April 15 Madison River Fishing Report

By John Way
/ 15th April 2026

With all the spring like weather we have been seeing this might just be the best spring fishing we have seen. It has been some darn good fishing for the first half of April. The river at Kirby is 809 CFS and about 42 degrees and at Varney it is 1020 CFS and 47 degrees. While we will probably not see much more water in the river from the Dam folks this is a good spring level. I would bet they are holding as much water as possible with the dry winter we had.

Nymph Fishing is King

For those looking for numbers nymph fishing is the way to go. The standard spring fare of stone fly nymphs, midge larva, BWO nymphs and eggs and worms have been money as of late. In fact egg patterns have been killing it. The rainbows are starting to spawn so there is lots of eggs in the soup. Fish like eggs and they have lots of protein this time of year. Dont be a hater fish the egg. We like the pink or peach colored eggs this time of year. As for worms pink is the color of spring. Stone fly stuff the typical rubber leg in coffee or black along with the hurless stone has been a big winner. For BWO nymphs we like the psyco may along with the military may.

Streamers?

Some folks are hitting them good with streamers. Black has been a good go to. Soon the shiny sparkly streamers will take over. Think krelex and sparkle minnow. For right now black and dark olive sculpin patterns fished slow and low have been finding some big fish. Keep it slow as the water temps are still on the cold side. Soon the streamer game will take off big time.

Dry Fly

On overcast days with little wind the BWO mayflies have been making an appearance. When this happens you will find rising fish in the slack water. On windy days it blows the duns right off the water and the fish do not have much of a chance to eat them. If you find one of those non windy days get ready for some good head hunting.

Half off flies at the store till Monday. Our little thank you to all the locals that fish. Fill your boxes and save some money. Guide trips out daily and running the spring special guide trip. A full day trip at half day prices. Come let someone else row you down the river and you can watch for risers.