fbpx
Winter rainbow

Fishing Report for the Madison River 4-3-24

Good Fishing on the Madison

Despite what your friends might have told you spring is the best time to fish the Madison River.  Right now hungry trout have cold water, less pressure and are looking to fatten up after a long winter.   If you are around right now get after it why the getting is good.  Right now the flow is about 1050 CFS at Varney and 842 CFS at Kirby.  This is low for the Madison River.  Take advantage of it. The fish are stacked up in the green water buckets.  The water temps are peaking at between 44 and 48 degrees.  Still a little cold but the fish are willing to play.

Pink is the Color of Spring

Currently the rainbows are spawning river wide on the Madison River. Take note of any spawning redds and do not fish them or directly below.  Only jackasses fish redds. Dont be a jackass.  With all this spawning there are tons of eggs floating around in the soup.  Pink or peach eggs in the size 14 range have been the ticket.  Fish this behind a pink worm and you are sure to hook up.   We have been doing better with wire worms as they are a little heavier and stay in the deep zone a little longer.  Once the river bumps up with a little runoff break out the squirmey worms.

BWO is Here to Stay

We are seeing a few adult BWO mayflies .   The fish know they are out and are keying on the nymphs.  Tight bodies BWO nymphs like Psyco May, Bug Nuggets and Green Machines are getting them on sunny days when they shy away from the pink stuff.  Not a whole lot of luck with a big hatch and dry fly fishing but the nymphs are in the soup and should be in your box.

Skwala Dries?

We have been getting reports of people fishing skwala stone fly dries during the middle of the day with success.  Throw an olive chubby or other stone fly pattern and give it a go.  Drop a BWO nymph off the back and double your chances.  This is only going to get better as the month goes along.

Lots of great new gear in the store. Stop by for the best friendly advice some killer bugs and check out the new gear. Guide boats out and lots of folks taking advantage of the spring special guide discount.  Full day trip at a half day price.  Don’t forget your fishing license.

 

Dries

BWO parachute size 14, Purple Haze size 14, Olive Chubby size 12, Super Secret Skwala size 10

Nymphs

Rubber leggs in dark colors size 10-6, Hurless stone size 10, Mega Prince size 10, San Juan worm pink size 12, Wire worm size 12, Unreal egg size 12, otters soft egg size 12, Green Machine size 16, Bug Nugget size 14, Psyco May size 16

Streamers

Micro Lamas, Micro Butt Monkey, Sparkle Minnow, Krelex,

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
Scroll to Top