Opening Day is upon us!

May 26, 2012

Opening day!  With so many year round waters available to us any more it is not as though we have been going through withdrawals if you have wanted to wet a line.  Some of our favorite streams are open today and fishable including Yellowstone Park waters.  Weather is usually an issue with us on the general opener and this one promises to be stormy and unsettled as well.  Our freestone rivers and tailwaters are generally too high and a bit dangerous to attempt.  Silver Creek and its tributaries will be our best opportunity locally. 

The Big Wood is flowing at over a grand and cold.  Eddy waters could be nymphed or streamer fished from the bank.  The lower Big Wood is also over 1,000 cfs and probably not safe for a float tube.  Boating ok, but it is big fast water right now.

The Big Lost is also like the Big Wood.  It is high and cold.  Trail Creek road is open.  If there is any fishing to be had it would be in the headwaters.  Below Mackay Reservoir is pushing a 1,000 and that is not very fishable either.

The Little Wood is very fishable.  It is low and clear in the desert.  There seems to be a lack of fish so far this year.  If you were to attempt a trip, fish the deep cliff pools with large attractor dry flies with a prince or girdle bug dropper.  Streamers are also a possibility.  It would not be my first choice of waters.

Silver Creek is just over 100 cfs  and clear with feeding fish.  Look for a PMD emergence mid day to early afternoon.  Midge fishing should also be good.  Callibaetis will probably be sparse with the cold rainy weather, but could happen.  Baetis emergences on cool overcast days are always a possibility.  Long fine leaders tapered to 6X will be your best possibility for success with the picky fish of the Creek.

Magic, Mormon, Anderson and all the local lakes are open and have been having their moments. 

If you are headed for Yellowstone Country it is a good time to stock up on PMD, and baetis imitations.  It is unlikely to see many caddis with the cool rainy weather yet.  Be prepared with some soft hackles and nymphs if you see no hatches on the Madison or the Firehole.  These waters will fish opening day unlike the last couple of years.

Our early season flies have arrived and are stocked at Lost River Outfitters.  We have a pattern for nearly every situation you might encounter.  Free advice, maps, and our friendly staff are ready to assist you.  Our guide staff has returned from spring steelhead in B.C. and rooster fishing in Mexico.  If you need some help on an early season trip give us a call and we will set you up with a guide.  Stop in to see what is new and to find your favorite supplies.