Tag: Summer Fishing

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 27th | Beaverhead River Fishing Report

Summer has arrived in the Beaverhead Valley and as for the Beaverhead itself, the fishing is just on fire! The dry flies have begun (we have reports of the arrival of PMD hatches and Caddis below High Bridge) and should be consistent throughout the rest of the summer. Flows have been around 550cfs through the week and weather in low to mid 80’s clear and glorious! If your headed to the Beaverhead for some fun, sun and fish you shall not be disappointed! In closing, as always the pictures tell the best story!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphs: Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver #16-#18, Soft Hackle Ray Charles Tan & Pink #16, Geppert Crystal Dip Black #16-#18, Crack Back Bullet Jig Hook Olive #16-#18, Epoxy Back Sow Bug Pink #16-#18, Fire Bead Rays Tan #16-#18, Delektable Twinkle Olive, Black, Red #18-#20.

Dries: X-Caddis Tan #16, Delektable Ranch PMD #16-#18, Delektable Halo Royal, Tan #14-#16, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan #14-#16, Delektable Sparkle Bug Tan #14-#16, Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10-#12, Split Back PMD #16-#18.

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 14th-June 22nd | Beaverhead River Fishing Report

The Beav has been hot to trot!! Low and clear flows; running at about 515cfs on the 13th , steady rise on the 18th to the 21st to 650cfs and dropping back to 597cfs by the 22nd, has made the Beaverhead right now the place to be!! The people hatch is on the rise, as a lot of areas in the state are having runoff and flooding conditions, however people are practicing fantastic fishing etiquette and there is plenty for all. Nymphing and Streamers have proved the most productive. Don’t be afraid to hop out of the boat and concentrate on runs and buckets by wade fishing. Some late afternoon and evening Caddis have been seen and during the day some hot Midge action.  Hopefully this coming week we will be seeing a strong PMD hatch and hauling in some big brown action on the surface!!!

Nymphs: Firebead Rays Pink #16, Soft Hackle Sow Bug Grey #16, Tungsten BH Zebra Midge #18, BH Micro May Olive #16-#18, Split Case PMD #16-#18, TH BH Jiggy Frenchie #18, Delektable Tungsten Jig Spanker Pheasant Tail #18.

Streamers: Delektable Single Screamer Yellow #6, Zonker Yellow #6, Sculpzilla Olive/Tan #8, Conehead Streamer Olive #6.

Dries: Delektable Halo Tan & Royal #14-#16, CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan #14-#16, X-Caddis Tan #14-#16, Blooms Parachute Caddis Tan #16.

June 20 – June 21st | Big Hole River Fishing Report

Salmonflies, Goldenstones are on in the Mighty Big Hole!!! It has moved quickly through the lower River and there is more action up high. The River is running higher but clear on the 20th and 21st at 4,200 cfs from Divide to Melrose. Most active place to catch during the higher water was found behind the islands on the banks and deep in the willows in the soft patches of water. The Salmonflies were prolific, but the fish were eating the Goldenstone far over the Salmonfly. As we move further through the week expect water to start dropping and as the Stones start to fade away look for the Caddis in the willows and go and catch yourself a BIG Big Hole Brown!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Dornan’s Water Walker Peanut #10-#12, Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness UV Goldrush #10, Delektable Secret Stone Salmonfly #8, Delektable Secret Stone UV Goldenstone #10, Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness UV Salmonfly #8.

Streamers: BH Dude Friendly Black/Yellow #8, Zonker Yellow or Olive #6, Delektable Screamer Single/Double Yellow, Black/Olive, Olive/Yellow #6.

June 14th-June 20th | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

What a change a few days can bring, yet alone the difference between last year and this year! Last year we were just starting Salmonflies this week and this year we are experiencing the highest flows recorded in the past 75 years. We at Beartooth Flyfishing are sending love and prayers to the areas in the state; Red Lodge, Gardiner, Livingston and numerous other towns and families, that have experienced severe flooding and hardship. We have been fortunate here that flooding has been minimal. Ruby Creek Campground and Fishing Access and Ennis Town Access have been closed due to flooding but hoping to open within the next week or two when runoff subsides. We are so very thankful for our customers and clients for working with us as we are trying to work with the current conditions of the river, which is a day to day planning adventure. At the beginning of this week the dam at Hebgen was full and NorthWestern Energy increased flows steadily throughout the week. At Kirby we saw the flows at 3,000cfs with a steady increase to the 18th to 3,900cfs and a drop down to 3,100 by the 20th.  At Cameron the flows started this week at 5,150cfs jumped to 6,090cfs by the 18th and dropped back down to 4,500cfs by the 20th. With these types of flows and additionally trees and debris carried with it we have advised people to not float between Lyons and Palisades where the two lower bridges, Wolf Creek and Sun West Bridge, reside. We have had reports that Wolf Creek Bridge has a log across the middle of the bridge.

We have had trips going to the Upper Wade Fish section and doing quite well, also wade fishing has been the most productive. Due to the high and fast flows the fish are being pushed into the banks and any side channel that has calm water making targeting and fishing primarily from the bank (practice caution if wading in the water, however it isn’t necessary as the fish will be right in front of you) and with the dirtier water the fish can’t see you! So try fishing more from the bank. Nymphing, Worms, Eggs and Streamers have been the productive means of fishing and from the pictures below you can see they are biting! We at Beartooth Flyfishing are excited with the bigger flows for the long haul as we have been in a dry spell the past year and this big freestone river was in a need for water to help it through and get cleaner. For the future we are even more hopeful that the larger flows and cooler water will continue and the fish gods will grant us an endless dry fly Summer! The next two weeks we will see conditions changing, almost daily, please call us at Beartooth Flyfishing, 406-682-7525, for updates and any questions you may have! Also, starting June 24th our hours will be 7AM to 7PM Everyday!

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphs: Delektable Guide Stone Blk #10-#14, Delektable BH Black Stoner #6-#4, Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #4-#8, Delektable Guide Stone Black #4-#8, Delektable Mega Prince Standard #10-#16, Tungsten BH Jiggy Blow Torch #16-#14, BH Hot Orange Pheasant Tail #18-#14, BH Delektable Prince Brandon #12-#10, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail #10-#14, Hot Bead Worm Red #12, Wire Worm Red #8, Delektable Worm Red or Wine #8-#12.

 Streamers: Delektable Screamer Double/Stainless Steel Jointed/Single Olive/Black, Olive/Yellow, Yellow #6, Delektable Christmas Tree Black or Original #6, Eric’s Jealousy Articulated Black #4, Zonker Black #6, Sparkle Minnow Black Fish Skull #4, Willy’s Fruit Roll Up Black #10.

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.

February 3rd | Madison River Fishing Report

Happy February from the gang here at Beartooth Flyfishing. It’s been a great winter so far here in the Madison Valley. The valley is full of Elk and Deer which makes for some fantastic winter photos and wildlife viewing. Snowpack has been building and at this moment we are sitting at 95%. Keep up with the prayers for more snow and moisture as we can use all we can get after the low flows of last season. We’ve been busy at the shop working on Preseason orders. Dan’s been busy building rods. We will have some exciting things to see for the upcoming season to be sure.

The Upper River has opened back up after its temporary closure due to Hebgen Dam Malfunction in late 2021. The Ice Jam is on in full force from Ennis Lake upstream through Ennis and the lower fishing access sites. Angling pressure has been very low this winter as many anglers have been voluntarily giving the river a break to continue to heal after last years incident at the Dam. We’ve had many calls wondering how the river is doing. And as of right now it’s the same Madison we’ve loved forever. Flows are looking good. 920 cfs at Hebgen, 1000 cfs at Kirby, and 1060 cfs at Cameron.

The actual fishing itself has been good to excellent for those who have made the choice to get out there. Nymphing has been good to excellent. Midge Pupae, Smaller Mayfly Nymphs, Serendipities, and Heavy Stonefly Nymphs have been getting the job done. February is typically the month where we really see the midge dry fly activity really kick into gear up in the Upper Wade Stretch around $3 Bridge and Raynold’s Pass. This year looks to be no different as we’ve even had some great midge days up there in the latter half of January with quite a few nicer blue bird days in the past couple weeks. Look for those days in the upper thirties and low forties with calmer winds and the dry fly fishing up there can be some of the best you’ll have throughout the year. Dead Drifting a Streamer has also been very effective at times. Anglers who have checked in with us at the shop are coming in with good to great reports which is so nice to hear after the events of late last year.

We at Beartooth thank all of you as always for all your support and kindness. As Spring begins to approach get those vices heated up and fill those boxes for another exciting Flyfishing Season in SW Montana in 2022. Our fly inventory right now is great. As always, we have all the bugs you could possibly need for a early outing to the Upper Madison. Be safe out there and Tight Lines!

Dries: Griffith’s Gnat #18-#22. Adams Midge Cluster #18-#20. Brook’s Midge Sprout Black #20. CDC Midge #20. Zelon Midge #20-#22. Parachute Adams #20-#22. Carlson’s Purple Craze #18-#20.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Std. and Flashback #8-#10. Delektable Guide Stone Black, Black/Brown #8-#10. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Brown, Black/Brown #8-#12. Delektable Twinkle Black, Red, Rootbeer, Olive #18-#20. Zebra Midge Black, Red #18-#20. $3 Dips Brown, Red, Olive #16-#20. Jig Hook Napoleon Light Olive #16-#18. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver, Gold, Red, Pheasant Tail, Blue #16-#20. Delektable Tungsten Jig Spanker Silver, Red, Gold, Holo Olive, Holo Black, Pheasant Tail #18. Delektable Big Spanker Warrior #18.

Emergers: RS2 Gray, Black, Olive #18-#22.

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single or Double Olive, Black, White, Black/Olive. Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Black, Black/Olive, Olive, White. Sculpzilla Olive, Natural #4-#8. Zonkers Natural, Copper, Olive #6-#8. Bow River Bugger Olive, White, Black/Olive #6-#8.

October 25th – November 24th | Madison River

As our season seems to be winding down and less busy with the Holiday Season upon us, we’d like to of course give thanks to all of our loyal customers and their support throughout 2021. It was a year that saw early high temps, and the first Hoot Owl closure on the Upper Madison ever. We all persevered though and enjoyed a great summer fishing on the river we all hold so Dear.

The last few weeks have seen unseasonably warm fall days, some cooler days, and the wind has been blowing many days. Welcome to Montana Right!?! Fishing has been solid to excellent many days. Flows remain low throughout the Upper and water temps are in the low to mid 40’s most days currently. The Trout are still hungry and attempting to fatten up for the long Winter ahead. Brown’s are spawning so keep an eye out for those Redds as your out wading the river. And of course let them do their thing in Peace.

For the Dry Fly enthusiast out there we have now transitioned into Midge time. If you can pick the right day with calm to no wind there are a surprising amount of heads up in the soft pockets along the banks, and behind the rocks in the Upper Wade Section.

Nymphing remains the most consistent method of catching and landing right now. Smaller Stonefly Nymphs, Midge Pupae, Worm and Imitations, and Small Attractor style Nymphs with a bit of flash are doing the job. And of course some of the year round producers like Pheasant Tails, Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Shop Vac’s, and $3 Dips.

Streamer action remains solid. Everything from Buggers to the Big Articulated Nasties are on the menu depending on the day. Just have a good rotation of patterns and colors available and you should have some hookups and the possibility of that Two Footer we always hope for.

Swinging the shallow riffles and softer water with a Soft Hackle is also producing well. Don’t be afraid to swing a larger brighter pattern this time of year. A size #10-#14 pattern with some color and flash can bring some amazing fish in this time of year. And those big bruisers sometimes are hiding in those little riffles. Keep in mind we are not necessarily matching the hatch right now. We are targeting those larger migratory fish. So whether you do this with a Single Hand Rod or are a newly converted disciple of the Trout Spey game there is just something about that grab on a Softie.

Dries: Parachute Adams #18-#22, Carlson’s Purple Craze #18-#20. Griffith’s Gnat #18-#20. Brook’s Sprout Midge Olive #20.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #8-#10. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail, Silver, Red, Blue #16-#20. Delektable Tungsten Bead Head Big Spanker Warrior #18. Rainbow Warrior #18-#20. Zebra Midge Black, Red, Olive #12-#20. Formerly Known as Prince #16-#18. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #10-#12. Worm Imitations #4-#12.

Streamers: Delektable Single and Double Screamers Black, Olive, White, Black/Olive, Brown/Yellow, Badger.
Galloup’s Dungeons Standard and Mini Black, Olive, Cream, Olive/Black Barred. Zonkers. Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow. JR’s Conehead Olive.

Soft Hackles: Full Dressed Red, Partridge and Olive, Partridge and Orange, Partridge and Purple. Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle. #10-#16.

October 18th – 24th | Madison River

With the end of October in sight Fall temperatures and weather are taking hold here in the Valley. We’ve had a good amount of windy days this week. Some very windy of course making casting anything but a Streamer a bit of an adventure. The Nymph bite and Streamer bite remain good to excellent though. And when the wind is calm enough the hatches of BWO’s in the Upper Wade section have been very heavy. Fish have also been eager to rise to a well placed dry BWO in the slicks behind rocks and those calm soft pockets along the banks throughout the wade section.

There is plenty of good fishing to be had before the snow starts flying in earnest. The river isn’t crowded at all with hunting season being in full swing. It’s a great time to be out there for some solitude and some very solid fishing. Flows are right around the 800 cfs to 900 cfs mark river wide. If you’re bringing the hard boat for one or two last floats the Upper River from Lyon’s to Mac will still be your best bet. 

Dries: Delektable Sparkle Bug Light Olive, DarkOlive, Gray, #18. Delektable Lil’ Teaser BWO #18-#20. Delektable Lil’ Squeezer BWO #18-#20. Brook’s Sprout Emerger BWO #18-#22. Snowshoe Baetis #18-#22. Sparkle Dun BWO #18-#22. Parachute Adams #18-#22. Carlson’s Purple Craze #18-#20.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #8-#10. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #10-#12. Splitback Baetis #18-#20. Delektable Lil Spanker Silver, Blue, Red, Pheasant Tail, #16-#20. Delektable Tungsten Jig Spanker Red, Silver, Pheasant Tail, Holo Black #18. Geppart’s Master and Mega Emerger #18. Geppart’s Skinny Dip Black, Brown #16-#18. Pheasant Tail Nymphs #16-#18. Copper John’s Copper, Red #16-#18. Lil’ Green Machine Pheasant Tail, Olive #18-#20. Shop Vac’s #16-#20. $3 Dollar Dips Brown, Red, Crystal #16-#18. Zebra Midge Black, Red #18-#2

Streamers: Delektable Single or Double Screamer Black, Olive, Olive/Black, Badger, White. Delektable SS Jointed Screamers Black/Olive, White, Olive. Galloups Dungeon and Mini Dungeons Black, Olive, Cream, White. Galloup’s Boogie Man Black, Olive, White. Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow #6. Zonkers Copper, Pearl, Olive. #6-#8. McCune’s Sculpin Olive #6-#8. Sculpzilla Olive, Black, White #4-#8.