Usually by this time of year the Gardner is starting to slow up. This year, while things are getting tougher, the fishing is still pretty good. Flows are much higher than they usually are for mid-August which means good fishing.
Grasshoppers are really working well. There are more and more terrestrials out, including ants, beetles and hoppers. Sometimes a beetle will draw more strikes than a hopper will. The warmer days are going to be better terrestrial fishing than overcast. When clouds are prevalent, tie on a mayfly. Spruce moths are also around in pretty good numbers.
Because most of the lower river is pretty easily accessed, there are a lot of fishermen on the water. However, if you are willing to walk for a mile or so you can find solitude.
Tags: River - YNP - Gardner
