Madison River
Spring in Ennis
Is This Spring? Well the calendar says spring and it is officially the end of April so we should be in spring but really it is 3rd winter. We have seen a winter for the ages. There was snow in my back yard that melted this week that fell October 22. Unheard of for Ennis. With all this cold and snow this winter what is the outlook for spring and beyond on the Madison River? We are seeing some good fishing right now as the river wakes up. Snow banks some as deep as 6 ft...
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A Few Things to Look Forward to for the 2023 Fly Fishing Season
A Few Things To Look Forward To by Jim Bob Terry As I’m sitting here in The Tackle Shop on April 15h I’m also daydreaming of and looking forward to some great dry fly fishing soon to come. While we’re still a ways out from throwing big Salmonfly patterns or drifting hoppers against the bank, we’re very near some of my favorite early season hatches. Blue Winged Olives After a long winter of squinting at midge dries, Blue Winged Olives are a welcome sight. Abbreviated...
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Fishing Report for the Madison River 4-7
Nice Spring Weather on the Way for the Madison Spring is finally on the way here in the Madison Valley. Today it is over 50 and a string of nice days is in the forecast. This means only one thing. Good spring fishing is on the horizon. Get it now while we have some spring. Who knows what next week will bring. We are currently sitting at 127% of average snow pack so we should have good water all summer along with the lakes should be completely full. Right now they are running the river at ...
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The What, When, and How of booking your fishing trip
The What, When, and How of booking your fishing trip By Jim Bob Terry Going out with a Montana Fly Fishing guide is pretty great…. It can take the confusion out of new water, solve the “no boat” problem, take the legwork out of the day, and even grow your list of bad jokes. Overall, booking with an outfitter or lodge should make your trip a care and stress-free deal, but there are a few things to do on your end to ensure this. Let’s talk What, When, How…… What It is vital...
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Fishing Report for January 25 2023
MidWinter Fly Fishing on the Madison Mid winter fly fishing can be a fickle thing. Weather is everything. Find a nice day above freezing with a little sun and little wind and you are golden. Finding these days are rare in the Madison Valley but they do exist. Some Good Days on the River On those warm winter days fishing can be pretty good. You need to keep in mind this is not summer fishing. The fish are not scattered in all the heavy riffles and under every ...
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Fall Fishing in the Madison Valley
Fall Means Great Fishing on the Madison River By Hank Kuntzelman One thing our clients always seem to ask us is when is the best time for Montana Trout Fishing? Our answer every time is “spring and fall”. The Madison Valley is truly a special place in fall. Colors change, fair weather fisherman leave, and best of all the brown trout get after it. Every year the fall brown trout spawn happens. In Late September browns start their annual spawning cycle. Large brown trout run up from ...
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Muddy Water Madness on the Madison–Big Bugs on the Horizon
High and Muddy Madison River Currently and for the next few weeks the Madison River will continue to be high and muddy. This statement is a little deceiving . The river is not that high but just off colored. Normally we do not see this amount of color in the Madison. This year the flows out of the Dam which are clear and clean and normally offset the muddy flows out of the creeks are significantly lower. The powers that be are trying really hard to fill Hebgan Lake...
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Nymph Fishing Big Rivers Like The Madison
Nymph Fishing Big Western Rivers like The Madison Nymphing Big “Scary” Western Rivers by Jim Bob Terry When it comes to fishing rivers like the Madison, the Missouri, the Yellowstone, and any other large Western rivers, nymphing from a stationary position (wading), it can be intimidating. Many spots you’ll fish feature long runs with limited wading and can require your best when it comes to casting and mending, others can just be tricky when it comes to spotting fishy water or fi...
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Avoiding cabin fever through the pursuit of trout
By Tackle Shop Guide James "Jim Bob" Terry As fall turns to winter, us Montana fly fishing anglers in the colder regions can get a bit restless. The months of dry dropper rigs and cold beer paired with hot days are long gone, and the ski-resort lifts are running full steam ahead. Many anglers turn to snow sports, tying flies, and baking home made bread… but why not just dawn an extra layer and go fishing? Here are some tips to help you stay on the water despite the season. Pick your ...
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Of Groundhogs and Tiger Kings, Fishing in February
February is here and there are a few interesting things about this. First it is Groundhog Day. Lets hope for at least a few more weeks of winter and that darn rodent did not see his shadow. Or is it the other way. Either way more snow please. The second is that it is Lunar new year. This year is the year of the tiger. Lets hope it is not the tiger king. Third February is the shortest month of the year. Fitting for a month about rodents, shado...
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