Summer 2008
Big Horn River: Water levels are way up. Record rains have pushed the river up from 1200cfs to around 6000cfs. Worms and scuds are the ticket. For top water action, go with Blue Winged Olives and Midges.
Missouri River: Water levels have gone way up. Again record rains have pushed the river up from 4000cfs to around 11000cfs. Worms and scuds are the ticket. For top water action, go with BWO's, Midges, and Elk hair caddis. pheasant tails.
Yellowstone River, Stillwater, and Boulder River: The free stone streams are all blown out. Un-fishable.
Blackfeet Reservation: The water in the lakes are starting to warm up and the fish are finishing their false spawn. Streamer patterns and scuds stripped slowly tend to work best this time of year.
Summer Hatches:
Dry fly Hatches:
June - August
*Midge (fish eat midge patterns year round) @ all bodies of water
Size 18 to 20: black -> Any small midge patterns may work.
Suggested Patterns: Sipper Midge, Midge clusters, or Cripples.
*Blue Winged Olives @ Big Horn and Missouri
Size 16 to 20: Black and Gray
^ Suggested patterns: CDC BWO, Bunny Dunn, ADAMS
*Elk Hair caddis @ Missouri
Size 18 to 20 - Suggested patterns: Spent Caddis, CDC Caddis, Elk Hair
Streamers:
Any heavy, dark, flashy streamer, sizes 10 to 4 will work.
Suggested Patterns: Any Leach, Autum Splendor Special, Black Death, or Crystal Bugger. Keep trying different patterns.
Nymphs:
*Midge @ all bodies of water
Size 18 to 20: Black, Red, Brass, Crystal, or Cream-> any color works.
Suggested Patterns: Brassy, Disco Midge, or Quil Nymph.
*Scuds and Sow bugs @ Mainly BigHorn River
Size 16 to 20: Orange, Pink, or Tan-> Soft hackle will work.
Suggested Patterns: Ray Charles, Natural Sow bugs, Soft hackle Sow bugs.
*Aquatic worms
Size 6 to 16: Purple, Red, Tan, Brown-> Try any variation.
Suggested Patterns: San Juan Worm, Steel Worm.
* Baties @ all bodies of Water
^ Suggested Patterns - Quill Nymph, Pheasant Tail, all BWO emergers.
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