Spring like weather means spring like fishing on the Madison River. We have been seeing some good weather and the fish have responded. It is mostly a nymph game with the occasional dry fly opportunity. Worms, eggs, stone fly and midge stuff will keep you bent almost all day. The water is still cold and running at just over 1300 CFS at Varney. The best fishing has been in the afternoon. Every ramp is open river wide except Ennis. Just got word that the Ennis boat launch will stay closed for repairs from this winters ice till April 18.
Some run up fish are in the river getting ready to spawn. Most have been seeing them from the Lake up to about Varney. Have not noticed any redds yet but they are sure to start showing up. If you see them please do not fish over spawning fish and do not drag anchor or wade into the redds.
The streamer game is just heating up. Keep your streamers small, dark and slow moving. Sculpin patterns and buggers are the first choice.
Dry fly bite is depending on the day and the weather. Most days the famous Madison River Wind blows all the midges off the water before the fish can eat them. If you find a day with no wind look for some heads in the slicks behind rocks and on slower bends. Keep a look out for BWO’s and skwala stone flies. It will not be long before they show up and the fish start looking up more frequently.
The fish we have been catching are still in the winter spots. Look for slower water behind rocks and any deeper green stuff. When you find them you can catch several out of each bucket.
Great new fishing gear arriving at the store each day. Stop by for some hot coffee and the newest gear.
