Salmon Flies

The salmon fly hatch on the Madison River this year was really really good.  If you were here you know.  We did not tie on a fly that sinks for over 2 weeks during daily guide trips.  If your still hunting that big bug fix look up river.  Lyons Bridge and upstream you will find them.  Still some darn good fishing to be had you just need to do it with your feet in the water.

Whats Next

For many the salmon flies are the apex for the season.  But, there are still some darn good fishing to be had. Right now caddis are ruling the river. There are big caddis, small caddis, olive caddis, tan caddis and even some red caddis.  Keep your dry flies in the caddis family and you will be rewarded.  We like the loop winged and the X caddis. These have been top producers for us the last few days.  Fish them in a size 14 or 16 on a 4X tippet.

Golden stones and Yellow Sallies

Lots of flying stone flies to fish even if the big bugs are history.  Golden stones and yellow sallies.  We have been having a bunch of luck with the smaller goldens.  Think size 12 and a tan body.  Yellow sallies are good and we always have better luck with the nymph form than the dry.   We like My Gal Sal, and the Iron Sallie for the nymphs and we have several we like for the dry.  Try a golden with a sallie dropper.  

MayFlies

If you find yourself on a day with clouds or even a good thunder shower expect to see a hatch of mayflies.  These PMD usually hatch in higher number in the clouds. Remember caddis in the sun and mayflies in the clouds.  When they are out the fish prefer the mayfly over the caddis.   I have tasted both and will agree that the mayflies taste better.  We have been fishing a purple haze or simple para adams and getting fish to eat it regular.  

So You Say You Want to Nymph Fish

If your a bobber lobber and want to fish nymphs go ahead.  They are wrecking fish right now.  Think price family and caddis family.  We like the CDC prince followed by a yellow sallie nymph or a caddis.  Yes you will be catching lots of fish,  Yes you will get lots of whitefish.  Whitefish are fun.  They pull and wiggle .   I like a good pull and wiggle any day.   Lots of good fishing to be had. Stop by the store for the latest intel and some super secret flies.