Fishing Report for the Madison River Labor Day Weekend

River Conditions

The Madison River continues to be in good shape even if it is a little low. Currently the flow is 864 CFS at Kirby Ranch with a temp of 63 degrees. At Varney Bridge the flow is 949 CFS with a temp of 63 degrees. Yes it is low but this is the new reality and I do not expect it to get much higher this year. In fact it might be this level till next June. Flows are still slightly warm but that is because the flow is low. As for bugs. We are in the in between time. No real hatches and a little of everything in the soup. Fish can eat what they want, when they want and there is still plenty of random aquatic insects in the soup to keep them happy. One fish is likes eating what is left of caddis, the next is looking for the BWO nymphs the third is holding out for a stone fly. All three will get a belly full during the day but no real pattern. The wet weather killed our hopper fishing for the most part and the ants are an option but not every fish has got the memo. If you have it in your box try it. Might just work right now.

Dry Fly

As I said the wet weather killed the great hopper fishing. Yes you can still fish a hopper and get some fish but it is not lights out. We like smaller hoppers in the panty dropper and thunder thighs family. Regular old attractors like small chubbies are working just as well. We like the ones with peach bodies the best. As for ants try them in the afternoon. We like the CFO ant along with the Arricks and the Ant acid are all getting some fish up. Remember to fish these on 4X as the water is clear and low.

Nymph Fishing

The bobber lobers are still getting some fish but it is difficult. As i said the fish are eating a little of everything and nothing at the same time. This will change with some cooler weather but for now we are stuck. The next big insect is the fall BWO hatch and you should be thinking they are in the soup and getting ready to move. I would stay in the may fly family. Psyco may, military may and micro may will all find a few fish. Beyond that the rubber leg and worm guys are mostly striking out or just catching a few. Got some new gizmo nymph in a jig. I say fish it.

Streamer

The streamer game has not got hot yet. It will shortly. The fish will get tired of eating the rice in the soup and start looking for the larger chicken chunks. When they do the streamer game will take off. Think small fish or sculpin pattern. These are only going to be really good shortly. Get ready .

Our locals appreciation half off fly sale this month. Come on in and stock up for fall or next year and save some money. You do not need to be a local to participate. Stay tuned.