Current Madison River Conditions

The Madison River is currently flowing at 897 CFS at Kirby with a temp of 59 degrees.  The flow at Varney is 1020 CFS with a temp of 59 degrees.  While this looks really good for fishing especially dry fly fishing there are a few things beyond the numbers.  The stretch between Ennis and Ennis Lake is heating up in the afternoon.  70 degree temps are not uncommon on the hot days down in the channels. If you are fishing this area please quit about 2 when the water warms up.  While there is no official Hoot Owl on this section we have been following this schedule down low.  If we get more hot weather with temps in the 90's it might get really warm down low.  Otherwise there is good flow in the river.  The dropping of flows out of the dam has exposed more structure and it is the perfect flow for dry fly fishing.

Dry Fly

The dry fly bite has been good.  While they are not eating big foam hoppers to the level everyone would like they are eating mayflies, and ants really well.  If you are intent on fishing the hopper stay with it and you will find a few big ones come up. Remember they come up slow so do not pull it early or you will have a long day.  For ants have a variety.  Some days they like the cinnimon the next the red and the following day they want the black with wings.  Have a good variety. Stop by the store and check out the ant colony and grab a few of each type.

The fish have been looking for the mayfly first thing in the morning.  These are slight flies and take a good fisherman to consistantly float them on the Madison.  Size 16 grey body has been the ticket as of late. Try the purple stuff as well.  Remember soft casts and soft landings with no drag mend.  Better yet reach cast.  These little flies need to be right over the fish. They will not move to eat one.  Precise casting matters.

Nymph and Streamer

The sub surface boys are still getting it done. It is tiny and shiny season on the Madison River. Think lightning bugs, french dips, and anything with a little flash on it.  Fish like flash.  The standard stone fly stuff always works but the tiny and shiny has been getting some good ones as of late.

Streamer guys are getting a few good ones. Mostly first thing in the morning they have seen some chasers and are tagging a few good fish. If you are on the water from daylight till about 730 give it a go.  You can always drag a streamer around under a bobber all day and find a few fish.

Stop by our big sale during the fly fishing festival next weekend.  Save some cash and get some great gear.