Madison River Fishing Report
The Tackle Shop Fly Shop and Fishing Guides in Ennis, Montana
Salmon Fly Madness on the Madison
Salmon Fly Season The big bugs have arrived and the fish have noticed. Salmon flies are hatching right now in the varney section of the river. There is even spot hatches above this into the flats. With the cooler rainy weather the fish have taken notice but action has yet to be really hot. The bugs hatched but have not had a good day to fly and really get fish excited for the dry. Fishing this Week All of this will change with the sun and warmer temps this next few days. The bugs wi...
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Fishing Report for the Madison River
Salmon Flies Soon! The main question we are getting in the store is when will the salmon flies show up on the Madison River. . That is a great question. We are all eagerly awaiting the prehistoric arrival of the big bugs. Our best bet is at least another week. We have been seeing a bunch of rain which is good. It makes the grass green, fills the lake and cools the river. This will push the hatch back a little. Our guess is that by the 22 we should have some bugs here in town. That i...
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Run Off Fishing Report
Run Off on the Madison River The high water has arrived and we are in run off mode here on the Madison River. We are currently sitting at about 1700CFS at Kirby. The folks at the dam will increase flows on the 25 of May significantly. They are planning on a flushing flow to coincide with the peak of run off. The will increase flows out of the lake to 3500 CFS at the Kirby Place and hold it there for several days then bring it down. This entire process will take about 10 days because...
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Weekend Fishing Report for the Madison River
Rain Showers and Good Fishing We are seeing typical spring like weather for the weekend. Rain showers and overcast skies. This is pretty typical and what we expect for May on the Madison River. Our guides are buys floating and catching fish in the off colored water. As for water. The Madison River is a little high and slightly off colored. While it is not gin clear there is 1-2 feet of clarity and good to go fishing wise. Most of the mud is coming from the tribs. Places like wigwam cr...
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Spring is Here Weekend Fishing Report
Spring has Finally Arrived Nice weather is on the horizon and spring is here to stay on the Madison River. Let's hope. We are looking at a week full of nice spring like weather and the fishing will go off. If you are around and fishing right now do it. Runoff will be a long one this year and we will be locked out of the good stuff soon. Our guides are full swing doing spring special guided float trips. If you get a chance jump on one of them you will have a great time. Wha...
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Fishing Report for the Madison River 4-22
Spring has Finally Arrive to the Madison? While we are all tired of the never ending winter in the Madison River Valley there are a few good things. First our lakes and rivers should have plenty of water all summer. Think August hopper and ant fishing. It is going to be really good. Second, we should get a great hatch of fish this year setting us up for many years of good fishing. Remember fish like water and we are getting some water. Good Weather on the Horizon Things are pretty good ...
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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 ...
Read MoreEarly Spring Snow Pack Report
Southwest Montana Snowpack Report As we bound into spring here in southwest Montana, I find myself already dreaming of summer and all that comes with it… Late sunsets, wet wading, outdoor concerts at the Gravel Bar, grilling on the porch, and snowpack. I’m happy to report that we have above average snowpack here in the Madison River drainage as well as in most of the state! Here are some numbers… As of 3/23/2023 Madison: 122% Gallatin: 115% Upper Yellowstone:...
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Madison River Fishing Report 3/17/2023
Spring is starting to spring and the fishing on the Madison is great as of late. by Jim Bob Terry Lower Madison From Ennis Lake dam and below has been on fire the past few weeks. The “warmer” overcast days have offered up top-notch dry-fly fishing throwing midge emergers and dries and with the Blue Winged Olive emergence soon to follow, I think those fish will keep on sipping. Nymphs such as zebra midges, worms, eggs, B.W.O type mayflies, small princes, and anything in that...
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Mid Winter Fly Fishing Report for January 25, 2023
Mid Winter Fly Fishing 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. Find the Warm Days 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 wave. This time of the year fish seek solitud...
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