Spring is starting to spring and the fishing on the Madison is great as of late. by Jim Bob Terry

 

Lower Madison

 

From Ennis Lake dam and below has been on fire the past few weeks. The “warmer” overcast days have offered up top-notch dry-fly fishing throwing midge emergers and dries and with the Blue Winged Olive emergence soon to follow, I think those fish will keep on sipping. Nymphs such as zebra midges, worms, eggs, B.W.O type mayflies, small princes, and anything in that realm have been producing high numbers. Swinging a soft hackle as the day gets on is also a great tactic lately. We’re still finding most of our fish in the classic slow and deep winter runs but as the water temps rise, we’ll see them start to spread out a little more. My best fishing has still been after 11:00 onto almost sunset so enjoy your coffee and breakfast in the morning, there’s no need to rush getting on the water quite yet.

 

Upper Madison

The upper has been fishing best for me pretty far upriver, think between the lakes, Reynolds pass, and Three Dollar bridge…. But don’t write off the rest of the river by any means. As far as floating goes pick your ramps wisely, Varney bridge is currently the furthest downstream you can use a boat ramp and ramps such as Windy Point and Palisades have had some serious snow drifts lately so be mindful and check those ramps before you go! As far as flies go just think typical spring fair, small rubberlegs, mayfly nymphs, zebra midges, lightning bugs, worms, eggs, etc. Bring those midge dries and emergers too because there are plenty of fish looking up in the softer seams.

 

Please be mindful of rainbows starting to make redds as we transition into April and have fun out there!

-Jimbob