The rapid cool down and rainy fall like conditions are just what The Madison River needed to jumpstart the fish into the happy fall zone. Barring summers return we will see fall like fishing going forward. This rain, snow up high and cooler weather dropped the river temps and energized the fish. What does this mean for fishing going forward this week? The powers that be at the dam just sent around an email saying that they are lowering flows yesterday and today. Where they will keep the river is anyones guess. But with cooler weather and no need to pulse the bear trap I am thinking they will cut our upper river down significantly for the fall.
The dry and dropper game has picked up. Chubbies with long droppers of small rubber legs and techy may fly nymphs are the kings of the river right now. Bigger parachute stuff like purple haze is also game on. Keep these on the small sized tippets of 4X and beyond. Good for fooling the fish not so good for landing the fish. Ants are still going good and should be on the menu.
Streamer guys love the fall and this past weekend has been no exception. Reports of some really large fish have been surfacing. The best streamers to date have been in the black and olive variety. Sculpins, and minnow imitations are the name of the game. If you’r a serious streamer chuck and duck guy get out and stay with it you will be rewarded. Remember change color and action often to see what the fish are looking for on each day. It changes that fast.
The nymph ninjas are still staying bent with typical Madison River Fare. Small rubber legs, techy may fly stuff and princes are working. Do not forget about the worm as it has accounted for more fish to the net in the last month than all other nymphs combined.
