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Mayfly

Mid Summer Fishing Report for the Madison River

River Levels

The Madison River is currently sitting at 1380 CFS at Kirby and 1570 CFS at Varney Bridge.  Great water flows and good levels for this time of year.  We currently have hoot owl fishing restrictions from Ennis FAS downstream all the way to the Jefferson River.  This means no fishing after 2 pm.  While it is warming up and Montana is in a huge heat wave the Upper Madison remains in the cool zone.  I can not remember this many days in the 90’s ever.  The folks at the Dam are giving us some more water in the river and this is keeping it cool. At least for now. We could really use a few rain storms minus the lightning.  For now everything is fishing well even with the heat.  We suggest getting out early and being off the river no matter where you are by 2-3.  Ice cream is really good in the afternoons after a successful day on the water.  Dont chance hurting the fish be off early and no evening fishing.

Dry Fly

The dry fly fishing has remained strong even in the heat.  There are tons of caddis out there in all shapes and sizes.   Yellow sallies and the larger golden stones and we are just now seeing some nocturnal stones emerge.  As for mayflies we are seeing the typical PMD in about a size 18 along with a larger grey bodied may fliy.  Not sure what this bigger bug is but the fish love them.  Think a size 12 purple haze or even a rusty spinner in the early afternoons.  Really good dry fly fishing from about 8 am till 2.  Start with a loop winged caddis and a micro chubby, switch to the big mayfly trailer about 11 and finish with a hopper or ant pattern.  The fish are in the middle, the banks and everywhere.   Look for the bouncy summer water.

Sculpin Season

Guys are getting some really big fish dragging bunny fur from the boat.  The fish are looking for the big bites and an olive sculpin either a wool head, mini loop or sculpzilla will work just great.  The dragging season from the boat has begun.  If you are targeting some larger fish and do not want to dry fly fish try this out.

Nymph Game

The nymph game is strong for the bobber lobbers out there.  Caddis nymphs, PMD stuff and even a tan rubber leg in the smaller size will work great.  We like the prince nymph family.  Think Halo Prince, CDC prince or just a FKA Prince.  We also like the Yellow spot jig and the split case jig right now.

 

Lots of good fishing to be had.  Remember get out early and off early.  Also remember not fish photos while the water is warm.  your buddies will just need to take your word for it.  Keep those fish wet and we will have lots of fish to play with down the road.  Stop by the shop for the latest intel on bugs, flies and where to go.

Fishing Reports and Trips

  • Fishing Reports

  • Want to know the most up-to-date information to find where the fish are biting? The Tackle Shop Fishing Reports provide you with a comprehensive look at current water conditions, recent hatches and flow data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

  • View Reports

  • Float Trips

  • The Tackle Shop offers a range of full-day and half-day float trips in the Madison River Valley area. The trips are all-inclusive and cover files, rods, reels, waders and boots. Leave your worries behind and let us give you the fly fishing trip of a lifetime.

  • View Trips

  • Walk/Wade Trips

  • Enjoy one of our full-day or half-day walk and wade trips for a more immersive, slower-paced fly fishing experience. The Tackle Shop will cater to your individual needs so you are able to take in the sights and sounds of the best waters in Montana.

  • View Trips
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