That cold and rain we had a few weeks ago was just what the doctor order for the Madison River fish. It took a while but the fish are starting to look up again for hoppers and ants in the afternoon. This is a sun and water temp thing. The more sun we get to the river bank the better the terrestrial fishing will be. Problem is that the smoke is making sun to the river more problematic. Hoppers need direct sun to start to fly. With the artificial overcast it is good for fishing guides but the hoppers are not getting the sun they really need to fly around. Think sun.
The ant bite has come on strong the last week. Flying ants can be found river wide and the fish have taken notice. The ant has been a killer recently and looking at the weather for the next week this will continue. Think para ants or the ant acid patterns for best results. Float good, fish like them and people can see them on the water.
If you’r a streamer guy they are still looking for the big protein in the mornings. Some really big fish have been feeding. Think pulling them off the bank in a slow strip or just a dead drift. Sculpins, zonkers and sparkle minnow have been the best so far.
