January 10 2017
Most hard core fish bums in Montana are either bored out of their minds
right now with the more normal winter we have been having or planning an
extended trip to the salt to get the winter fix. Yes we have been having a
normal type winter here in the Madison Valley of Montana. Or river is
gourged and unfishable from Ennis Lake upstream past Ennis to above 8 mile.
This is a serious gourging this year. Water has been flowing over the road
between the Madison and Odell creek and the winter hot spot of Valley
Garden parking lot looks like a Discovery Channel special on glaciers.
There are a few bright spots of open water that are fishable and can cure
the winter fix for those that can not afford a Big Sky season pass or a
trip to the tropics. The first is the Ruby river. The Ruby is always our
first choice for a small wade fishing option. The winter can be especially
good and a real sleeper for anyone wanting to get out. Like all winter
fishing timing is everything and look for the good days above freezing.
Midges and the standard winter fare of worms and eggs will get you a
January fish.
The other bright spot is the Madison River below Ennis Dam. The Upper Bear
Trap Canyon can be good winter fishing and the local spot. You might just
run into a few out of work fishing guides trying to do the same thing as
you. Midges come off with abandon on the right days and winter dry fly
fishing is not unheard of.
So if your board of tying up another dozen rubber legs and worms and your
dreams and the reason you live in Montana are fish and not fresh powder
there are a few options. Shop is open every day and the coffee is always
hot.
