Mid Summer Report

As August proceeds, another heat waves have picked up. Yet, majority of Montana and Yellowstone Park are running cold with median or slightly above average flows. Just know where to go and what to do. In mid summer, massive hatch of one particular insect subsides (say, PMD on Livingston's spring creeks) instead so many other insects hatch all together in modest amount, along with terrestrials join as "seasonal special" for trout. In a way, enjoyable or challenging, it's the "dry-fly month".

One of my favorite streams in YNP is particularly good for my clients and I. It's been producing large trout constantly this season. That being said, they don't come easy😏

Then Bighorn dry-fly paradise in ON👍😎 

In this river, any time of the year can be a prime time for fly-fishers. After huge flows of abnormal cycles earlier this season, river flow has become the shape we know of. That being said, river is not gin-clear due to turnovers up in reservoirs. Water temp is higher for this river, 60s not 50s. And aquatic weeds have grown tall while water level was high, now those are left protruding over the surface...............Sounds disastrous? NOT AT ALL😬❗❗

Trout over there actually don't mind at all, rather seem enjoying new surroundings. Think: the water temp is lower 60s in the middle of summer and broom of aquatic weeds means broom of food sources. Again, it comes to the point: know where to go and what to do. 

We went to a scouting trip and our focus were hatch & rise. 

Insect activities are tremendous😲❗❗ 

Starting off with Trico spinner fall early in the morning, Pseudocloeon (tiny Blue Wing Olive) follows right after. Trout sip on these tiny mayflies voraciously yet very picky. 

Black caddis hatches in the afternoon and trout go one more round of all-you-can-eat-buffet.

I caught a stranger; Goldeye on the dry-fly😅

Trico spinner shuck.

From the boat, terrestrial is the way to go!

Morning lights

 And their breakfast

 Afternoon snack

Once in a while, I may be lucky😏

 This was feisty and strong,

And the best one for the trip👍❗

Cows were cooling down in the river with the snack of aquatic weeds😂

If you haven't fished Bighorn River, better think about it and plan for it. It is such a unique fishery. I put the same amount of fondness and fishing interests & intensities to this river as I do to Yellowstone River, YNP waters, and Livingston's spring creeks.

I will head back to Bighorn River for official guide trips as the next month arrives. Hope to come back with so many memories and pictures. Till then👋