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Our 5 Best Salmon Fly Dries for the Madison River

It is that time of year and everyone is salmon fly crazy around Montana.   People talk in hushed tones at the bars about where the hatch is and where they are eating the dry fly.  Of the thousands of fisherman that try and hit the hatch each year there are an equal number of theories on how to fish the hatch.  But, without the proper tools and the right dry flies you can’t make the most of your time on the water.   The salmon fly hatch can be a fickle mistress and  even if your are in the right spot the fish might not want the patterns you have.  Here is a list of our 5 best salmon fly dries for the past few years. One of these might just be the ticket you need to land that fish of a lifetime.

Water Walker:

For the last two years this has been our best pattern.  It is the next evolution of the chubby.  Floats like a cork but flat on the water.  You need to have a few of these in several sizes.  We also have them in royal, purple and golden stone color.

Fat Freddie Salmon Fly

This is a old school foam pattern.  If the water walker is the next evolution of the chubby this is the prior evolution.   A great floating fly with furry foam side down.  It is just a fish magnet.  Also, the elk hair makes for a great fluttering salmon fly.

 

Fluttering Stone

The fluttering stone is one of the old school patterns and is a favorite of the long term guides.   It still catches a bunch of fish and is worth having in your box.   Hint: the old school guides burn the bottom hackle with a lighter so that it is darker and sparce and the fly floats flat.    A real salmon fly sleeper and when everyone river wide is fishing foam this is a good alternative.

 

The Thing from Uranus

A Missoula area pattern that works just fine this side of the divide.  It rides really flat on the water and can be tough to see at times by the fisherman but the fish see it just fine.   We like these especially in the morning when the salmon flies are still cold and not fluttering.

Cat Vomit

This is a perennial favorite and is fun to say.  A super realistic body and elk wing makes for a fishy combination.  Foats really flat but if you flare the wing it makes a great fluttering salmon fly.   Just the right amount of Orange to attract attention.

The salmon fly hatch is upon us and it is time to fish the big bug for some big rising fish.   Stop by your local shop and pick up a handful of different salmon flies for your day on the water.  Just make sure some of these guide tested and approved flies are in your box.   As for where the hatch is right now that might just be the best kept secret on the Madison.

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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  • 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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