Grasshoppers

The grasshopper bite is still on the Madison River. We are seeing fish caught on hoppers river wide.  The Madison River is currently 875 CFS at Kirby Ranch and 1040 CFS at Varney.  Temps are topping out in the 63 range.  They dropped the river this past week.  Construction of a new dock on Ennis Lake is forcing the DAM Folks to drop the level of Ennis Lake considerably and then reduce flows on the Upper Madison River.  This drop put the fish off for a few days but they are back.  It is expected that the lower flows and the low Ennis lake to continue until at least 17 of this month.  Do not expect much more water in the Upper any time this season. This is what we will get for the duration.  Lets hold back a little now in case winter is less than wet. The fishing is still good on dry flies and droppers. We have been seeing a general switch to droppers in the last week. Is it time of year, lower flows or a combination of both.  Still lots of hoppers on the bank ready to make good fish food.   For droppers we like the Dip family.  French Dips, Crystal Dips, Serindipity and the like are all catching fish right. now.

Streamers

Streamer season is just getting going. We are expecting some cool fall like weather this week. If this happens we might have a few days of good bunny fur fishing.  This is the time to look for a really big fish.  Sculpin and little fish patterns in the size 4-8 range in natural and olive will find them.  When the biomass of the river goes down the hungry fish start eating their own.  Big bites of protein are the norm.  This is coming and it will be good. Hang on for a few more days.   Lots of good fishing still to be had.  The river is less busy this time of year and a person can find some solitude.  Get out and fish as winter is coming and cold and snow is on the way. Farmers say a big snowy cold winter with El Nino or La Nina .  I cant remember but it judging by the amount of pack rats and moths in the high country it will be a significant one.   Get in to the store all foam dry flies are 30% off as well as all summer shirts.