
Madison River Fishing Report
The Tackle Shop Fly Shop and Fishing Guides in Ennis, Montana
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...
Read MoreMadison 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...
Read MoreMadison 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...
Read MoreMadison 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...
Read MoreMadison 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 ...
Read MoreSpring in Montana – Montana Fishing Guides Favorite Season
The Hibernating Montana Fly Fishing Guide Awakens For many Ennis Montana fishing guides, spring is the clear favorite time of year. Many things happen to get these famed Montana fly fishing guide's off their barstools and away from their fly tying desks. The first of which is an increase in temperature. Montana can be cold and brutal throughout the winter. Ice gorges form and most angler's fall into a lull of skiing and tying flies. However, similar to most plants and animals, Monta...
Read MoreA Frozen End to an Unseasonably Warm February
To Ski or To Fish? This seemed to be a question that a lot of Montanan's had to answer this past February. With multiple days reaching over 50 degrees and a less than optimal snowpack "to fish" seemed like an easy answer to this question. Warm temperatures brought in bountiful midge hatches as far as the eye could see, especially on slower moving waterways such as the Lower Madison. While nymphing was still the name of the game, dry or die souls were able to get their fix in. Even thoug...
Read MoreMadison River Fishing Report 2/9/22
Spring Fishing in February? It sure has felt that way as of late, especially with this weekend's forecasts reaching the low 50's. If Winter midge fishing is your thing then you will want to be out there in the next couple of days. This weekend will be a great time to put away the ski's and get the dusty old fly rod and waders out. Upper Madison River Warm weather has sent the fish on into a feeding frenzy which is rare to come by with winter fishing. Throughout the heat of the day many pods...
Read MoreFishing Report for the Madison 12-5
With everything the Madison River has gone through in the past week we are suggesting that we give the fish a little holiday break. The dewatering of the river from the malfunction from Hebgen Dam and the stress it put on the fish to the river wide fishing closure from FWP now is the time for a rest. This year has been a busy one for the Madison. Record number of anglers, hot dry summer and lower water to the mess this last week things have been tough. The fish need a little break and no...
Read MoreFishing Report for the Madison River 9-20
Fishing is getting better and better by the day on the Madison River. Fall has arrived and the leaves are starting to turn colors, the water is cooler and the fish have taken notice. Good fishing can be had river wide Most guys are doing the sub surface thing right now. Hoppers and ants can still bring up a fish or two in the afternoon but fishing dries all day is gone for the summer. Most guys are throwing nymphs and streamers. Some really big fish are being taken on s...
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