Tag: nymphs

October 11th – 17th | Madison River Fishing Report

We were greeted with a blast of winter at the beginning of the week. Lots of accumulating snow and high winds brought drifting snow and lots of shoveling to all of us here in the Madison Valley. We were grateful for a plow rescue from a friend. Thank you! The boat ramps at Varney and above were out of commission for a couple days but cleared up within a couple days. Now things are back to normal October conditions and we’ve had some pretty darn nice weather since Wednesday.

The front that moved through sure got the Big Browns of the Madison moving around and chasing quite well. Some very good streamer and nymph fishing was had the second half of the week. If you could find some spots shielded by the “W” there were trout sipping BWO’s in the soft pockets around rocks and near the banks.

Fall is here to stay and it won’t be long until we’ve all wondered where this season went so quickly. So get out on the water if you find a day to your liking and enjoy the last few weeks, before the snow is flying in earnest.

Flows still remain low so if you’re looking to squeeze in a last float or two before storing the boat for the season, your best bet will be up higher in the Lyon’s to Mac section. The water up top is just fine for floating without beating up your hard boat.

Dries: Delektable Sparkle Bug Olive, Dark Olive, Gray #18. Delektable BWO Teaser #18-#20. Delektable BWO Squeezer #18-#20. Brook’s BWO Sprout Emerger #18-#20. BWO Sparkle Duns #18-#20. Parachute Adams #18-#20. Carlson’s Purple Haze #18-#20.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #10. Delektable Guide Stones Black #10. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #10-#12. Formerly Known as Prince #16-#18. Delektable Prince Brandon #16-#18. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver, Pheasant Tail, Blue #18-#20. Lightning Bugs #16-#20. Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20. Geppert’s Master BWO Emerger, Geppert’s Mega BWO Emerger.

Streamers: Delelektable Single and Double Screamer Olive, Black, White, Olive/Black. Zonkers Natural, Copper, Olive. Galloup’s Dungeon and Mini Dungeon Black, Olive, Olive/Black Barred, Cream. Galloup’s Boogie Man Black, Olive. Mini Loop Sculpin Olive and Natural. McCune’s Sculpin Olive. Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow #6. 

October 3rd – 9th | Madison River Fishing Report

Welcome back Autumn. The weather has turned and Fall conditions look like they are here to stay now. We are in the midst of our first weather system of the season here in the Madison Valley. Cool temperatures, and a good dose of much needed rain has been falling over the last couple of days. Snow capping the tops of the Madison and Gravelly Ranges again and we might even see a bit in the valley in the next couple of days. And heck yeah we are excited about it.

The weather has the Big Browns moving and chasing Streamers. It’s days like these when the BWO hatches come off thick and heavy especially on the Upper portion of the river. If the wind is down and you have some clouds, add some light rain, or snow and you can have some incredible dry fly fishing in the boulder fields of the Madison. There are plenty of very nice fish being landed throughout the length of the river right now. With that being said as you get below Varney a couple miles the river is very skinny in a number of areas. And you should use caution and know the path well if you’re floating. Since it’s never fun scraping your entire float. The Varney boat ramp itself is incredibly low and you will need to be wadered up to put in or take out there. The Upper Section from Storey Ditch upstream to Lyon’s Bridge is by far the best suited for float trips at the current flows. 

The Streamer bite is good and will continue that way throughout the month especially when we have clouds. Small patterns to large are all possibilities. Keep in mind with Streamers to be adaptable and change things up. Slow retrieves, Fast retrieves, Dead Drifting, Swinging, Trailing the Streamer with a Nymph. These are all possibilities out there and each day can be different. Be willing to change up your patterns and presentations and you will find success.

BWO’s have been active for a couple of weeks. But with the cool stormy weather beginning this will make the hatches much heavier and the fishing much more consistent. BWO’s tend to fish best in those softer pockets along the banks and along rocks, and the Trout of the Madison will move into these slots. When it’s good you can find multiple good fish sipping these small Mayflies in each pool.

Nymphing as always remains a great option. As smaller Stonefly Nymphs, Attractor Nymphs, Baetis Nymphs, and various Prince variants all continue to fish very well.
Soft Hackles are a great way to experience the Madison this time of year. Especially as the Blue Winged Olive hatches heat up. Find yourself a nice riffle that’s mid depth to somewhat shallow with some moderate to slower currents and swing a bigger Fall Soft Hackle or BWO Soft Hackle through there and hold on. You’ll love the results. It’s a very addictive way of fishing and you’ll be surprised how some of the larger Migratory fish will just hammer a well presented Softie.

 

 

 

 

 

The YNP section of the Madison should start to heat up much more during this batch of stormy weather. This should bring more of the big Runner’s out of Hebgen. And with clouds they should be willing to chase a swung Streamer or Soft Hackle throughout the day, rather than just at dawn or before sunset. I had a chance to fish the Park last Wednesday. The resident trout were plenty willing to eat a Dry, chase a Streamer or munch a Nymph. But the Big Migratory Trout were definitely laying very low except in the lowest light conditions. We have a few weeks left of the Park Season and then it will close at sunset on the first Sunday of November.

 

 

 

 

 

As the weather cools remember to take some extra time to prepare for your adventures. Pack extra layers and extra clothes just in case you take a dunking. Hypothermia becomes a real threat on the cooler Autumn and Winter Days. Hand Warmers can make or break an enjoyable Fall Day on the River. The crowds are down. The weather is crisp and it’s Fall in Montana. What more could you ask for. Stop by for some bugs, and some hot coffee before your journey. We are here to help and love to do just that.

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable BWO Teaser #18-#20. Delektable BWO Squeezer #18-#20. Delektable Sparkle Bug Olive and Dark Olive #18. Snowshoe BWO #18-#20. Delektable Ranch BWO #18. Parachute Adams #18-#20. Carlson’s Purple Craze #18-#20. Purple Haze #18-#20. Brook’s Sprout Emerger BWO #20-#22. BWO Sparkle Dun #18-#20.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #8-#10. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Olive/Black, Brown, Brown/Black #8-#12. Delektable Guide Stones Black, Olive/Black, Brown/Black #8-#10.Delektable Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail, Red, Blue, Silver #16-#20. Pheasant Tail Nymphs #16-#20. Lightning Bugs Silver, Gold #16-#18. Delektable Prince Brandon #16-#18. Prince Nymph #16-#18. Formerly Known as Prince #16-#18. Shop Vac’s #16-#18. $3 Dollar Dips Brown, Red, Crystal #16-#18. Little Green Machine Pheasant Tail, Olive #18-#20. Splitback Baetis #18-#20. Delektable Tungsten Jig Spanker Holo Black, Holo Olive #18. Delektable Root Beer Float #18 Baetis Gray. Geppert’s Skinny Dip Black, Brown #14-#18. Geppert’s Master BWO Emerger #18. Geppert’s Mega Emerger #18. RS2’s Gray and Olive #18-#20.

Streamers: Delektable Single and Double Screamer Black, Olive, White, Olive/Black, Brown/Yellow, Badger. Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Black, Olive, White, Olive/Black, Brown/Yellow. Sparkle Minnow’s #6. Zonkers Copper, Natural, Olive #6-#8. Mini Loop Sculpin Natural and Olive. Sculpzilla Olive, Natural, Black #4-#6. Galloup’s Dungeon Standard, Mini, Olive, Black, White, Cream/White, Olive/Black. Galloup’s Boogie Man Black, Olive, White. Galloup’s Silk Kitty Olive, White. Bow River Buggers White, Olive, Black, Black Olive #6-#8.

 

 

 

 

 

Soft Hackles: Full Dressed Red, Partridge and Orange, Partridge and Olive, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail, Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear. Partridge and Purple. Soft Hackle BWO.

September 26th – October 2nd | Madison River Fishing Report

We were greeted with cool to downright chilly morning temperatures this week here in the Madison Valley. High winds in the early part of the week turned to some absolutely beautiful calm days in the latter half. The future forecast looks good until next weekend when some cool and cloudier days will return.

Very good to excellent Streamer activity continues in the early to mid mornings and again in the late afternoons and evenings. There are a good number of large Brown Trout running up into the system out of Ennis Lake. Some pigs are being landed from Varney down to the lake but that is the skinniest water. Just keep in mind if you’re floating at these lower flows keep your eyes downstream as it gets pretty skinny in some areas. Especially for those of you in the hard boats. Olive, Black, Black/Olive, Yellow, White, Brown/Yellow Streamer colors are all effective. Adding a small attractor nymph trailing the Streamer has also been very effective.

The Dry Fly bite has slowed over the last week. If you are a Dry or Die Angler you still have opportunities out there.There are BWO’s hatching daily. With some cloud cover the hatches have been heavy especially on the Upper Wade section. Next weekend there is some scuzzy weather moving in that should be an excellent window for some strong BWO activity. Hoppers never really materialized this year and the action on those has slowed even more now with the colder nighttime temperatures. You can still find a good fish or two to come up and inspect a well placed ant, beetle, or smaller Chubby though. October Caddis and the Fall Sedge Caddis are out on the water as well.

With the cooler Autumn temps the Nymph bite has returned to a much more consistent level. Smaller to Mid Size Stonefly Nymphs trailed with any of the Prince Variants, Bright Attractor Nymphs, or Perdigons is a good go to rig right now. We’ve been seeing some big fish come to the net nymphing as well over the last several days.

The crowds have thinned out for sure and there is plenty of water and the Rainbows and Browns of the Madison are getting on the feed ahead of the long winter ahead. With clear air quality again the views in the valley this time of year are simply stunning. Especially at Sunrise or near Sunset. The Alpenglow on the sides of the Gravelly and Madison Ranges are so beautiful this time of year. The snow will be flying before we know it so get out there and enjoy the last bit of nice weather remaining.

Dries: Delektable Flying Ant Red, Cinnamon #14-#16. Delektable Twisted Sister Orange/Brown #12 – #14. Delektable Twisted X Orange/Brown #12-#14. Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan, Purple #14-#16. BWO Sparkle Dun #18-#20. Delektable Ranch BWO #18. Delektable BWO Teaser #18-#20. Parachute Adams #18. Carlson’s Purple Craze #16-#18. Purple Haze #16-#20.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #8-#10. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Olive/Black, Brown/Black, Brown #8-#12. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver, Gold, Red, Blue, Purple, Pheasant Tail #14-#18. Delektable Jighead Tungsten Spanker Holo Red, Holo Silver, Holo Black #14-#18. Formerly Known as Prince #16-#18. Delektable Prince Brandon #14-#18. $3Dollar Dips Brown, Red, Crystal #16-#18. Splitback BWO #18-#20. Pheasant Tail Nymphs #16-#20. Copper Johns Red #14-#18. Shop Vac’s #16-#18. Little Green Machine Green, Black, Pheasant Tail #16-#20.

Streamers: Delektable Single and Double Screamers Black, Olive, White, Olive/Black, Brown/Yellow, Badger. Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Black, Olive, White, Olive/Black, Brown/Yellow, Chartreuse/White, Olive/Yellow. Zonkers Natural, Copper, Pearl #6-#8. Mini Loop Sculpin Natural and Olive #6. Sculpzilla Olive, Natural, Black #8. Galloup’s Dungeons Regular or Mini Black, Olive, Cream. Galloup’s Silk Kitty Olive, White.

October 1st | Missouri River

Dan and Nancy had a wonderful opportunity to head up to Craig for a couple days and visit with some friends and sneak in a couple of floats on The Mighty Mo. The photos speak for themselves. The fishing was great and they had a great time. The Delektable Lil’ Spanker in Blue #18 behind a Delektable Screamer Single Black and Olive  strikes again!!!!

September 12th – 18th | Madison River Fishing Report

Another week has come and gone here in the Madison Valley. October is approaching quickly. Shorter days lie ahead in the very near future. It’s been a mixed bag this week with the fishing action on the Upper Madison. We’ve seen some very tough days out there with the fish being finicky and selective and some good solid consistent days as well. We’ve had some pretty heavy wind as well for about the last four days making rowing a boat down the boulder field that is the Madison a bit of an adventure. Flows remain low and I would expect this to remain the same for the foreseeable future. With that said just know the River gets a bit boney down below 8 mile through the town stretch and down to Valley Garden. So those of you with the hard boats might get some new scrapes in the paint.

Streamers, Nymphs, and Dries when the wind is calmer are all in play on the Upper currently. We have some cool wet weather forecast for Sunday and Monday so that could get some BWO’s up on the surface especially in the Upper Wade Section around $3 Dollar and Raynold’s. Streamers are for sure the name of the game if you’re out early. And you can definitely throw them all day now if you have the stamina for it. Zonkers and Sculpin Patterns are fishing best. Olive, Black, White, Olive/White colors seem to be the most consistent. It seems we will not be seeing that consistent good Hopper fishing we were spoiled with the last couple years. Definitely still have them as on some days they do turn onto them and it’s best to have them in your quiver than not just in case.

 

 

 

 

 

The Chubby/Hopper dropper rig continues to produce. And the Ant patterns are for sure your best bet for the closest thing you’ll find to some consistent Dry Fly fishing right now. Nymphing as always gives you your best overall bet. The Trout seem to be looking for the smaller fair mostly now. Fishing smaller Stonefly Nymphs trailed with Small Attractor Nymphs and Baetis Nymphs are bringing some success. Think no bigger than a size #16 for your trailers now. With a lot of #18’s in the mix as well.

The Madison in the Park is beginning to heat up as a fairly good number of run up fish from Hebgen are now in the system. It’s still not money time there yet. But there are definitely enough fish in to make the drive worth while and swing a runner or two up with some streamers or soft hackles. Early mornings are currently best for the Trout Spey crowd. And you can certainly Nymph some of those big runners up throughout the day and into evening. If you’re new or interested in getting into the Trout Spey Game stop by and talk to Ryan our Shop Manager. He is a regular in the Park for the Fall Brown Trout Run and can give you some advice on Rods, Shooting Heads, Flies and all the fun that is Fall Fishing in YNP. There is something about being on the Madison inside the Park on a crisp Autumn morning by yourself. With the steam rising off the river, Bull Elk bugling, and walking the footsteps of the legendary anglers who have come before us is just something all Flyfishers should look to experience just once in their life if they have not had that opportunity.

As always be safe out there. Enjoy this beautiful Fall Weather we are experiencing. And don’t forget to look around and experience the breathtaking scenery we have surrounding us. It’s so easy to get tunnel vison and focus on our Flies or Indicator and forget about the miracles of nature that surround us on each Outing. Feel free to call or stop by anytime for some Flies, advice, and all your flyfishing needs. Our shop hours are currently 8AM to 6PM 7 days a week.

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness in Rootbeer and UV Cinnamon #14-#16. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, UV Cinnamon, UV Black #16-#18. Delektable Flying Ant in Red, Cinnamon, and Black #14-#16. Bloom’s Stealth Ant Purple #16. Delektable Secret Stone #10-#12 Dark Olive. Parachute Adams #12-#18. Carlson’s Purple Craze #12-#18. Purple Haze #12-#18.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #8-#10. Pat’s Rubberlegs in Black, Olive/Black #10-#12. Delektable Lil’ Spanker in Silver, Red, Gold, Purple, and Pheasant Tail #16-#20. Shop Vacs #16-#18. $3 Dollar Dips in Red and Brown #16-#18. Crystal Dips #16-#18. Pheasant Tail Nymphs #16-#20. Beadhead Mo’ River Pheasant Tail #18-#20. Tungsten BWO Splitback #18-#20. Olive Perdigons #16-#18. Micro May Brown or Olive #18-#20. Tung Teaser Black #18. Prince Nymphs #16-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Single or Double Screamer in Olive, Black, Olive/Black, White, Badger. Delektable SS Jointed Screamer White/Olive. Galloup’s Dungeon Regular and Mini in Olive, Black, Cream, and White. Galloup’s Silk Kitty Olive. Mini Loop Sculpin Olive and Natural. Sparkle Minnow and Sparkly Yummy. Zonkers in Silver, Copper, and Olive.

Soft Hackles: Full Dressed Red, Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle, Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle, Partridge and Orange, Partridge and Olive.

August 8th – 14th | Madison River Fishing Report

Hoot Owl restrictions remain in effect for the foreseeable future on the Upper Madison. So get on early and put those rods away at 2pm. Fishing overall remains pretty good. Although it seems each day right now is different. With periods of time and stretches of river producing that may or may not have produced the day before. It’s a patience game at times. Switching bugs, tactics, colors, to whatever our fishy friends want at that particular time. Nymphing is definitely your best bet for solid action throughout the day. But if you’re willing to stick with the dries and are patient and have a solid rotation of patterns you can bring some tiny guys as well as some nice ones to the net. And the streamer game is showing some great signs of life over that last week.

The dry fly action with hoppers, ants, and beetles has shown a bit more consistency over the last week. Especially in the Storey to Varney area. Tan, Yellow, Peach, and Pink seem to be the general colors of choice. In the mornings we still have some Epeourous Spinners and some Caddis out and about. So it’s wise to have some Rusty Spinners and your favorite Caddis imitations just in case. Nocturnals also remain active in the mornings as well.

As we said before nymphing remains fair to good most days. With Prince variants, Small to Mid Size Pat’s Rubberlegs, Lightning Bugs, Shop Vac’s , Dips, Delektable Lil’ Spankers and Pheasant Tails.

Streamer fishing is bringing some great fish early in the mornings. If you can get on at dawn or slightly before there are some players out there ready to pounce. Trailing your streamer with a small nymph continues to be highly effective as well over the last several days. Standard colors like Olive and Black are working great in the mornings and throughout the day. Brighter colors are taking some good fish also when the sun is high and bright.

We just received some of Dan’s new patterns this week. The full assortment of the Delektable Lil’ Secret Dries are now in stock in UV Cinnamon, Royal, Goldrush, and UV Caddis Green. These are great patterns to imitate smaller Stoneflies, Nocturnals, and make a good low riding Hopper Pattern as well. I had a chance to test some out a couple mornings ago and they did not disappoint. So stop by and grab some while you can. The guides and visitors are gobbling them up as we speak.

Dries: Thunder Thighs Hopper, Morrish Hopper, More or Less Hopper, Half Down Hopper in Tan, Peach, Pink, Yellow, #12-#14. Delektable Flying Ant in UV Cinnamon, UV Purple, Black, Black/Red, Red #14-#16. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, UV Cinnamon, Tan #14-#18. Delektable Chubbyness in Royal, UV Cinnamon, UV Purple and Rootbeer #12-#16. Parachute Adam’s #10-#16. Purple Haze #10 – #16. Yeager’s 409 Red #14-#16. Delektable Lil’ Secret UV Cinnamon, Royal #12-#18.

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Olive/Black,Brown, Coffee/Black #8-#12. Delektable Lil’ Spankers Silver, Gold, Red, Pheasant Tail #12-#18. Lightning Bugs Silver, Gold #14-#18. Shop Vac’s #14-#16. 3 Dollar Dips Brown #16-#18. Crystal Dips #16-#18. Formerly Known as Prince #12-#16. Prince Nymph #12-#16. Wire Worms #4-#8. Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single and Double Black/Olive, Olive/White, Olive, White. Zonkers Natural and Olive. Trevor’s Sculpin Olive and Black. Dungeons Full Size and Mini. Silk Kitty. Sparkle Minnows. Kreelex. Sculpzilla Olive and Black.

As you can see we had a visit from two of the Hoot Owl Trout Princesses. They gave Dan some great Karma for that Fattie ‘Bow.

July 18th – July 24th | Madison River Fishing Report

It’s been an eventful week up in the Madison Valley. Hoot Owl restrictions went into place on July 21st for the entire Madison River. From the mouth to the Yellowstone National Park Boundary. So for those of you who may be unfamiliar with these rules since this has never happened on the Upper section. This means no fishing between 2PM and Midnight. Also Yellowstone National Park has decided to implement Hoot Owl restrictions on all rivers and streams within the National Park beginning at 2PM on July 24th. The one difference with the YNP restrictions is that there is no fishing from 2PM until sunrise rather than Midnight. Water quality is actually good. Flows are currently at 1500 cfs at the Kirby guage. Which is about 200 cfs above the median historical flow at this time of year. Water temps are topping out between 65 and 68 degrees everyday. With early morning to mid morning temps staying in the mid to high 50’s. But with so many rivers under restriction FWP doesn’t want to have a flood of guides and anglers flocking to the Madison if it were one of the few rivers left without restriction. See the below link to Montana FWP for a full list of closures and restrictions throughout the state. 

https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions

As for the fishing, it remains pretty good. Dries, nymphs, and streamers are fishing well throughout periods of the day. Attractor dries, Caddis, PMD’s, Sallies, Ants, Beetles, and Hoppers are all possibilities. The dry dropper rig is prime right now with a Chubby or Hopper up top with a smaller nymph trailing. Streamer fishing has been good early for the first few hours of the day. Dead drifting, on the swing, or on the strip. PMD spinner falls in the morning. With periods of surface activity to Caddis, PMD’s, and Terrestrials throughout mid day to the closure time at 2 pm. 

It’s important to remember to be patient, and courteous as we are all dealing with these restrictions together. Keep in mind the precious resource we have and to keep in mind we are all doing our part to protect it. The boat launches will be a little more crowded with the limited hours of fishing. Enjoy the company and companionship of our fellow anglers and like all things it will be back to normal soon. Be safe and and enjoy our beautiful outdoor opportunities. We have updated our store hours during the restrictions to 6AM to 5PM seven days a week. 

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness #14-#16 Rootbeer, Royal, UV Purple, Goldrush. Delektable Lil’ Chubby #14-#16 Royal, Goldrush, Tan. Delektable Twisted X #16 Yellow/Red. Delektable Elk Hair CDC Caddis #14-#16 Tan. Delektable Halo #16 Tan, Royal. Delektable Lil’ Secret #12 Royal, Delektable Lil’ Secret #14-#16 UV Caddis Green, UV Goldrush. Micro Water Walkers #14-#16 Pink, Peanut. Morrish Hopper #12-#14 Tan, Pink. Thunder Thighs Hopper #10 Pink, Yellow. More or Less Hopper #10 Peach, Pink, Goldenrod. Delektable Flying Ant #14-#16 Purple, Black, Red, Red/Black, Cinnamon. 

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphs: Prince and Prince Variants #12-#16. Lemon Drops #14-#16. Psycho Prince #14-#16 Yellow, Purple. Delektable Lil’ Spanker #14-#16 Silver, Gold, Blue, Red. Delektable Hammerhead #14-#16 Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail. Lightning Bugs #14-#16 Silver, Gold. Pat’s Rubberlegs #8-#10 Olive/Black, Brown/Black. Delektable Root Beer Float #16 PMD. Delektable Tungsten Jighead Spanker #16 Miller Time. Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-#16. Split Back PMD #14-#16. 

Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single and Double in Olive/Black, White. Mini Dungeons. McCune’s Sculpin Tan, Olive. Zonkers Copper, Silver. Sparkle Minnows single and articulated. Sculpzilla’s Black, Olive. 

 

June 20th – 26th | Madison River Fishing Report

 

 

 

 

 

Prime time is now on the Upper Madison. Salmonflies, Goldens, Sallies, PMD’s, the Big Bomber Sedge Caddis along with the smaller cousin Hydropsyche Caddis are all out on the water. It’s most definitely Dry Fly time on the Madison right now. Salmon Flies are spread from Windy Point down to Varney. And over the last four days the fish have been cooperating nicely.

The Dry Fly bite has become much more consistent over the last several days. Some calmer winds and a bit of cloud cover in the afternoons has helped the trout feel much more comfortable coming up to slurp down our offerings. The evening fishing with Caddis and PMD spinner falls is strong throughout the Upper right now. Double Dry Rigs, or Dry Dropper Rigs are producing great. As with any river you will find lulls in the action on top no matter how strong the bite may be at a given time. So if you feel the need to drift some Nymphs have at it. Along with all the Stone patterns, all the variations of Prince Nymphs are fishing very strong this week.

The Streamer game is working as well. For the more aggressive action think early and late. Mid day has been stronger dead drifting a Streamer under an indicator or dropping a small Nymph trailing behind.

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Secret Stone in Royal, UV Salmon Fly, UV Orange, UV Goldenstone. Delektable Mega 2Tone Chubbyness in UV Salmon Fly, UV Goldrush. Morrish Fluttering Salmonfly. Delektable Lil’ Yellowstone, Delektable Elk Hair CDC Caddis #14-#16. Delektable Halo Tan #16. Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10-#12. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, UV Cinammon, UV Goldrush, UV Tan. Carlson’s Purple Craze #14-#16.
Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs, Delektable Mega Prince, Delektable Hurless Stone, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Jig Head Miller Time, Pheasant Tail #14-#18. Formerly Known as Prince, Red Thread Prince, Delektable Prince Brandon #12-#16. Lemon Drops #14-#16. Panty Dropper PMD curved hook #16. Split Back PMD #14-#16. Perdigons #14-#18. Delektable Lil’ Spankers Pheasant Tail, Red, Silver #14-#16. Delektable Hammerhead Standard and Jighead Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, Red #14-#18. Guides Choice Hare’s Ear #14-#16.
Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single and Double in Olive/Black, Brown/Yellow, Badger. Dungeons and Mini Dungeons in Black and Olive. Zonkers Silver and Copper. McCune’s Sculpin Olive and Tan.

Remember to be safe and courteous on the river during this busy time. We are all here to have fun, unwind, and get away from the stress of our daily lives. Please call us or stop by anytime for any advice or fly tackle you may be in need of. If you haven’t discovered Beartooth Flyfishing yet, come and meet the Delektable Crew as you won’t be disappointed.

June 13th – 19th | Madison River Fishing Report

The official start of Summer is still a week out, but it sure has felt like Summer here in the Madison Valley over the last several days. The Summer hatches have begun. Salmon Flies are currently scattered from Ennis up to Storey Ditch. The Caddis activity is building daily. Little Yellow Stones and PMD’s are showing up as well. It’s a great time to be spending time on the Madison to be sure.

If you are a Dry or Die Angler there are fish to be had throughout the day if your patient, rotating your bugs and getting that dry in front of the right trout. But the consistency isn’t quite there yet. Most of us at the shop are having our best success with the Dries in the evenings. That magic couple of hours before dark as the sun begins to leave the water. Anglers are also having success using a Dry Dropper Rig out there with the lower flows.

The Nymphing over the last several days has been good to excellent. Large Stonefly Nymphs, Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs, and Emergent Caddis Pupae, PMD Nymphs, and Perdigons are all fishing well subsurface.

The Streamer game has been best for the early risers and those out on the river late. Some days its been good and others a bit slow. When you catch a day with some clouds though the trout will chase.

Dries: Delektable Secret Stone in Royal, Goldenstone, and UV Salmonfly and UV Orange, Water Walkers, Delektable Mega Chubbyness in Royal, UV Salmonfly and UV Orange. Delektable 2 Tone Chubbyness UV Goldrush. Delektable Lil’ Chubbies in Purple/Black, Royal. Carlson’s Purple Craze, Delektable Elk Hair CDC Caddis, Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10 for the Big Bomber Sedge Caddis.

Nymphs: Prince Nymph, Formerly Known as Prince, #12-#16. Delektable Lil’ Spankers in Silver, Pheasant Tail #14 – #18. Delektable Hammerheads in Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail. #14-#16. Delektable Jig Head Spankers in Miller Time, Pheasant Tail, Orange, Silver #12-#16. Lemon Drops #14-#16. Pat’s Rubberlegs in Black , Brown/Black, Brown #4-#10. Delektable Guide Stones #6. Delektable Mega Prince #6-#10. Delektable Stonefly Candy #6-#8. Perdigons #16-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Single and Double Screamers in Black/Olive, Brown/Yellow, Natural. Dungeons and Mini Dungeons. Zirdles, Zonkers, Sparkle Minnows.

As always we invite you to come visit us at Beartooth Flyfishing. We are well stocked on flies and tackle. We are always happy to share our knowledge of the area fisheries and help you all in any way we can. Stay safe out there and Tight Lines everyone!

May 11th – May 15th Madison River

The last week on the Upper Madison has seen a bit of everything. We’ve had beautiful calm warm spring days, mixed in with cool stormy days and even some snow now and then. The fishing has been overall good yet sporadic at times. We are still holding on with pre runoff conditions at the moment but that could change in the next few days with warm temperatures forecast for the next four to five days. Currently the river is holding on with that nice green color. Plenty of visibility for dries, nymphs, or streamers until runoff begins in earnest.

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphing has been the best way to get into some fish at most times. Delektable Mega Princes, Delektable Hurless Stones, and other Stonefly Nymph patterns in sizes #8 – #10. We are beginning to see the fish looking for the Golden Stone Nymphs as well now. It’s a good idea to have some of those in your fly rotations now also. Delekatable Lil’ Spankers in Silver and Blue #16 – #20, Delektable Big Spanker Warriors in #18, Shop Vacs #16 – #18, Delektable Hammerheads #16, Zebra Midges #18 – #20 in Red or Black, Perdigons #16 – #18, Psycho Princes #14 – #18, Hare’s Ear Nymphs #14 – #16. #12 – #14 Lil’ Spankers and other Pheasant Tail variants will imitate the larger March Brown Nymphs that are now beginning to emerge on the warmer days.

Dry Fly action has been good around Ennis and on the Lower Madison with the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch in full swing. Delektable Halo Caddis Emergers in Peacock and Olive #14 – #16, Delektable CDC Holographic Caddis in Olive are excellent patterns to imitate this hatch. Our Delektable Lil’ Chubbies in the Olive tones have also fished well. Afternoons through evenings have seen the best action. Blue Winged Olive and Midge activity continues on the Upper Wade Section around Raynold’s Pass and $3 Dollar Bridge. If the wind is calm and not super bright you can have some outstanding action up there.

The Streamer bite continues to be sporadic. Cloudy days have been better but still not lights out. As runoff begins and the flows come up, we should begin to see the Streamer action really begin to take off. Dead drifting, and varying your retrieves and color choices will get you into some fish if your patient and mix up your game a bit. And of course being out early or late when the light is low always is Streamer time.