4th of July Fishing Report for the Madison River

River Conditions

The Madison River is in great shape. The folks at the Dam gave us more water and it is about perfect.   Current conditions are Kirby Ranch is 965 CFS and Varney is 1200 CFS.  We feel this is the perfect level.  Lots of access for the foot fisherman and plenty of water to float a boat.  If you are in Montana to fish now is the time.  Summer is the gift for surviving a Montana winter.  Soak up every drop of sunshine, friends, dry fly fishing and golden sunsets. Remember winter is coming so get you fix now.  It is about as perfect as Montana gets right now.

Dry Fly

We are in dry fly season.  Caddis, goldens,  yellow sallies, and PMD may flies are all abundant.   The PMD hatch in the morning. By 11 caddis and Yellow sallies are starting to pop and the goldens are mixed in.  A guy can dry fly fish and never touch a nymph.  Do it, you might like it.  Our favorite combos have been a small chubby in the caddis family with an X caddis or PMD behind it.  When the sun is out and the yellow sallies are are flying substitute a sallie for the caddis.  Fish them along the banks, in the middle and any where . The fish are looking just feed them.  If you want to do dry dropper try a golden stone on top with with a caddis nymph below. We like the webby soft hackle caddis nymphs.  Think Tund Dart or CDC anything.

Nymph Fishing

If you are a nymph fishing guy you will wreck them right now.  Just follow the bobber.  Only problem is the white fish are on the feed as well.  We have been seeing about 3 white fish caught to every trout for the bobber lobbers. Dead drift them, drag them what ever just keep them wet and set when the bobber goes under.  We like white fish and you should as well.  They are a little slimy but sure fun to pull on.  The nymph ninjas are fishing CDC princes, webby caddis stuff along with the tung jig pmd stuff.  Stop by the store and we will get you all loaded up on sinky nymph stuff.

The fishing is really good right now so get out there.  Lots of people enjoying a Montana summer and river.  Remember they are all there for the same reason as you.  Nod , wave and go about your fishing.   If you have vacation time for flex time take it now.  Enjoy the 4 th of July festivities in Ennis.  It is our finest day of the year.  Parade, rodeo, BBQ, family, friends, Bloody Mary’s and fireworks make Ennis the Cultural Epicenter of Trout.

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.

  • View Reports

  • 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.

  • View Trips

  • Walk/Wade Trips

  • 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.

  • View Trips
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