Madison River Fishing Report
The Tackle Shop Fly Shop and Fishing Guides in Ennis, Montana
Salmon Fly Time on the Madison River
Salmon Flies Have Arrived It is that special time of year on the Madison River. The famed Salmon Flies have arrived and are making a big impact on the fishing. The river has dropped in flow considerably and cleared to the point of being almost completely clear. Now is the time. The big bugs started two days ago and folks are catching fish on dry flies. There are caddis river wide and yellow sallies and goldens but people are hungry for the big salmon fly. If you want to throw the bi...
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Dropping and Clearing Flows on the Madison River
Flows continue to drop on the Madison River As the weather stabilizes the flows on the Madison River are doing the same. The last few days flows have come down considerably and the river is starting to be fishable from top to bottom. Currently flows at Kirby Ranch are 2620 CFS and on the drop. This is down from a high over 4000 just a week ago. This makes floating possible over the entire river. Be Careful out there Even though flows have fallen and continue to do so there is st...
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Big Flows on the Madison River
High Flows on the Madison River Currently we are seeing the peak of runoff here on the Madison River in Montana. We have flows of 3870 CFS at the Kirby Ranch. These are super high and more or less not fishable. The flows are currently so high that any floating the river is dangerous. The two low bridges between Lyons Bridge FAS and Palisades FAS are not runnable as you can not get under them. Our Guides are not floating the Madison River right now. Do not float right now if yo...
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Mud and High Water on The Madison River
The Madison River in Runoff Mode Right Now Currently the Madison River is in runoff mode. The creeks are all pumping mud from the high country snow melt and the dam is increasing flow every day. We were blessed for the late spring and lots of moisture. Three months ago the Hebgan Dam was forecast not to fill this year. Now they should have it full this week. While this is good news for the summer flows and cold water currently the options are limited. With the increased flows on the...
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High and Muddy on the Madison River
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. It started off t...
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Madison River Fishing Report- Bring on the Water
Cold, Wet, and Everything We've Been Dreaming Of It is no question that our Winter here in Montana was quite the let down. Unseasonably warm temps and long dry spells made just about every Montana fly fishing guide worried. However, the past three weeks have been our saving grace. Multiple late season snow storms have brought crucial precipitation to our mountains. Strengthening our snowpack to almost 100% of our average. While this doesn't necessarily provide ideal fishing weather in May. I...
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Madison River Fly Fishing Report – Redds, Blue Wings, and Low Water
Tough Floatin If you are planning a DIY Madison River Fly Fishing trip in the next couple weeks there are a couple of thing you should know. The first of which is the low water situation that we are currently experiencing on the Madison. Northwestern Energy is currently trying to fill Hebgen lake as much as they can before the heat of summer. To do this they have reduced flows greatly coming out of the dam making the river extremely skinny. We strongly recommend floating with caution and as...
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Madison River Fishing Report – A Snowy End to a Warm Dry Spell
Should've Been Here Last Week The rumors are true, the Madison River fished absolutely lights out last week. We received some purely awesome Madison River fishing reports. With temperatures reaching the mid 60's multiple days in a row, the sun brought out skwalas, blue wings, and plenty of midges. Sending trout into a feeding frenzy. Many dry fly angler's claimed success on skwala dries, while others said some midge hatches up high were as thick as a blanket. Water temps last week finally rea...
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Madison River Fishing Report – Spring Weather, Low Water and Big Fish
Get Out There The best Madison River fishing report we can give is to just say "get out there". The Madison is in peak shape as far as fishing is concerned. Angler's have had luck on streamers, nymphs, and the occasional dry fly when the wind isn't blowing. When it comes to sub surface, fish have not been very selective. Pat's rubberlegs and other stonefly patterns have been the main commodity. However, small mayfly patt...
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Madison River Fishing Report – Spring Is Officially Here
Dry Flies, Streamers, and Nymphs OH MY! We've said it time and time again. Madison river fishing in spring just hits different. Warm weather brings rising water temps that force trout into a feeding frenzy. Pre runoff brings low flows and clean water making fish pod up while enabling them to see their food. This provides ample opportunity for doubles and catching multiple fish out of a hole. The saying stays true especially during this time of year, do not leave fish to find fish. This is ...
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