Tag: madison river fly fishing

August 8th-August 14th | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Hoppers, o’ Hoppers where for art thou??? We may not see you, but the fishermen have been creating the hatch and the Fish have been starting to eat!! They seem as anxious as we are for the hatch to kick in fully! The most consistent action has been seen between McAtee Bridge to Ennis, however later this week the Fish have been starting to swipe at the Hopper up to Windy Point!

Temperatures have been in the high 80’s-low 90’s this week, we have seen some reprieve from the heat with afternoon/evening rain showers and cooling nightly temps. The river flows have continued to drop this week 1,350cfs at Kirby and 1,500cfs at Cameron at the beginning of the week dropping to 1,200cfs at Kirby and 1,330cfs at Cameron by the end the week.

Dry fly fishing has been coming on stronger during the day with  Ants, Beetles, and some Hoppers, Nocturnals and Caddis have been the hits this week. Streamers with a Dropper fished with a nymphing set up (strike indicator) and completed dead drifted and tight lined have also been very productive. Nymphing has been productive especially if you switch your manner of presentation, with some days great for dragging, while others are best with a perfect float. As fishing can be so drastically different from day to day, switching your flies often (if not getting action) and changing your presentation and location on the River Center to banks and back can help produce high catch days and big smiles!!

Dries: Grillo’s Hippie Stopper Royal, Purple #16-#18, Transparent Ant Black/Red #16, Delektable Flying Ant Purple #16, Delektable Sparkle Bug Olive, Tan #16-#18, Fat Frank Peach #14, Hi-Vis Pink Thunder Thighs Hopper #14, Panty Dropper Hopper Pink #12-#14, Bloom’s Stealth Ant Purple #14-#16, Delektable Lil’ Secret Goldrush #16-#18, Purple Haze Split Wing Parachute #12-#16, Micro Water Walker Pink #14-#16, Royal Wulff Cripple #14-#16, Parachute Adams #10-#12, Delektable Twisted X Rose/Gray, Tan/Brown, Purple #14-#16.

Nymphs: Pat’s Mr. Rubberlegs Olive/Brown, Black, Orange/Brown #6-#8, Delektable Guide Stone Black/Brown, Olive/Brown #8-#10, Wire Worm Orange/Red #6-#8, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Gold, Silver #14-#16, Formerly Known As Prince #14-#16, BH Lightning Bug Pearl, Gold, Silver #16, Delektable Tungsten Big Spanker Red Headed #16, BH Mo’ River Pheasant Tail #16, Three Dollar Dip (GB) Crystal, Brown #6, Geppert’s Crystal Dip Brown #16, BH Serendipity Rainbow, Dark Olive #14-#16.

Streamers: Yo’ Dali Llama Olive/White #6, Trevor’s Sculpin Natural/Olive, Black #4, Sculpzilla Black, Olive/Tan #8, Slump Buster Squirrel/Gold #6, Mini Loop Sculpin Natural, Olive #6, Articulated Bugger Olive/Black #8, Shelia Sculpin #4, Delektable SS/Single/Double Screamer Olive/White, Black, White, Yellow, Olive #8, Zirdle Olive/Orange #8, Zonker Natural Copper Body, Natural #8, Silk Kitty Olive #6.

August 2nd-August 7th | Upper Madison Fishing Report

As of August 2nd, Hoot Owl have begun from 8-Mile Fishing Access to Ennis Reservoir. This means fishing from 2PM to Midnight in this area is prohibited.

Fishing is hot and cold these days with the temps changing but fishing is always better than another day at work! 🙂 Conditions have been changing this week with the temperatures cooling from the mid 90’s the week prior to mid to high 80’s most of the week with a dramatic shift on Friday & Saturday to mid 70’s to mid 60’s and a massive rainstorm, additionally the “W” Factor in the Valley has returned with the incoming weather! To add to the changes this week NorthWestern Energy raised flows the end of last week to combat the rising temperatures, which has been successful into this week, and while you may have been rocking in the middle River last week you may want to stick to the banks as the fish tend to migrate to the slower water! The river flows this week started at 1,650cfs at Kirby and finished the week at 1,370cfs; at Cameron the week started with 1,890cfs and dropped down to 1,570cfs by the end of the week.

 

 

 

 

 

With the warmer temperatures this week fishing has been best in the early morning with Streamers (especially with a dropper), Nocturnals, Midges, and Tricos. During Mid-day there has been some action with a Chubby, Hopper, Ant or Beetle pattern. Nymphing has still been the most productive means of fishing throughout the day.

 

 

 

 

 

For the future we will continue to see warmer temperatures for the next few weeks with the promise of rain in the evenings! At Beartooth Flyfishing to adjust to the current weather conditions, our store hours will be 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM for the next few weeks!!

Nymphs: Pat’s Mr. Rubberlegs Olive/Brown, Black, Orange/Brown #6-#8, Geppert’s Mega Emerger #16-#18, Delektable Guide Stone Black/Brown, Olive/Brown #8-#10, Wire Worm Orange/Red #6-#8, Delektable Jig Hook Tungsten Spanker Halo Olive, Silver, Pheasant Tail #16-#18, Formerly Known As Prince #14-#16, BH Lightning Bug Pearl, Gold, Silver #16, Delektable Tungsten BH Big Spanker Warrior #14-#16, BH Shop Vac #14-#16, Three Dollar Dip (GB) Crystal, Brown #6, Geppert’s Crystal Dip Brown #16, Glassy Brassy Zebra Midge #20.

 

Dries: Hi-Vis Pink Thunder Thighs Hopper #14, Panty Dropper Hopper Pink #12-#14, Panty Dropper Hopper Pink #12-#14, Bloom’s Stealth Ant Purple #14-#16, Parachute Adams Sparkle Purple #14-#16, Micro Water Walker Peanut #14-#16, Delektable Lil’ Secret Goldrush #16-#18, Delektable Halo Royal #14, Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Tan, Royal, UV Cinnamon, UV Rainbow #14-#18, Delektable Chubbyness Rootbeer, Olive/Brown, UV Cinnamon #14-#16, Fat Frank Peach #14, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan, Purple Cinnamon, Holo Olive #14-#18, Snowshoe Trico #20, Etha-Wing Trico Black #20.

Streamers: Yo’ Dali Llama Olive/White #6, Trevor’s Sculpin Natural/Olive #4, Sculpzilla Black, Olive/Tan #8, Slump Buster Squirrel/Gold #6, Mini Loop Sculpin Natural, Olive #6, Articulated Bugger Olive/Black #8, Sheila Sculpin #4, Delektable SS/Single/Double Jtd Screamer Olive/White, Black, White, Yellow, Olive #8, Mini Sex Dungeon Olive #6, Zirdle Olive/Orange #8, Zonker Natural Copper Body, Natural #8.

July 25th-August 1st | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

As of August 2nd Hoot Owl Restrictions have begun on the lower Madison from Ennis Dam to confluence of the Jefferson River and from 8-Mile Fishing Access to Ennis Reservoir. This  means fishing from 2PM to Midnight in these areas is prohibited. Temperatures have remained safe from 8-Mile to Raynolds Pass Bridge this week but we may be expecting more Hoot Owl restrictions on other parts of this River and other Rivers this Summer as the warm temps continue!

The Heat is on this week! With air temperatures hitting the low to mid 90’s this week, dropping back to the lower 50’s at night, the most productive fishing has been early in the morning and the miracle hour before dark. The river flows this week have been 1,250cfs at Kirby for most of the week with an increase to 1,520cfs at by the end of the week, at Cameron 1,380cfs for most of the week with an increase to 1,640cfs by the end of the week. The weather forecast for the next week is predicted to be cooler with chances of rain which will significantly help Fish and Fisherman!

 

 

 

 

 

We have seen productive subsurface fishing this week especially with Nymphs and a Streamer/Dropper set up. The most productive Dry Fly action in the early morning with ants, Nocturnals, PMD’s, Midges and Tricos! We are still patiently waiting for those tasty Hoppers to arrive and hopefully will see signs in the next 2 weeks!

Nymphs: Geppert Skinny Dip Brown, Pearl, Black #14-#16, Geppert Mega Emerger Pink #16-#18, Geppert’s Crystal Dip Red, Olive, Black #16, Delektable Twinkle Black, Purple #18-#20, GBH Zebra Midge Black #20, Pat’s Rubberleg Black, Olive/Brown #12-#14, Delektable Jig Hook TB Spanker Holo Pink, Pheasant Tail, Miller Time #16-#18, BH Mo River Pheasant Tail #18-#20, BH Lightning Bug Pearl, Gold #16-#20, Delektable Hammerhead TBH Jighead Holo Green #18, BH Lemon Drop #14-#18, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Olive/Green, Purple #16-#18, Shop Vac Brown/Olive #16-#18, Formerly Known as Prince #16-#18, Hogan’s S&M Olive Nymph #16-#18.

Streamers: Yo’ Dali Llama Olive/White #6, Trevor’s Sculpin Natural/Olive #4, Sculpzilla Black, Olive/Tan #8, Slump Buster Squirrel/Gold #6, Mini Loop Sculpin Natural, Olive #6, Articulated Bugger Olive/Black #8, Sheila Sculpin #4, Delektable SS/Single/Double Jointed Screamer Olive/White, Black, White, Yellow, Olive #8.

Dries: Bloom’s Stealth Ant #14-#16, Delektable Flying Ant Black, Purple #14-#16, Delektable Chubbyness Rootbeer, Cinnamon #16,Snowshoe Trico #20, Etha-Wing Dun-Trico #20-#22, Adams Midge Cluster #18, Double Winged Trico Spinner #18, Half Drowned Moth, Hopper, Caddis #16, Hippie Stomper Royal #16-#18, Dornan’s Water Walker September Stone #12-#14, PMD Parachute Rusty Spinner #16-#18, Delektable Lil’ Secret Royal, UV Pink #16-#18, Parachute Adams #14-#16 and Delektable Halo Various Colors for Caddis #16-#18.

July 18th-July 24th | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Farewell Salmonflies and Goldenstones! While we hate to see you go, we wish your mating went well and we shall see your legacy in three summers time! The River flows this week at Kirby were 1,320cfs at the start of the week and 1,250cfs by Sunday. At Cameron  1,630cfs at the start of the week and 1,490cfs by the end. With the fade of the Dry Stonefly hatch we are seeing subsurface action be very productive! Nymphing and dead drifting Streamers on a tight line with a dropper have caught some whoppers! Caddis, PMD, and Yellow Sally hatches continue, with strong Caddis & PMD Spinner activity early am or late pm and more sporadic surface activity through the heat of the day. As temperatures start to rise this next week we are hopeful for the hopper season to fully kick off within the next couple weeks. In the mean time we have seen some nocturnal Stonefly activity from Ruby Creek to Varney and Ants have been producing some nice fish throughout the River!

 

 

 

 

 

We have been so blessed to get through these past couple years with all the challenges in the world and are very excited to once again have our special event in loving memory of Grandpa John Delekta, who each and every day made the world a better place. The Montana Hope Project Fundraiser had been an annual event for eight years and now we are back to host the event on Saturday and Sunday (July 30th and 31st). The importance of this event is to make a wish come true for the terminally ill, disease stricken, and special needs kids of Montana and their families. With help from the Montana Highway Patrol and many others, our hope is to create awareness and raise funds for a great cause. Please feel free to look further into the Montana Hope Project and how it began at www.montanahope.org. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to make a donation but cannot attend the event, donations can be sent to the address below. Please note on your check “In Memory of John ‘Grandpa’ Delekta so there is no confusion this is a part of our fundraiser. You may also drop off your check or mail them to Beartooth Flyfishing with the same information.

The Montana Hope Project

PO Box 5927

Helena, MT 59604

We’d like to thank you in advance for your support and generosity! We will be providing a percentage of all our sales from July 30th and July 31st to the Montana Hope Project including shop purchases and phoned in orders.

Dries: Bloom’s Stealth Ant Purple #14-#16, Hi-Vis Yellow Thunder Thighs Hopper #12-#14, Morrish Hopper Yellow #14, PMD Parachute Rusty Spinner #14-#16, Parachute Adams #14-18, Purple Haze Split Wing Parachute #14-#16, Delektable Chubbyness Olive/Brown, Cinnamon, Rootbeer, UV Purple, UV Pink #14-#16, Lil’ Hottie #14-#16, Delektable Teaser Purple, PMD, Adams #14-#16, Delektable Slammer Yellow, Cream #12-#14.

Nymphs: BH Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #16-#18, Psycho Prince GB Yellow, Purple #14-#18, Formerly Known As Prince #14-#18, BH Lemon Drop #14-#18, Crack Back Bullet Jig Hook Cream #16-#18, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Purple, Pheasant Tail, Blue, Olive Green, and Silver #14-#18, Delektable Guide Stone Olive Brown #8-#10.

Streamers: Delektable SS Jointed Screamer White Olive.Delektable Single and Double Screamer White, Olive, Black, Olive/White #8, Yo Dali Llama Olive/White, Tan/Natural #6, McCune’s Sculpin Olive #4, Trevor’s Sculpin Olive, Natural #4, Mini Loop Sculpin Natural, Olive #6.

July 4th-July 10th | Upper Madison Fishing Report

Happy Independence Day!!! Come and celebrate your freedom amongst the Madison Valley’s Purple Majesties and fish, FISH HARD because you earned it!! We want to send a Big Thank You on this holiday week to our brave Service Members and Health Care Workers, thank you for keeping us safe and protecting our home!

The Fireworks that started last week have continued this week; Golden Stones, Salmonflies, Yellow Sallies, Caddis and PMDs are here, and the fish are chowing down! Early Morning and late afternoon/evening have been the most consistent Dry Fly action with off and on action mid-day. Dry Flies fished in tandem with a dropper Dry or a dropper Nymph has been the ticket. And for those of you who love fishing those Nymphs, never fear as the Nymphing in the middle of the river has been on fire. Flows starting this week at Kirby were 1,330cfs and dropping by the 10th to 1,250cfs, at Cameron 1,970cfs the beginning of the week and dropping to 1,660cfs by the 10th. We have had some beautiful weather this week hanging in the high 70’s to low 80’s with some scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Looking to the next week we will most likely see the continuation of amazing Dry Fly fishing and big smiles from happy fisherman! In closing to truly show you the proof of the week, just check out those smiles!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness Olive/Brown, Rootbeer, Little Yellow Stone #12-#14, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan #14-#16, Delektable Sparkle Bug Gray #14-#18, Paulson’s Golden Flutter Bug #10, Dornan’s Water Walker Peanut #8-#10, Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness UV Goldrush #8-#12, Purple Haze Split Wing Parachute #14-#16, Carlson’s Purple Craze #14-#16, Delektable Purple, PMD Teaser #14-#16, Delektable Halo Royal, Tan #14-#16,  Parachute Yellow Sally #16, Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness UV Goldenstone, UV Salmonfly, Orange #8-#12, Delektable Secret Stone UV Salmonfly #6-#8, Delektable Secret Stone UV Goldenstone #10-#12, Delektable Twisted X Orange/Brown #6-#8, Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness Goldrush #8-#12, Delektable Twisted Sister Salmonfly #6-#4, Delektable Twisted X Yellow with Red Butt #14-#16, Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10-#12, Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Cinnamon #14-#16.

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #4-#8, Delektable BH Brown/Orange, Black/Orange Stoner #4-#8, Delektable Guide Stone Brown/Yellow, Black #6-#10, Delektable Mega Prince Standard #4-#6, BH Delektable Prince Brandon #10-#16, Formerly Known as Prince #12-#18, BH Lemon Drop #14-#18, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver #14-#18, Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Jig Hook Holo Green #14-#18, Delektable Mr. RubberLegs Hare’s Ear, Olive/Brown #12-#16, Delektable CDC Baby #10-#14, Delektable Rootbeer Float Gold, PMD Yellow #14-#18, Delektable Lemon Juice Yellow Sally, Lime Juice #14-#16.

Streamers: Trevor’s Sculpin Olive, Natural #4, Delektable Christmas Tree Original, Black, Olive #6, Delektable Screamer SS/Double/Single Olive/Black, Black, Yellow, Olive/White #6, Mini Loop Sculpin Natural #6, Trina’s Belly Dancer Olive #6, Coffey’s CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6, Urchin Bugger JJ #6, Sex Dungeon Black, Olive/Black #4.

June 28th-July 3rd | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Flyfishing Fireworks are starting early here on the Madison with the arrival of the Salmonflies and Goldenstones! They first popped up from Ennis to Varney around the 28th and are slowly moving up the river throughout the week. The real showstopper has been the Caddis this week, primarily in the evenings. PMD’s have also been productive on top and as an Emerger under a Dry or behind a stone. Dry Fly fishing has been hit or miss depending on cloud cover and best in the evening and early morning. If you are committing to Dry Flies it is best to change frequently if your flies are not getting the attention they deserve! Nymphs and Streamers have been very productive still with Stones and all the varieties of Prince Nymphs ruling the day. With the drop of flows the middle of the river has been quite productive.

The River flows this week started at 1,500cfs at the beginning of the week and 1,240cfs at Kirby by the 3rd. At Cameron the flows were 2,400cfs on the 28th and progressively dropped through the week to 1,850cfs by the 3rd. Water clarity is still off color emerald green and clearing more and more everyday. The crew at Beartooth Flyfishing would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Safe and most importantly fun 4th of July Holiday!!

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness Olive/Brown, Rootbeer #12-#14, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan #16-#14, Delektable Sparkle Bug Gray #18-#14, Paulson’s Golden Flutter Bug #10, Delektable Lil’ Secret Goldrush #16-#12, Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness UV Goldush #12-#8, Purple Haze Split Wing Parachute #14-#16, Carlson’s Purple Craze #14-#16, Delektable Purple, PMD Teaser #14-#16, Delektable Halo Royal, Tan #14-#16, Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness UV Goldenstone, UV Salmonfly, Orange #8-#12, Delektable Secret Stone UV Salmonfly #6-#8, Delektable Secret Stone UV Goldenstone #10-#12, Delektable Twisted X Orange/Brown #6-#8, Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness Goldrush #8-#12, Delektable Twisted Sister Salmonfly #6-#4.

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #4-#8, Delektable BH Brown/Orange, Black/Orange Stoner #4-#8, Delektable Guide Stone Brown/Yellow, Black #6-#10, Delektable Mega Prince Standard #4-#6, BH Delektable Prince Brandon #10-#16, Formerly Known as Prince #12-#18, BH Lemon Drop #18-#14, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver #20-#14, Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Jighead Halo Green #18-#14, Delektable Mr. RubberLegs Hare’s Ear, Olive/Brown #12-#16, Delektable CDC Baby #14-#10, Delektable Rootbeer Float Gold, PMD Yellow #18-#14, Delektable Lemon Juice Yellow Sally #16-#14.

Streamers: Trevor’s Sculpin Olive, Natural #4, Delektable Christmas Tree Original, Black, Olive #6, Delektable Screamer SS/Double/Single Olive/Black, Black, Yellow #6, Mini Loop Sculpin Natural #6, Trina’s Belly Dancer Olive #6, Coffey’s CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6, Sundell’s Bad Boy Olive #4.

June 21st – June 26th | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Summer has officially begun; the Madison Valley has changed overnight! Runoff has begun to subside and the water is clearing up to a gorgeous dark/emerald green! We started the week with flows at 2,700cfs at Kirby, 4,500cfs at Cameron, 2,300cfs coming below the Hebgen Dam. On the 25th – 26th Northwestern Energy started to decrease flows by 30% each day to compensate for decrease of intake into Hebgen and keep as much water in the lake as possible for the hotter days to come. Flows by the 26th are 1,600cfs at Kirby, 2,600cfs at Cameron and 863cfs below the Hebgen Dam. We have continued to caution people about floating from Lyons to Pallisades regarding the Sun West Bridge and the Wolf Creek, especially earlier this week with the higher flows. Wolf Creek Bridge did have a log across the middle blocking through access from every spot except the far left or west side, however, we have heard reports that later this week the log is gone, and the bridge is passable.

As for the fishing, it is just getting better and better! As the water clears, flows lower Salmon Flies are going to appear just any day now! We have seen Bomber Caddis from Palisades down and there is surface and subsurface action occurring. Nymphs and Streamers have been predominately the most productive means of fishing this week and the usage of weight to get the flies to slow down and deep enough for the fish to snap it! We have changed our hours this week as of the 24th to 7am-7pm everyday! In closing, as always, the pictures tell the best story!

Nymphs: Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver #12-#16, Delektable TGBH Sure Strike Yellow, Peacock #14-#16, BH Shop Vac Olive #16-#18, BH Lightning Bug Pearl, Silver #14-#16, BH Jig Hook Pearl Lighting Bug #16, Formerly Known as Prince #12-#16, Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #4-#8, Delektable Balanced Flashback Olive Mega Prince #10, Delektable Balanced Flashback Hurless Stone #10, Delektable Balanced Stonefly Candy UV Sparkle Goldenstone #10, Delektable CDC Baby #12-#14.

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Double/SS/Single Yellow, Yellow/Olive, Black #8, Delektable Christmas Tree Original, Black, Olive/ Yellow #8, Trevor’s Sculpin Olive #4, Zonker Yellow, Olive #6, Double Bunny Yellow/Money #2, Yo Dali Llama Olive/Black #4.

Dries: Delektable Twisted Sister Brown #10-#12, Delektable Chubbyness UV Purple, Rootbeer #12, Delektable Halo Royal, Tan #14, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan #14, Delektable Sparkle Bug Tan #14.

June 6th-June13th | Upper Madison Fishing Report

We are experiencing the calm before the runoff here in the valley for the first half of this week. However later in the week the river began to  roar! The weather has been in the lower and mid 70’s earlier this week and dropping to the high 50’s by Sunday. The fishing earlier this week until Sunday has been productive as the fish are hungry. The water is the perfect off color and the “W” factor has been at a minimum. The flows started this week at 1,050 cfs at Kirby and 2,100 cfs at Cameron from the 6th to the 9th, however with the warmer weather on the 8th and 9th we started to see a dramatic increase in flows from the 10th-13th.  The flows increased over 3 days from 1,050cfs to 2,900cfs at Kirby and 2,180cfs  to 5,400cfs at Cameron. So to say that the river was dramatically impacted by the jump in flows which we are seeing mainly coming from our tributaries.  By the 13th the dam is full at Hebgen and we saw a large increase due to releasing water from the dam. Due to these changing water conditions from the first part of the week we had good conditions for floating and fishing and by the end of the week very challenging floating conditions (to impassable from Lyons Bridge to Palisades due to the inability to get under Wolf Creek Bridge and Sun West Ranch Bridge) however, good fishing wading from the banks, especially from Raynolds Bridge to Lyons Bridge, as the water rises into the banks the fish are pushed into the deeper calmer water on the banks, stack up like cordwood and are ridiculously hungry!! Early in the week we saw a very productive streamer bite but as the water became dirtier the darker color Nymphs, Leeches, Worms and Egg patterns were the ticket to big fish! The pictures, as Paul Harvey would say, tell “the rest of the story!”

Nymphs: Delektable Hammerhead STBH Holo Silver #16-#18, Delektable Prince Brandon #10-#18, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail #10-#16, BH Guides Choice Hares Ear #12-#18, Delektable Guide Stone Black #10-#14, Delektable BH Black Stoner #4-#8, Tungsten BH Blow Torch #14-#18, Tungsten BH Jiggy Frenchie #14-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Single Screamer/SS Double Screamer/SS Triple Screamer Yellow, White/Olive, Black/Olive, Brown/Yellow #6, Sparkle Minnow Black Fish Skull #4, Dali Llama White/Olive #6, Zonker Yellow, White, Natural #6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10-#16, Purple Haze Split Wing Parachute #12-#16, Parachute Adams Spark Purple #12-#18, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan, Olive, Cinnamon #14-#18, Delektable Root Beer Float Emerger Brown #16-#18.

June 13th | Upper Madison Runoff Report

Here in the Madison Valley Mother Nature has decided it can’t hold back the big part of runoff any longer. As of this morning the Kirby station is at 2,460 cfs and the Cameron station is reading 5,100 cfs. At these flows it is not safe to float between Lyon’s Bridge and Palisades fishing access sites. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET BENEATH THE SUN WEST AND WOLF CREEK BRIDGES! We have also just been notified by Northwestern Energy that they will begin to increase flows out of the Dam today to bring the Kirby station up to 3,500 cfs and keep the flow consistent at that level for the next several days. So expect the Cameron station to jump another 1,000 cfs give or take as well. These higher flows will make fishing tough as we approach peak runoff. There will not be much need to get into the water. Fish will be pushed into the banks and it’s going to be a nymphing and streamer game until things begin to subside. The Upper Madison is a challenging river to row at normal flows. With the expected higher flows please be careful out there and if you don’t have a lot of big water rowing experience it’s best to leave the boat at home right now. It only takes one mistake in big water and you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. Be smart and most of all be safe out there. Call our shop at 406-682-7525 if you have any questions to help you plan your fishing experience.

Nymphs: Delektable Guide Stone Black, Black/Brown #4-#8. Delektable Mega Prince Flashback #4-#8, Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #4-#8. Delektable Worm Red, Pink, #12. Wire Worms #8-#10. Prince Nymphs #12-#16. Formerly Known as Prince #12-#16. Lightning Bugs #12-#16. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver, Red, Blue, #12-#16. Delektable Jig Hook Spanker Silver, Holo Black, PMD Pale Olive, #12-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Single Screamer White, Black, Olive, Yellow, Black/Olive #6. Delektable Double Screamer Black/Olive, White, Brown/Yellow #8. Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Olive/White, Black/Olive, White. Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Smoke, Sculpin, JJ #6. Galloup’s Dungeon Black/Olive Barred. Galloup’s Silk Kitty Black,White, Tan/White. Bow River Bugger White #6. Zonkers White, Natural, Yellow #6.

May 23rd- May 29th Upper Madison Fishing Report

The first signs of Runoff have hit the Valley. However, it has been slow and gentle so far.  Inconsistent weather conditions in the Valley have continued throughout this week. The River is showing a distinct striping from the West Fork down. Further towards Varney and into Town we are seeing a complete off-color River. This happens to be perfect for fishing bigger Stoneflies and Nymphs, flashier droppers with larger diameter Tippet. Above the West Fork we have started to see Fish stacking up in holes and the Streamer Slinging has started to be productive!! We have had reports of 20-30 fish days on the Streamer, Slingers’ your time has arrived! The River started the week at Kirby at 650 cfs and gradually rose through the week to 1,080 cfs; at Cameron we saw a similar trend with the water at 860 cfs early in the week and it ended at 1,820 cfs. We are seeing this influx of water coming from our tributaries (West Fork, Indian Creek, Wolf Creek, Cabin Creek, Beaver Creek, Standard Creek, Moose Creek & Sheep Creek) rather from Hebgen Lake. We are very grateful to have a dedicated dam operators that are doing all that they can to conserve as much water as possible at Hebgen to keep our beloved Madison with healthy flows all Summer long! The weather that we have had this April & May has really been a life saver, we are currently sitting at 130% snowpack!! This coming week we should be seeing more rain and mid 60-degree weather, however with the cooler nights we are predicting to see a continuation of this week’s water conditions and continued fishable water!! Come see us and let us help you with your bug selection and gear, and we provide Free delicious Dark Roast Coffee and chat about Epic Fishing Days!!!

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince STD FB #6-#8, Delektable Hurless Stone Grey or Olive FB #6-#8, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver/Pheasant Tail #12-#16, BH Delektable Prince Brandon #10-#16, BH Shop Vac #14-#16, BH Hot Orange Pheasant Tail #14-#18, Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Hare’s Ear #14-#16, Delektable Stoner Egg Head Spark Plug Black/Brown #6, Delektable BH Black Stoner #6, Lightning Bug Silver #16-#18, Delektable Stonefly Candy UV Brown/Gold #4-#8, Pat’s Rubberleg Brown or Black #4-#8, Tungsten BH Jiggy Blow Torch #14-#16, Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Jighead Halo Green #14, Delektable Worm Red #8, Wire Worm Orange/Red #6.

Dries: Delektable Mega2Tone Chubbyness Royal #8-#10, Purple Haze Parachute #16-#18, Geppert Crystal Dip #16-#18, Parachute Adams #16-#18, BWO Para-Sipper #18-#20, Three Dollar Crystal Dip GB #16, Delektable BWO Teaser #18, Delektable Royal Squeezer #18-#20.

Streamers: Coffey’s BH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6, Delektable Screamer Single or Double Olive, Yellow, Black, or Spawning #8, Zonker Natural/Copper #6-#8, Sculpzilla Olive #8, Sparkle Minnow Fish Skull Black #8, Slump Buster Black #8.