It is that time of year again when the brown water of spring hits us all. We have had the clock ticking for several weeks and not the alarm has sounded. We are seeing run off conditions in the Madison River right now and the water is off colored most of the way. The river is currently running at 2110 cfs at Varney this is almost double what it was just a week ago. If you are still looking to get bent and catch some fish there are some options. I would concentrate on fishing from slide in to Lyons bridge and between the lakes. These are above most of the mud pumping tribs. Sooner or later Cabin and Beaver Creek will make this section off colored but for right now it is good to go.
I would fish the standard spring stuff of stone fly nymphs, caddis emergers and may fly nymphs. Most of the guys staying bent all day are bobber lobbers so go with the crowd on this one.
If your looking for dry fly fishing there is still hope. Get up around $3 bridge in the afternoons or evenings on non windy days and you should see fish rising in the slicks to march browns, caddis and BWO. These will be hard to spot so keep a good look out. Targets will be scattered so if you find a pod stay on them because the next pod of risers might be quite a way’s.
Streamer guys this is your time to fish the Madison River. Fish are on the feed in hight off colored water and streamer fishing is at its prime. We have been having the best luck on olive and white colors. Also the sculpin imitations and sparkle minnow has been the ticket.
How long will this run off last and how long will the main river stay dirty is anyones guess. I am betting a little cooler weather ill clean up the river and make it fishable in a week or so.
