So all I can say about Day 1 in Montana is, “WOW!” Talk about action. Talk about dry fly action. Pitchin 2″ Hoppers followed by size 12 trudes equals a phenomenal day on the Yellowstone River. We started off our trip by doing something a little different for us, hiring a guide and floating the big and mighty Yellowstone River.
We went to the local experts Parks Fly Shop, and hired head guide Walter Wiese and set off on our 11 mile journey from Brogan’s Landing through Yankee Jim Canyon.
Fishing and catching started immediately after launch and continued through out the rest of the day.
We caught Cutthroat, Cutbows, Rainbows, Browns, and the other native species the Whitefish. We were fishing pocket water near the banks, and bubble lines following the banks with great success, but we were often surprised by fish rising in the middle of the river in 10′-50 ‘ of water. We were fishing 7.5 ‘ 4x leaders with about a foot of 4-5x tippet between dry flies.
The catching was hot most of the day with an occasional lull. The largest fish we boated was about 17″ and most were in the 12″-14″ range. Numbers were the order for the day with us probably boating at least 70 fish (all on barbless hooks). The fish were absolutely beautiful and feisty and were rivaled only by the beauty of where we were.
On the agenda for tomorrow is the Gardiner and then over to %&?<: creek for some more BANG BANG action. What you thought we were going to give away all the secrets? Better yet book the Yellowstone Trip for next year and we will show you!