June is here, the entire Madison Valley is turning a beautiful shade of green. It is always amazing to watch the valley and hills green up as we look at tan and brown for much of the year. A pop of color is nice. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and the entire valley is a photographers dream. Green valleys, wildflowers giving way to snow-capped peaks. We have been seeing consistent rain and in fact got an inch just yesterday. Hebgen lake is at 94% full and filling fast. We should have a completely full lake in no time at all. This means good consistent cool water all summer long.
A few months ago things were looking super dire with no snow. The late winter and spring produced and we are very close to normal. Whatever normal is anymore. So what does this mean? Will we see wildfires in Montana and the local ranges this summer. Most likely. Will there be drought and some dry conditions? Absolutely. Will the Madison have decent flow all summer? Most likely. Will we see hoot owl restrictions on the lower Madison or the Upper? Most likely on the lower and at this point not expected on the Upper but, anything can change. All I know it is June and it is about as good as it gets in Montana.
If you are going to be fishing this month and you should get ready it is going to get really good. We are looking forward to the salmon fly hatch, goldens stones, tons of caddis and PMD’s will all be on the Menu. The first few weeks of the month will have some bumps in runoff. It should not get super high or even unfishable. The Madison River will get color from the smaller creeks and keep it dirty. Do not fear the dirty water. Muddy water madness is one of our favorite times of year. When it gets high and off color the fish get pushed to the bank. Think fishing in the first 5 feet from shore. You know where the fish are just get a stone fly nymph or streamer in their face and it is game on.
Once it starts to drop and clear the real party starts. Lots of folks want to know the date of the first salmon fly fishing. Here is my prediction. June 21 at the Ennis bridge there will be salmon flies. Bam, on the record.
This is one of the greatest months to fish. Some really good fishing is on the near horizon. This will be worth trading in some sick days at work for. Great new gear in the fly shop. Come support a family owned local fly shop for friendly service and the best selection of bugs in Ennis.
