07-09-2008, 09:27 PM
Henry's Lake in late July can be a bit challenging because of all the weed growth (the lake is quite shallow). I would recommend getting a map of the springs and targeting those areas. Bill Scheiss has a great book on fishing Henry's Lake that you may want to pick up. It has very specific information. Leeches and scuds are the standard fare, but take along different sizes and colors as it can sometimes make a big difference.
If you don't mind getting a Montana license, Hebgen Lake gulper action should be in full swing with the Callibaetis and you may do better there than at Henry's.
The Yellowstone is a large river. What section are you planning to fish? Are you planning to fish it in the Park? If so, I would probably concentrate on the Black or Grand Canyon sections. This year, the Grand canyon may still have some big stoneflies hanging around the last week of July. Over the last several years, the cutthroat population in the river below the lake has really taken a nosedive, but you could still go give it a shot. There are some large cuts there, just not as many as there once were.
If you are going to fish the park, I would also recommend checking out the Lamar River system (Slough, Soda Butte, Cache). These rivers should clear about a week or two before you arrive and the fish should be in good shape. Where to fish depends on how far you want to hike. For roadside access, Soda Butte and the Lamar are about as good as it gets. Unfortunately, the word is out and you are not likely to have the place to yourself. I have had great success with terrestrials (check in at one of the W. Yellowstone fly shops and they can help). Twisted Beauties worked very well last summer.
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If you don't mind getting a Montana license, Hebgen Lake gulper action should be in full swing with the Callibaetis and you may do better there than at Henry's.
The Yellowstone is a large river. What section are you planning to fish? Are you planning to fish it in the Park? If so, I would probably concentrate on the Black or Grand Canyon sections. This year, the Grand canyon may still have some big stoneflies hanging around the last week of July. Over the last several years, the cutthroat population in the river below the lake has really taken a nosedive, but you could still go give it a shot. There are some large cuts there, just not as many as there once were.
If you are going to fish the park, I would also recommend checking out the Lamar River system (Slough, Soda Butte, Cache). These rivers should clear about a week or two before you arrive and the fish should be in good shape. Where to fish depends on how far you want to hike. For roadside access, Soda Butte and the Lamar are about as good as it gets. Unfortunately, the word is out and you are not likely to have the place to yourself. I have had great success with terrestrials (check in at one of the W. Yellowstone fly shops and they can help). Twisted Beauties worked very well last summer.
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