This past week’s moisture wreaked havoc on some of our favorite cutthroat fisheries in the Northeast corner of the park. Flows came up and water clarity deteriorated on Soda Butte and the Lamar River earlier this week. As of today, water conditions are back to normal on Soda Butte, and still slightly high and green on the Lamar. Look for improving conditions over the next few days as the forecast calls for drier weather into the weekend. If storms materialize this weekend, be sure to check the flows, or check in with the shop before making the journey over to fish Cutthroat Corner. With sunny days ahead, expect to see terrestrials like hopper, beetles, and ants prompting fish to make bad decisions from late-morning through the afternoon hours.

Slough Creek is always a good bet this time of year if you're looking to sight-fish for large, picky Cutthroats. Calm mornings will yield some technical fishing with fish feeding on midges, ants, and small spinners. As the afternoon winds increase so does the willingness and approachability of the fish. That's the time to break out the larger, foam terrestrial patterns, and focus on the deeper runs or undercut banks. 

With cool temps, and ample flows, the Park stretch of the Gallatin River continues to be a great option. Be on the look out for terrestrials like hoppers, and ants along with mayfly spinners and caddis. Morning are still a bit cool, but fish should start looking up by 11:00am, and stay on the hunt through the evening.

Late-Summer is a great time to explore some of the many small streams in the Park that teem with fish like Blacktail Deer Creek or Lava Creek. Grab a three weight rod, a box of high-riding dry flies, and take off exploring.

Have fun out there, and enjoy these beautiful August days!