Tag: Madision River Fly fishing

July 11th – July 17th | Madison River Fishing Report

It’s always amazing how quickly the Summer season in Montana cruises by. Here we are approaching the last part of July. Fire season is definitely here and there is a good amount of smoke most days here in the Valley from the Goose Fire burning up around Cliff and Wade. Despite the hot and smoky conditions, there are plenty of smiling faces and bent rods out on the river this past week. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dry fly fishing is still going strong. The Hopper and Nocturnal fishing is in it’s beginning stages. Lots of flashes and half takes out there. With the occasional larger fish attacking it with a vengeance. Within the next week we should be seeing more consistent action on the Hoppers and Nocturnals. Caddis, PMD’s, and Little Yellow Stones are still out there in great numbers as well. It seems the hot time of the bite changes almost daily. Sometimes early to mid day. Other days it’s been mid day to afternoon. But the evenings are consistent with the nightly Caddis activity. 

When the action on top has gotten slow at times. The nymphing has been consistent and bringing plenty of trout to net. Various Prince Nymph patterns, Caddis Pupae and Emergers, PMD Nymphs and Emergers, and Yellow Sally Nymphs are all fishing well. Now that the big bugs are done. The trout are beginning to show some interest again in the Stonefly Nymphs also. One consistent combo we’ve been fishing the last couple weeks is the Delektable Halo Caddis Emerger Tan in size #16 trailed by a #16 Delektable Root Beer Float in PMD. This combo has been deadly in the seams and slicks around rocks by the bank and in the middle of the river. 

Streamer fishing is best when you’d expect it to be. Early, Late, or under some cloud cover. Quite a few Sculpin imitations are working. Trevor’s, Sheila’s, McCunes. Along with our Delektable Screamers Single and Double in Olive/Black. Brighter afternoons are seeing some chasers on White or more Sparkley imitations. Such as Sparkle Minnows, or Kreelex patterns. 

Many anglers are getting out early or getting on the water for the evening fishing which is a great idea with the water temps still getting pretty warm each afternoon. Please stop by the shop for a few six packs of flies and your floatant and gadget needs. And it’s always fun to come in and wiggle one or two of Dan’s new creations in the Rod Room. If you’ve never had a chance to cast one of Dan’s Custom Beartooth Rod’s, you really should. They are tremendous rods. Each rod unique with all the custom handles and other components he has at his disposal. Be safe out there and stay cool.

Dries: Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan and Pale Olive #16, Delektable Sparkle Bug Tan #16, Delektable Halo Caddis Emerger in Tan and Royal #16. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, Tan, Pink, and Goldrush #14-#16. Delektable Chubbyness in Royal, Root Beer, Cinnamon , and Purple/Black #12-#16. Carlson’s Purple Craze #14-#16. PMD Sparkle Dun #16. Morrish Hopper #12-#14 in Tan and Pink, Half Down Hopper #14, Thunder Thighs Hoppers #12 -#14.

Nymphs and Emergers: Formerly Known as Prince #14- #16, Prince Nymph #14-#16, Lightning Bugs Silver, Pearl, and Gold #14-#16, Delektable Lil’ Spankers Silver and Gold #14 -#16, Delektable Hammerhead Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail #14-#18. Delektable Root Beer Float PMD #16. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Olive, Brown, #8-#10.Delektable Mega Prince #8-#10. Psycho Prince Yellow or Purple #14 – #16. Delektable Jig Hook Tungsten Spanker Miller Time #18. Split Back PMD #16. Lemon Drop #14 – #16. 

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single or Double Olive/Black, Sheila’s Sculpin, Trevor’s Sculpin, McCune’s Sculpin, Zonkers in Copper and Silver. Sculpzillas in Black, Olive and White. 

June 27th – July 3rd | Madison River Fishing Report

 

 

 

 

 

We are entering the final phases of this years Salmonfly Hatch. With the big bugs now spread out between Windy Point up to Quake. The dry fly action continued on strong all week. With the Madison trout munching on Salmonflies, Goldens, Sallies, Caddis and PMD’s. Mornings and  evenings have been strongest and most consistent. But plenty of fish are looking up throughout the afternoons as well. Two fly rigs consisting of a Salmonfly trailed by a caddis dry or emerger has been paying dividends. And for you evening anglers be sure to have some Rusty Spinners in the box at dusk. That’s usually the code cracker if they won’t take those caddis and you’re getting perfect drifts. 

Nymphing remains strong throughout the river. Stonefly nymphs, Caddis pupae, PMD nymphs, and Sallies all are in the drift right now. With so much insect activity right now it’s important to have a good rotation of flies you are confident in whether fishing on top or sub surface. Keep changing up the combos until you find what works for you out there. 

Streamer action remains good especially if you’re an early riser and out there in the lower light conditions. Plenty of fish are taking dead drifted or twitched streamers throughout the day as well. Trailing a nymph behind is also always a good bet. 

 

 

 

 

 

With the high temps and drought conditions, please remember to play your fish as quick as possible and keep them wet for a quick photo and a proper release. With these conditions it’s so important to handle this fragile resource with the proper care. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Secret Stone in UV Orange, UV Salmonfly, UV Goldenstone, and Royal. Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness in UV Salmonfly, and Goldrush. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, Black, Goldrush. Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis in Tan, Pale Olive. Delektable Twisted Baby in Brown. Carlson’s Purple Craze.

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs in Black, Brown, Olive. Delektable Guide Stone’s. Delektable Mega Prince and Hurless Stones. Delektable Hammerhead Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail. Lemon Drops, Split Back PMD. Psycho Prince Yellow and Purple. Delektable Lil’ Spanker in Silver, Red, Gold, Pheasant Tail. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Jig Head in Miller Time. Shop Vac’s, $3 dips. Perdigons. 

Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single and Double in Olive/Black, Badger, Brown/Yellow. Dungeons Full Size and Mini. Zonkers in Copper and Silver. Sculpzilla in Olive and Black. 

The Delektable Crew would like to wish you all a very safe and Happy 4th of July holiday. We enjoyed a very special Wedding on the River this week with the Palisades and the Madison in the background and one of our guides was the Reverend. What better way to enjoy days and evenings by having a relaxing day on the Madison. We thank you all for your support and patronage. 

 

June 20th – 26th | Madison River Fishing Report

 

 

 

 

 

Prime time is now on the Upper Madison. Salmonflies, Goldens, Sallies, PMD’s, the Big Bomber Sedge Caddis along with the smaller cousin Hydropsyche Caddis are all out on the water. It’s most definitely Dry Fly time on the Madison right now. Salmon Flies are spread from Windy Point down to Varney. And over the last four days the fish have been cooperating nicely.

The Dry Fly bite has become much more consistent over the last several days. Some calmer winds and a bit of cloud cover in the afternoons has helped the trout feel much more comfortable coming up to slurp down our offerings. The evening fishing with Caddis and PMD spinner falls is strong throughout the Upper right now. Double Dry Rigs, or Dry Dropper Rigs are producing great. As with any river you will find lulls in the action on top no matter how strong the bite may be at a given time. So if you feel the need to drift some Nymphs have at it. Along with all the Stone patterns, all the variations of Prince Nymphs are fishing very strong this week.

The Streamer game is working as well. For the more aggressive action think early and late. Mid day has been stronger dead drifting a Streamer under an indicator or dropping a small Nymph trailing behind.

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Secret Stone in Royal, UV Salmon Fly, UV Orange, UV Goldenstone. Delektable Mega 2Tone Chubbyness in UV Salmon Fly, UV Goldrush. Morrish Fluttering Salmonfly. Delektable Lil’ Yellowstone, Delektable Elk Hair CDC Caddis #14-#16. Delektable Halo Tan #16. Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10-#12. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, UV Cinammon, UV Goldrush, UV Tan. Carlson’s Purple Craze #14-#16.
Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs, Delektable Mega Prince, Delektable Hurless Stone, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Jig Head Miller Time, Pheasant Tail #14-#18. Formerly Known as Prince, Red Thread Prince, Delektable Prince Brandon #12-#16. Lemon Drops #14-#16. Panty Dropper PMD curved hook #16. Split Back PMD #14-#16. Perdigons #14-#18. Delektable Lil’ Spankers Pheasant Tail, Red, Silver #14-#16. Delektable Hammerhead Standard and Jighead Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, Red #14-#18. Guides Choice Hare’s Ear #14-#16.
Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single and Double in Olive/Black, Brown/Yellow, Badger. Dungeons and Mini Dungeons in Black and Olive. Zonkers Silver and Copper. McCune’s Sculpin Olive and Tan.

Remember to be safe and courteous on the river during this busy time. We are all here to have fun, unwind, and get away from the stress of our daily lives. Please call us or stop by anytime for any advice or fly tackle you may be in need of. If you haven’t discovered Beartooth Flyfishing yet, come and meet the Delektable Crew as you won’t be disappointed.

June 13th – 19th | Madison River Fishing Report

The official start of Summer is still a week out, but it sure has felt like Summer here in the Madison Valley over the last several days. The Summer hatches have begun. Salmon Flies are currently scattered from Ennis up to Storey Ditch. The Caddis activity is building daily. Little Yellow Stones and PMD’s are showing up as well. It’s a great time to be spending time on the Madison to be sure.

If you are a Dry or Die Angler there are fish to be had throughout the day if your patient, rotating your bugs and getting that dry in front of the right trout. But the consistency isn’t quite there yet. Most of us at the shop are having our best success with the Dries in the evenings. That magic couple of hours before dark as the sun begins to leave the water. Anglers are also having success using a Dry Dropper Rig out there with the lower flows.

The Nymphing over the last several days has been good to excellent. Large Stonefly Nymphs, Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs, and Emergent Caddis Pupae, PMD Nymphs, and Perdigons are all fishing well subsurface.

The Streamer game has been best for the early risers and those out on the river late. Some days its been good and others a bit slow. When you catch a day with some clouds though the trout will chase.

Dries: Delektable Secret Stone in Royal, Goldenstone, and UV Salmonfly and UV Orange, Water Walkers, Delektable Mega Chubbyness in Royal, UV Salmonfly and UV Orange. Delektable 2 Tone Chubbyness UV Goldrush. Delektable Lil’ Chubbies in Purple/Black, Royal. Carlson’s Purple Craze, Delektable Elk Hair CDC Caddis, Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10 for the Big Bomber Sedge Caddis.

Nymphs: Prince Nymph, Formerly Known as Prince, #12-#16. Delektable Lil’ Spankers in Silver, Pheasant Tail #14 – #18. Delektable Hammerheads in Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail. #14-#16. Delektable Jig Head Spankers in Miller Time, Pheasant Tail, Orange, Silver #12-#16. Lemon Drops #14-#16. Pat’s Rubberlegs in Black , Brown/Black, Brown #4-#10. Delektable Guide Stones #6. Delektable Mega Prince #6-#10. Delektable Stonefly Candy #6-#8. Perdigons #16-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Single and Double Screamers in Black/Olive, Brown/Yellow, Natural. Dungeons and Mini Dungeons. Zirdles, Zonkers, Sparkle Minnows.

As always we invite you to come visit us at Beartooth Flyfishing. We are well stocked on flies and tackle. We are always happy to share our knowledge of the area fisheries and help you all in any way we can. Stay safe out there and Tight Lines everyone!

June 6th – 12th | Madison River Fishing Report

Runoff continues to taper down here in the valley. Water clarity is still best above the confluence with the West Fork. But clarity is plenty good throughout the length of the river for some solid fishing throughout. Caddis have begun to emerge although the trout aren’t keyed in on them just yet. The big Stonefly Nymphs are becoming active and moving and we hope to see the big bugs on the water possibly as early as mid to later half of the coming week. Flows now are right around 1,000 cfs river wide.

We’ve seen some days this week where it’s been better to be out early and others where it’s been better in the afternoon. Nymphing is still you’re best bet if you’re out searching for numbers. But if you’re patient, and get a dry in just the right spot you can be rewarded. Streamers have been solid too especially with some cloud cover.

Nymphs: Delektable Guide Stones #6-#8, Delektable Mega Princes #6-#10, Delektable Hurless Stones #6-#10, Pat’s Rubber Legs #6-#8, Prince Nymphs #14-#16, Delektable Lil’ Spankers #14-#18 in Silver, Red, Orange, Blue, and Pheasant Tail.  Shop Vacs, $3 dips, Lemon Drops #14-#18. Delektable Hammerheads #14-#16.

Dries: Delektable CDC Holographic Olive Caddis #14-#16, Delektable Halo #14-#16, Delektable Lil’ Chubbies #14-#16. The Lil’ Chubbies are great for a dry dropper rig with a small nymph suspended. We’ve seen some good success the last hour of daylight with the dry dropper rig.

Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single or Articulated-Olive/Black, Natural, Brown/Yellow. Zirdles, Zonkers. Swinging some of the smaller streamers has been effective as well. Patterns such as Slumbusters and Sculpzillas have brought some nice trout to hand for myself in the evenings on the two hander.

With high temps and clearing water the Upper Madison should be a wonderful place to be over the next month. Be sure to get out there and enjoy some great weather in a beautiful place.

May 30th – June 5th | Madison River Fishing Report

Warm weather and runoff have returned to the Madison Valley this week. With the lower than average snowpack flows remain well below average and the river is very fishable. The best water conditions are above the West Fork on the Upper Wade Section. The river has just a tinge of green. Below the West Fork and continuing to Ennis the river is off color.

We’ve had numerous guide trips out all week. If you’re patient and rotate through your patterns and tactics there is some good fishing to be had out there. Below the wade section it has mostly been a nymph and streamer game. With the best chance for dry fly activity is in the upper wade section. With some BWO’s and Midges still getting some attention from the trout on calmer less bright afternoons.

We hope to see runoff peak over the next few days and then the countdown to the Salmonfly Hatch will begin.

Nymphing anglers have been having success with Delektable Mega Princes, Delektable Hurless Stones, Delektable Stonefly Candy, Pat’s Rubberlegs, Girdle Bugs. Shop Vac’s, $3 dips, Physco Princes, Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Delektable Hammerheads, Delektable Jig Hook Tungsten Spankers, Perdigons, Baetis Nymphs, and Midge imitations are all good choices for your trailer fly.

Swinging soft hackles alone or behind a streamer have brought in some good reports over the last several days as well.

The Streamer bite is definitely getting more consistent now. Delektable Screamers, Zonkers, Dungeons, Zirdles, Sparkle Minnows, and Kreelex patterns, have been working well for our area anglers over the last several days. Dead drifting and stripping with various retrieves are all possibilities now. The streamer bite seems to be strongest in the mornings and anytime you get some cloud cover. As we said earlier adding a soft hackle to the back of your streamer has been very effective also.

As runoff subsides we will be about to enter our most exciting time of the season. We will have the Salmon Flies, Golden Stones, Little Yellow Stones and Olive Stones, PMD’s, and Caddis to look forward to as the Madison clears.

Please be safe out there everyone and remember it’s not about the numbers. Soak in the scenery and let your stress go. Our sport is about fun and relaxing. The fish we catch are just a bonus on top of being able to live or visit all the special rivers we have access to in Montana.

Our inventory on bugs is very strong and we invite you to come pay us a visit here at Beartooth Flyfishing. Our staff is on the river most days and are always tuned in to the current fishing conditions on the Upper Madison. We still have a good supply of discontinued Rio Lines at 40% off as well. And some nice clothing on clearance for both the ladies and the men. Tight Lines everyone!

May 23rd – 29th | Madison River Fishing Report

What we hope was the last visit from Old Man Winter has come and gone, at least we hope although having more precipitation is good. With the cooler temps runoff slowed some and clarity improved to a little greener color for the last few days. With warm temps returning we should see runoff resume just in time for the coming weekend.

Throughout most of the Upper Madison nymphing will continue to be the most consistent method for catching numbers. Delektable Mega Princes, Delektable Hurless Stones, Delektable Balanced Stones, and Pats Rubberlegs in Black, Brown, and Olive colors. As runoff resumes with less clarity and with the Salmonfly Hatch on the horizon. These patterns can be fished in sizes #4 – #10. Have plenty of bright attractor nymphs along as well. Delektable Lil’ and Big Spankers in Silver, Red, Blue, Purple. #14-#18. Psycho Princes #14-#16. Shop Vacs in Olive and Brown continue to fish well #16-#18. Delektable Hammerheads in sizes #14-#18. Lightning Bugs #12-#18. Crystal and $3dips #16.

The dry fly action up high around Raynold’s and $3 is still active with BWO’s and Midges on calm less wind days. Keep an eye on flows and clarity here as the warm weather returns. March Brown’s had been active before the cold snap and hopefully we can get a bit more action on them before runoff starts again in earnest.

Streamer action is getting more consistent by the week and as runoff returns we should see this trend continue. Black, Olive, and Natural colors have been more consistent for us recently. Delektable Screamers in Black and Olive, and Natural have been solid choices over the last few days. As always with Streamers vary your colors and retrieves until you find what the trout want. But we are definitely seeing more fish begin to chase more and you can get away from the dead drift twitch technique more now.

A quick heads up. We have discontinued RIO Flylines on sale at 40% off. Quite a few Golds and Grands in stock still. Give us a call if you’d like us to get one to you. Please call us anytime or stop in before hitting the river. The Custom Rod Room is full and a lot of other fun product is arriving daily. Be safe and Tight Lines everyone!

May 16th – 22nd Madison River Fishing Report

Fishing on the Upper Madison remains overall good. With cold weather moving in it should slow runoff for a few days.

Nymphing with Delektable Stones, and Rubberlegs in sizes #8-#6. Trailing Deleketable Lil’ Spankers in Silver, Blue, Red, and Pheasant Tail, Delektable Hammerheads, Lightning Bugs, Shop Vacs, $3 Dips, Psycho Princes, Pheasant Tails,  Baetis Nymphs, #16-#18.

Dry Fly action below the Upper Wade section will be on hold for a bit until warmer weather returns. BWO’s and Midges continue to emerge around Raynold’s and $3 Bridge on calmer wind days. This is your most conistent dry fly activity at the moment.

Streamer action has been solid some days and more inconsistent on others. Black, Olive, Yellow, and Natural color combinations have fished best in the last week.

May 11th – May 15th Madison River

The last week on the Upper Madison has seen a bit of everything. We’ve had beautiful calm warm spring days, mixed in with cool stormy days and even some snow now and then. The fishing has been overall good yet sporadic at times. We are still holding on with pre runoff conditions at the moment but that could change in the next few days with warm temperatures forecast for the next four to five days. Currently the river is holding on with that nice green color. Plenty of visibility for dries, nymphs, or streamers until runoff begins in earnest.

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphing has been the best way to get into some fish at most times. Delektable Mega Princes, Delektable Hurless Stones, and other Stonefly Nymph patterns in sizes #8 – #10. We are beginning to see the fish looking for the Golden Stone Nymphs as well now. It’s a good idea to have some of those in your fly rotations now also. Delekatable Lil’ Spankers in Silver and Blue #16 – #20, Delektable Big Spanker Warriors in #18, Shop Vacs #16 – #18, Delektable Hammerheads #16, Zebra Midges #18 – #20 in Red or Black, Perdigons #16 – #18, Psycho Princes #14 – #18, Hare’s Ear Nymphs #14 – #16. #12 – #14 Lil’ Spankers and other Pheasant Tail variants will imitate the larger March Brown Nymphs that are now beginning to emerge on the warmer days.

Dry Fly action has been good around Ennis and on the Lower Madison with the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch in full swing. Delektable Halo Caddis Emergers in Peacock and Olive #14 – #16, Delektable CDC Holographic Caddis in Olive are excellent patterns to imitate this hatch. Our Delektable Lil’ Chubbies in the Olive tones have also fished well. Afternoons through evenings have seen the best action. Blue Winged Olive and Midge activity continues on the Upper Wade Section around Raynold’s Pass and $3 Dollar Bridge. If the wind is calm and not super bright you can have some outstanding action up there.

The Streamer bite continues to be sporadic. Cloudy days have been better but still not lights out. As runoff begins and the flows come up, we should begin to see the Streamer action really begin to take off. Dead drifting, and varying your retrieves and color choices will get you into some fish if your patient and mix up your game a bit. And of course being out early or late when the light is low always is Streamer time.

May 4th – 10th | Madison River Fishing Report

We have had a number of boats out on the Madison over the last week. Fishing overall has been solid. Some days have been tougher than others. But overall it’s been good to great for most of our outings. Nymphing remains the best strategy for getting into the most consistent fishing. Delektable Mega Princes, Delektable Hurless Stones, and Delektable Balanced Stones in sizes #8-#10 are a great choice for your lead fly. Delektable Lil’ Spankers in Silver, Red, Blue, and Pheasant Tail. Shop Vacs, Psycho Princes, Serendipities, Egg Patterns, and Worms have also been strong choices for trailer patterns which will produce.

The Mother’s Day Caddis hatch had been strong on the Lower Madison as well as the lower stretches of the Upper River from Varney downstream to Valley Garden and the lake channels. The cool batch of weather that rolled in last weekend put this hatch on hold for a couple of days. We should see this hatch back in action as the weather warms mid week. Dan was able to get out and fish this hatch on Friday the 7th and had excellent success. Delektable CDC Holographic Elk Hair Caddis, Delektable Little Chubbies, and Delektable Sparkle Bugs, in Olive in sizes #14 and #16 have fished well during this hatch. The Upper Wade Section as always is providing action on top with Blue Winged Olives in sizes #18 –  #22. And Midge Adults and Clusters in sizes #18 – #22. If you catch the right day with some cloud cover, calm winds, the fishing can as always be outstanding.

     

 

 

 

 

The streamer action is still heating up. And will do so as spring flows continue to increase. Tactics have varied daily. Fast Retrieves, Slow Retrieves, and Dead Drifting are all possibilities. Black, Olive, White, and Natural colored patterns seem to be the hot colors right now. It just takes some time and patience to figure out how they want them presented each day. Streamer bite has definitely been more active on overcast days without the bright sunlight.

The season is coming on quickly with the last of our closed waters such as the Upper Beaverhead opening this coming Saturday the 15th of May. As always please stop by and pick up some Bugs, Leaders, Suncscreen, and any other tying materials you may need on your way to the River. Be safe out there and remember it’s all about fun out there.