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Fishing Report for the Madison River in Montana 9-18-2016

Fishing and the Madison River in general is in full fall mode and we could not be happier. While the flows are lower than most would like and many of the mid river rocks are slowly being painted white from drift boat bottoms the Madison River is in good shape. In fact fishing has been best during bankers hours. The fish start eating with the first mayflies emergence about say 1030 in the morning and continue on till about 5. All very civilized.

Fur is in fashion for the Madison River right now. Zonkers, sculpins and the rest of the dirty streamers are in vogue and if your looking for big lake run fish now is the time to throw some fur. We have been having best luck with olive and black as well as the standard copper zonker has been producing some big fish this last week. Grab the fur and chicken box and get to work.

The nymph ninjas are still throwing tiny and shiny and staying bent most of the day. Think 4 or even 5 X as the fish have gotten wise to the rope like tippets of earlier. Keep in mind these big rainbows and browns in the heavy Madison River current are a hand ful on 4X and a good majority are getting broke off and the fish is wearing a lightning bug.

Some dry guys are still at it with hoppers, ants and mayfly imitations. A bunch of little fish are looking up especially near the bank. Still waiting on the first really good hatch of BWO’s to turn some heads up.

Lots of cool gear on end of season sale in the store. Come on in and make an offer on the new rod, wader, or clothing you have been looking for.

Dries

Purple Haze 10-16, Parachute ant 14, Delektable Ant 14, Parachute adams 12, Parachute BWO 16

Nymphs

Lightning Bugs 12-18, Rainbow Warrior 16, Shop Vac 16, Rubber Leg Olive or black 12, Spanker 16, San Juan Worm 12, Lazer Worm 12, Psyco May Olive 16, Military May 16, P tail 14, Soft Hackle P tail 14

Streamers

Zonker copper 8, Zonker pearl 8, Trevors Olive 4, Shelia 4, Trash Can Black 4, Sparkle Minnow Smoke 4, Bead Head Black Bugger 6, Slump Buster Black 4, Bow River Bugger Black 4,

Fishing Reports and Trips

  • Fishing Reports

  • Want to know the most up-to-date information to find where the fish are biting? The Tackle Shop Fishing Reports provide you with a comprehensive look at current water conditions, recent hatches and flow data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

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  • Float Trips

  • The Tackle Shop offers a range of full-day and half-day float trips in the Madison River Valley area. The trips are all-inclusive and cover files, rods, reels, waders and boots. Leave your worries behind and let us give you the fly fishing trip of a lifetime.

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  • Walk/Wade Trips

  • Enjoy one of our full-day or half-day walk and wade trips for a more immersive, slower-paced fly fishing experience. The Tackle Shop will cater to your individual needs so you are able to take in the sights and sounds of the best waters in Montana.

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