The Madison river near Ennis is still ice free and easily accessible. The boat ramps from Varney to Town still remain open as do most of the ramps further upstream, however drifting snow may make some ramps harder to access day to day. There are also a lot of wade fishing options right now. The section between Hebgen and Quake lakes, Reynolds pass and the Bear Trap have been fishing well. Some anglers are have luck closer to town also. Nymphs and streamers have been the best producers but you can also get some dry fly action with midges on days the wind isn’t bad. Fish have been holding in the deeper slower runs and it might take a few drifts by a fish to get it to eat. These next couple days of warmth just might be your shot at getting a fish in January. You can’t catch a fish every month of the year if you miss out in January.
Dries
Parachute Adams size 20, Griffith’s gnat 18-20 , Parachute midge 18-20
Nymphs
Pats rubber legs, midge patterns like the disco and zebra midges , silver lightning bugs, San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Streamers
Zonkers, Trevor sculpin, Sparkle minnows and woolly buggers . Green, Black and gray all seem to be working. dead drifted or striped
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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