Salmon flies are here on the Madison River and the fish are starting to really take notice. We have seen the big bugs up above Varney all the way down to Ennis. It has been very sporatic this year with big bugs in only certain locations and miles in between. Not the blanket see them everywhere type of hatch. When you do find them the fish in the last day of so have been eager to rise. Standard salmon fly stuff of chubbies, water walkers, and other floating orange and black foamies are getting the job done.
The real story out there is the other bugs. Great hatches of caddis. There is caddis big land small river wide and they are really driving the show. The pupea hatches mid afternoon and the bugs are on the water from then to dark. The better fishing comes when the sun gets low in the evening. We have been having a bunch of luck with pupea in the afternoons. Hang them behind a Furminski caddis and you should be good to go.
Smaller golden type stone flies and yellow sallies along with those neon green little guys are buzzing around. Keep these in mind as the fish will generally take the smaller bug easier than the giant foam fly.
Lots of traffic out there right now. If you floating or wading this is our most busy time of the year on the river. Guides, private anglers and just recreational floaters are all on the river. Lets all be respectful out there. The boat launches are the narrow end of the funnel and lets all have our boat ready before we back down the ramp. Remember all are looking for a great time on the river.
Stop in and grab you salmon floaties. Free fly fishing lessons every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting at 10am.
