Tag: Madison River Montana

August 20th – 26th | Madison River Fishing Report

The Upper Madison is still holding pretty steady with flows at 1,140 cubic feet per second below Hebgen, 1,210 at Kirby and 1,240 down at Varney. The great dry fly bite has been keeping all our guides and clients happy, which is a blessing in late August.

Hoppers and ants are still making up most of our afternoon action but we’re also getting some nice fish on Purple Crazes and some small Caddis in the evening. Our favorite dry flies this week are the Yeager’s 409s, Delektable Flying Ants, Bloom’s Stealth Ants, Tip Jar Hoppers, Parachute Hoppers, Delektable Slammers and Delektable Halos.

We’ve probably seen the most consistent streamer fishing of the summer over the past couple weeks. Fish seem to be real interested in the darker sculpin stuff. Flies like Delektable Screamers in Black/Olive, Mini-Loops, McCune’s Sculpins, Trevor’s and Black Sculpzillas have all proven themselves lately.

 

Nymphs have been catching fish under dry flies, with an indicator and being trailed behind streamers. Our top picks for the sub- surface bugs are Delektable Hammerheads, Delektable Lil’ Spankers in purple, Lightning Bugs, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails, Batwing Emergers, small Pat’s Rubberlegs and Green Machines.

Fish those sinking flies early and late in the day and the terrestrials during the afternoon and you should be in good shape. We had a few days where it was mostly small fish hitting the dries but as of recent we’re seeing some better fish looking up again so get out there while the getting is good! Dan celebrated a birthday this week and was able to be a passenger in the boat with Brian, Nancy, and Dan rowing. The smoke has really subsided and the world’s in better order now, beautiful scenes and mountains with snow caps. Enjoy!

 

August 13th – 19th | Madison River Fishing Report

Flows are pretty consistent with last week’s report, we’re sitting at 1,160 c.f.s. below Hebgen Lake, 1,230 c.f.s. at Kirby and 1,240 c.f.s. down at Varney. We’re looking forward to the predicted cooler air temps over the next couple of days to put the fires down and keep the fish happy.

The hopper bite has been pretty darn good in the afternoons. Ants and some attractor patterns have also been fishing well. Our top recommended dry flies are Mongo Hoppers, Panty Dropper Hoppers, Yeti Hoppers, Bloom’s Stealth Ant, Delektable Flying Ants, Delektable Secret Stones in smaller sizes, Delektable Chubbyness’ and Purple Hazes.

 

The nymphs have been fishing well; especially earlier in the mornings before the terrestrials start moving around. Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Delektable Hammerheads, Formerly Known as Princes, Lightning bugs, Serendipities and Pat’s Rubberlegs have all been getting some nice fish out there.

Streamers are picking up some nice fish especially earlier and later in the day, and trailing a little nymph behind a big meaty fly is a good call during the heat of the day. We’ve had success on Copper bodied Zonker, Olive Trevor’s, Sheila’s Sculpins, Delektable Screamers, Conehead JR’s and Zuddlers.

 

It’s been an awesome August thus far for the fishing on the Upper Madison so if you have the chance you better take advantage! Stay tuned for more reports and be sure to stop in or call the shop with any questions or fishing stories!

August 6th – 12th | Madison River Fishing Report

Firstly, a big thanks to all the firefighters throughout the west and in our back yard for doing all they can to keep us safe! The Monument and Wigwam Fires are nearby and we are watching closely. Now for the fishing, the river is flowing at 1,160 c.f.s. below Hebgen, 1,240 at Kirby and 1,270 down at Varney Bridge.

The streamer fishing is as good as it’s been in weeks. We’re seeing a lot more fish moving for big flies and committing to eating. Mini Loops, Trevor’s Sculpins, Circus Peanuts, Zonkers and Delektable Screamers would be our top picks.

Dry flies have continued to be the preferred technique for most folks with hoppers leading the charge. We’re still getting some action on Purple Crazes and Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis in the evening but terrestrials have been more consistent throughout the day. You have a good chance of getting a few fish on flies like Delektable Slammers, Delektable Chubbyness, Delektable Secret Stones, Dornan’s Water Walkers, Yeti Hoppers, Delektable Flying Ants and Dave’s Hoppers.

The Bead-Head bite is about as consistent as you’d expect from the Upper Madison but maybe a bit overlooked by the killer dry fly action. Delektable Hammerheads, Delektable Big and Lil’ Spankers, Electric Caddis, Lightning Bugs, Shop Vacs, Copper Johns and Pat’s Rubberlegs are all good choices.

Call us at 406-682-7525 or stop in the shop for any additional tips or info on fishing the Upper Madison and as always, keep an eye out for more up to date reports in the future.

July 16th – 22nd | Madison River Fishing Report

It continues to be an impressive year here on the Upper Madison with very healthy flows and bug hatches. We’re sitting at about 1,320 cubic feet per second of water flow below Hebgen Lake, at the Kirby gauge she’s running at 1,460 and down at Varney Bridge flows are at 1,690(about 400 c.f.s. above historic average).

The PMDs are coming off around 8 o’clock am, Caddis are hatching throughout the middle of the day and we’re still picking up plenty of fish on the attractors. Our favorite dry patterns have been Delektable Chubbyness’ in smaller sizes, Delektable Secret Stones in Dark Olive, Delektable Halos, Purple Crazes and lastly the Rusty Spinners have been killer as the sun goes down.

Lots of fish are being caught sub-surface as well. Weather under a dry fly or an indicator if you’re looking to get higher numbers of fish you’ll be best off fishing stuff like Green Machines, Delektable Lil’ Spankers in Olive or Pheasant Tail, smaller Pat’s Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs, Lightning Bugs and Batwing Emergers.

Streamer fishing has brought us a mixed bag of reports but the best luck seems to be coming early in the morning or late in the evening. Recommended flies would be Delektable Single Screamers, Mini-Loop Sculpins, Trevor’s, Sparkle Minnows and Zonkers. You’re probably best off fishing low and slow in the deeper plunge-pools and around the rocks rather than pounding the banks.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone this upcoming weekend for our Montana Hope Project Fundraiser. There will be lots of good food and treats as well as fly casting and tying demonstrations for a great cause. As always, feel free to call or stop by the shop for any other tips or info and keep an eye out for more reports!

April 16th- May 1st | Madison River Fishing Report


 

 

 

What a time of year to fish the Upper Madison, the valley is coming to life with bugs, birds, green grass and hungry trout. The river is flowing at 2,100 c.f.s. below Hebgen lake, 2,180 c.f.s. at Kirby Ranch and 2,460 c.f.s. at Varney Bridge and we expect those numbers to keep climbing as Northwestern Energy plans on running a flushing flow at their maximum allowed 3,500 c.f.s. at Kirby for 3 days sometime within the next couple of weeks.

The forecast is showing daytime highs in the upper 60’s and low 70’s for the next ten days with some scattered thunderstorms and night time low temps in the lower 40’s which should make for some awesome days on the water. As always for this time of year look for fish to be spreading out throughout the river as water temps come up.

Dry fly fishing is picking up as we’re starting to see March Browns hatching closer to town along with the Blue Wing Olives that have been around in good numbers for a couple weeks now. After looking at water temps I don’t think it’ll take more than a week or so before we see big Caddis hatches. Our favorite patterns have been the BWO Para-Sipper, Batwing Emergers, and the Split-Wing Adams.

Streamer fishing has also been on the upswing with some days displaying some serious action. Our best bugs have been Black/Olive Delektable Double Screamers, Trevor’s Sculpin, Mini Loops and Sparkle Minnows. I’ve had better luck with a slower retrieve with lots of little jerks and pops on the way in.

You’ll all be surprised to hear that nymphs still catch ‘em too. With the flows being up a bit you won’t want to forget the split shot at home and if you’re wondering how you didn’t get a take in that perfect bucket you may want to try some more weight before changing up flies. The best flies have been the Olive Delektable Mega Prince, Delektable Hurless Stone, Delektable Hammerhead Jig-Hook Prince, Lightning Bugs, Worms and smaller Pat’s Rubberlegs.

 

 

 

April 1st-15th | Madison River Fishing Report

One of these days winter will end but until then remember to pack the warm gloves on those trips down to the river. The upper river is flowing at 1250 c.f.s. below Hebgen and she’s up to 1310 c.f.s. by the time you get down to Kirby. Remember to keep an eye out for spawning reds when you’re wading out there this time of year. Be mindful of the future generations by making sure you don’t walk on or behind the spawning areas as they hold many, many rainbow trout eggs. All the boat ramps on the upper Madison are good to go, it’s finally time to pull the covers off the boats and get to fishing after a big snow season.

Nymph fishing has been killer the last couple of weeks and we’re all hopeful it keeps up. Stonefly nymphs are the ticket in sizes #8 and #10. Delektable Mega Princes, Delektable Hurless in Gray or Olive, Delektable Mr. Rubberlegs in Goldenstone or Hare’s ear as well as Pat’s Rubberlegs in black or olive/brown have been doing the trick daily. Worms have been picking up fish from time to time and with the rainbows spawning egg patterns are also fishing well.

Dry fly fishing has been pretty good on the days with less wind. The fish are still eating midges pretty regularly and on the warmer days you’ll even find some mayflies but not in big numbers yet. For the Baetis and BWO’s it can be tough to beat the old Parachute Adams or Purple Craze in sizes #16 and #18. As far as the midges, not much has changed since the last report so make sure you’ve got a couple midge cluster imitations like a Griffith’s Gnat and some single midge patterns for the earlier part of the cycle. I’d recommend the Sipper Midge.

Streamer fishing is on the upswing and we only expect it to improve as water temps rise. You’ll still want to use winter tactics for the most part, fishing small flies slowly. Mini loops, Delektable Single Screamers and Zonkers have been some of our favorites. Keep an eye out for more reports as we’re very excited to be starting the season at well over historical average snowpack throughout the western half of the state for the first time in a few years!! 

 

November 6th-12th|Madison River Fishing Report

The river is flowing at a rate of 940 c.f.s. below the newly completed dam at Hebgen Lake and 1,030 c.f.s. down at the Kirby Ranch. It’s been a bit cold and windy lately around here but that didn’t stop our father and son clients from getting after it with Gunnar Monday in the snow and the wind with temps in the teens. They had a tough time keeping the anchor rope and fly lines clear of ice but didn’t have many issues catching fish!!

 

Nymphs are of course catching fish throughout the river with some of the best ones being princes, rubberlegs, Delektable Megaprinces, zebra midges, eggs and worms. Fish are starting to move into the deeper buckets that they’ll hold in for the winter so fish those babies low and slow. As we get further into winter they will also be in the shallow riffles so test different areas as you fish.

 

If you see fish eating from the surface odds are they’re taking midges. Griffith’s gnats, CDC midges and crystal midges shouldn’t have a problem taking those fish. The best action has been in the upper wade section as usual for midge fishing.

 

 

Fish are still biting the small streamers too. Zonkers, sculpzillas, mini loops, Morrish’s sculpins and Delektable christmas trees are all good bets as long as they’re swung, dead drifted or stripped in sloooow. 

Thanks again to North Western Energy for getting the dam project finished. They shared a few photos from the process.

 

Call or stop by the shop for any more tips or info you may need to make the most of your next day spent fishing on the Madison or surrounding lakes and streams.

 

September 4th-10th | Madison River Fishing Report

As we work our way into September day time temps are scheduled to drop into the 60s by the end of the week and some rain here and there will be a nice change from the smoky skies we’ve had. The Madison is flowing at 985 c.f.s. below Hebgen and 1130 c.f.s. down at Kirby.

Fishing has been good below the surface with streamers and nymphs. Let’s start with the nymphs; lightning bugs are still killing it and Delektable Big Spankers and Hammerheads, Two Bit Hookers, Shop Vacs and small Rubberlegs are all doing their job as well.

Streamer fishing has been pretty good as the sun comes up and as it goes down. A few of our top flies have been black/olive or white Delektable Screamers, Sculpzillas, olive Mini Loops and Trevor’s Sculpins. The Browns are sitting behind the rocks waiting all night for something meaty to swim by so take advantage!

We’ve had some good action on the surface in the middle and end of the day as well. Small black caddis and some bigger caddis are starting to hatch in the evenings and the hoppers and small chubby patterns are still getting action during the day. Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis and other small elk hairs are good in the evening along the banks. Yeti Hoppers, Sheila’s Hoppers, Delektable Slammers and Chubbyness in UV cinnamon or royal are all good options during the middle of the day.

Seasons are changing and the fishing is good so get out there and take advantage!

Madison River Fishing Report | August 28th – September 3rd

It’s already September and the summer has been really good to us here on the Upper Madison. The river is flowing at about 1,000 c.f.s. below Hebgen and 1,040 c.f.s. at Kirby Ranch. The forecast is calling for another dry smoky week ahead with temps in the upper 70’s and 80’s which should keep the terrestrial fishing going.

 

Nymph fishing has been really good lately whether under a big dry or a bobber. The name of the game has been small nymph flies, #16s, #18s and down to #20s. We’re having success on Delektable Big Spankers in the warrior color, Two Bit Hookers in black, Delektable Hammerheads, San Juans, and Rainbow Warriors. Prince patterns still work and Pheasant Tail patterns.

 

On the surface things have been producing solid fish as well. Terrestrials are still the focus but pseudo hatches in the morning have been getting thicker and lasting longer, by that I mean from sunrise until a little after 11 am. The best flies for that hatch are Parachute Adams or Purple Craze in #18 or even #20. As the day goes on the Delektable flying ants are still doing the job as well as Delektable Slammers in Chartreuse, White Cloud Hoppers, Shanafelt’s Mongo Hopper and of course all the varieties of small and medium Delektable Chubbyness patterns.

 

Streamer fishing has been slowly getting better every day. Targeting the boulders is the way to go, in front of them, beside them, and behind them. Delektable single screamers have been fishing really well in white, black or olive/black as well as Trevor’s sculpin, Bow River Buggers, Mini Loops, and Silvey’s. Stripping the flies with a little more movement has been getting a good response. But sometimes the slow strip works too.

 

We hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and caught lots of fish!

July 10th-16th|Madison River Fishing Report

 

 

 

 

 

The Upper Madison is flowing at 1180 c.f.s. below Hebgen and 1490 c.f.s. at Kirby Ranch and fishing well throughout. We’re looking forward to the forecasted cooler nights combined with the intermittent precipitation we’ve had to keep the water temps down at a healthy level.

 

A few of our local rivers have “hoot owl” fishing restrictions, they are as follows: The Big Hole River from Saginaw bridge to the mouth of the North fork and from Notch Bottom to the confluence with the Beaverhead,    The Lower Beaverhead River from Anderson Lane to the confluence with the Big Hole,    The Lower Madison River from Ennis Dam to the mouth,    The Lower Gallatin River from the confluence with the Madison to Sheds Bridge,   The East Gallatin River from Spring Hill Rd Bridge to the confluence with the Gallatin  and last but not least,  The entire Jefferson River. These locations will be closed to fishing from 2 p.m. until midnight as long as water temps remain high.

 

 The fish are fighting extremely hard so bring your a-game if you want to land them. Salmon flies and golden stoneflies are a thing of the past at this point but the Ants, Caddis and PMD’s are doing just fine at getting the fish’s attention.

 

Dry fly fishing is still best in the evening but we’ve also been sucking them up in the middle of the day on the #16 Bloom’s Stealth Ant. They’re still on the caddis in the evening as well as the spinners. To imitate those we’ve been using Delektable C.D.C. Elk Hair Caddis Tan #16 and the Goddard Caddis in size #16. For the mayflies it’s the Parachute Rusty Spinner or a Parachute Adams in either #14 or #16. 

 

As always nymphing is the way to go in the middle of these bright and hot days we’ve been having. Some of our guys have been picking fish up on #10 olive brown Pat’s Rubberlegs but other than that they’ve been on the small bugs. #14 Princes, #16 Hare’s Ears, #16 gold Lightning Bugs and some #14 Shop Vacs and a variety of PMD or Yellowstone or Yellow Sally Nymphs should be plenty to get the job done any time of day.    

 

Streamer fishing has been on the tough side, haven’t heard of much coming for the big stuff but we have had a few good reports on the small stuff. Swinging small sculpin patterns will probably be your best bet if you’re looking for a meat-eater. I’d recommend tan Zonkers, natural Sculpzillas or a Sheila’s Sculpin and get out there early while water temps are low. 

 

Lastly, don’t forget to come by the shop next weekend for our fundraiser for the Montana Hope Project. Great food, good people, fly tying and casting clinics all for an amazing cause. That’s Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th. Dan’s going to be making elk chili and Marty will have his famous Cajun Gumbo as well as some fantastic deserts from the Country Bumpkin Bakery and Elle’s Belles. All proceeds will go straight to the foundation in addition to a percentage of all retail in the shop. We hope to see you there!

Brian, Kevin, and the Delektable Crew