End of Summer Labor Day Heat

We are seeing a heat wave for the last big weekend of Summer.  Temps are hitting well above the 90 degree mark on the Madison River this week.  While this might be good for the summer lake and tuber crowd this is doing nothing for the fishing.  Water temps are starting to inch up and in fact most folks should be off the water and not fishing after 2 pm.  While it is hot right now it looks like a major cool down is headed our way mid next week. This will change the game and improve the fishing.

Small Nymphs are the Answer right now

For those out this weekend and trying to catch the last days of summer vacation think tiny and shiny below the surface.  We are having the best luck with small lightning bugs, jig nymphs with some flash and even crystal dips.  These have been the best bet to stay into fish consistently .  We are needing to fish them with a 4X tippet as the thick stuff will drastically decrease takes.  We like about 5 feet from the indicator to the weight and then almost two feet to the first fly. This distance has been key as you want the fly down but far away from the bowling ball weight.

Hoppers and Ants

The hopper and ant game is still on but has been a bit inconsistent . Some days they eat on top really well some days not so well. You really need to be able to get a good cast and a drag free drift consistently  to make it happen. The heat is one of the factors in making the fish not want to eat on top. If we can get a few clouds it will make your day for dry fly fishing.  Stay at it and you will be rewarded. The fish that are eating on top are usually really nice fish.

Streamer Season?

While streamer season is right around the corner they are not on the big bunny fur just yet.  If you want to throw streamers  think zonkers and smaller streamers and nymph them dead drift under an indicator .