Fishing Report for the Madison River 8-9-26
River Conditions
The Madison River is in remarkably good shape considering the lack of snow we had this winter and the heat we had most of July. Currently the river is 1130 CFS at Kirby Ranch and 58 degrees. At Varney it is 1250 CFS and 60 degrees. The cool mornings we have been. having are keeping the flows cool and the fish happy. Remember there is still Hoot Owl restrictions from 8 Mile to the Lake. No fishing on that section from 2 pm till midnight. The rest of the river is game on. Good flows and cool temps combined with the artificial cloud cover of the smoke is making some happy fish. The dry fly bite is good, the nymph game is solid and folks are even getting them on streamers.
Dry Fly
Our dry fly season on the Madison River continues to impress. The fish are all about hopper and ants. We like the smaller hoppers like the thunder thighs, juicy hopper and the fat frank. Throw a para ant or a CFO ant behind it and you will get lots of looks. The prime hopper fishing has been from about 10-3. There are lots of little fish looking up and if you are floating you will need to sort out the small ones. If you stay at it a big one will take a swipe at it sooner or later. If you go out in the morning there is still caddis. Remember caddis is king on the Madison River. We have been throwing loopie along with X caddis and doing well all morning long waiting on the hopper bite. Dry fly season is still going strong.
Nymphs
The nymph game is solid out there. We are getting them on rubber legs, worms, perdigons, spanish bullets, and flame throwers. Start fishing these on 4X and see the number of bites increase. The water is clear and the fish are getting a little spooky. If you want to follow a bobber you will be rewarded with a bunch of fish.
Streamer
The streamer fishing is coming into its own. While you might not win the most category, the biggest is what you are after. Those that throw a olive sculpin all day are being rewarded with some big fish. Stay with and believe and you might just find brother 2 foot.
Lots of great fishing to be had. We are mid way in our season and it is going great. We love dry fly fishing and the conditions right now are almost perfect. Stop by the store this next weekend during the festival for a cool sale. Always the best fly selection along with the friendliest folks in the industry.
