Lots of rising trout and some massive mayfly hatch of some light colored fly that I couldn't identify because of the darkness. Because of the low light (sunset and heavy cloud cover)I opted for a size 14 Millers Bivisible, a big hairwing creation that floats high and can be seen at dusk. It took all of our trout. BTW, 2/3 of our catch were RAINBOWS! That's what a wet summer will do for you!
As the comments from my last two posts show, the EB has been spectacular! Flows have been great all summer with mid August water temperatures being in the low to mid 60's at mid day. It seems that every style of fly has produced if fished carefully and patiently. And for those few who think that I write too much about this river I will say that I was there last night with a friend from the Boston Area. We saw ONE other flyfisher. That's normal for this river.
The Swift is what it is - always good, always challenging!!
Let's hope that the Millers stays low.
Best,
Ken
17 comments:
The East Branch fished so well today, that I couldn't drag myself away. 14 hours of fishing - just wrapped up moments ago in the dark. There are/were others on the water, but I fished about 2 miles of river and never shared a pool or run. Temp 64. Lots of surface action in the evening, but nymphs all day. Glorious!
Muggs,
A great day!! That should put to rest those comments about how the river is overcrowded.
Ken
Ken -- glad you had a good trip to the Yellowstone area. I've been out twice this year (heading back in October to fish the run-up browns). The Gallatin fished the best it has in years. I hope you got to the northeast section (Slough and Soda Butte in particular) of the park.
Fished the EB last saturday and in 3 hours took 5 nice fish on Fat Alberts. Would have fished longer but I spent way too much time sitting in traffic on the pike...
Ken,
I think I may be the other person you saw on the EB Friday ~7pm-ish.. were you/or your friend wearing a light blue long sleave shirt ?
- Great blog.
-Conor
Could someone help with the two nymph set up question I have. Do you attach the second line to the hook bend or do you try to double knot the first fly eye. Also do u use split shot between flies. Also the distance between flies. I know to use smallest fly as the last fly. Does anyone use a very small swivel as weight the not using splitshot and attaching leader material to it trying to form a right angle. Thanks for the help and this great forum
Conor,
Yup, that was us. Was that you at the tail of the Bliss Pool? If it was that was a good fish that you lost.
Tincup,
I attached to the hook bend and will use micro shot on occasion. 18 inches between flies right now with more for deeper water.
Ken
fished the EB. started in the southern section, getting to it via the dirt road north of the Dam. no action in the morning.
moved to the upper part of the river. many people, including sun bathers and swimmers, but landed 7 in a few hours. 6 of 7 were 12″ and up.
water seemed a bit low and was a warm 65 degrees, and so, fish were holding in very aerated spots, either in the riffles or just below. focused exclusively on nymphs.
a fun day.
Joe,
65 degrees is not "warm" for a New England freestone in late August. In fact it's close to being perfect for trout feeding and trout survival. You proved it with your great day with seven trout. Most of these trout have been in the river since mid May and have grown accustomed to temperature swings. Holdovers have it made.
Ken
Ken, that's a great point. The fish were robust and fought valiantly. They weren't at all fatigued.
However, when I was fishing, my strikes came in highly oxygenated water, such as riffles and the quieter seams right after. No action in the quiet water, even if deep.
So, perhaps, fish can "adjust" to conditions. As temperatures rise and oxygen solubility in water decreases, they can target riffles to seek homeostasis?
I'm not an expert. Would love your thoughts on this.
Ken,
The Gallatin River is awesome! I was there a few years ago, and caught fish all trip long!
What the fish situation at the Swift- I heard that it gets a stocking in the late summer or fall, but was wondering if this is actually true. Anyhow, are terrestrials still working, or is it time for some good 'ol midges?
Thanks, Troy
Ken,
That was me. Loosing that fish was painful ! I did land one earlier in the day at that pool though..
How did you and your friend do that night ?
-Conor
Joe,
It is safe to say that the oxygen levels in the EB are high everywhere because it is a riffle environment. There's a good atmosphere/water exchange especially on a low humidity day. You may have caught in the fast water because these trout are less cautious and don't have the time to "check out" offerings like trout in slower water.
Ken
Ken, thanks for the reply. You're right: it's unrealistic to think that all the trout are holding/feeding in just one small section of water. They're everywhere and feeding opportunistically. Whether they're taking my fly is another topic!
Great fly fisherman always say that "presentation trumps all." Clearly, I need to work on better drag-free drifts in slower-moving water.
Hope to meet you in person one day and shake your hand. So very much enjoy your blog and words of wisdom. If you're ever up for a beer or coffee, on me, give a holler
I am officially "Ken"vious - that sounds like a fantastic trip.
I fished the Miller's the past two Sundays (from 5:30 AM until about 8:00) first day water level was at shall we say, aggressive wading flows and this past week a comparative trickle. I managed 3 browns on the 1st trip including one 14-15" ish dark chocolate guy that jumped 3 times, in fact even the fallfish I caught jumped that day. 2nd trip - not a single trout but I did catch every single smallie in the 01379 zip code ! To paraphrase Heraclitus: Different river, same guy.
I have obtained another hall pass this weekend from the wife, any ideas ? Westfield ? Farmy? (not really a Swiftie guy, I'd attempt the Deerfield but the flows sound like a pain. I'm open to suggestions fellas.
BTW - Muggs, any chance you can watch my kids this weekend and take a weekend off fishing?
Scott,
EBEBEBEBEBEB
Enough said??
Yes Sir that is most affirmatively crystal clear. I look forward to the EB trip as I have only fished above Rte. 143 and at that only once.
As always,
Thank You Ken.
Scott
Hi all, im new to fly fishing and have fished the Miller's a few times with and was wondering what flies do you have the most success catching trout ?Thanks for the helpful tips and great blog.
Post a Comment