Tag: Upper Madison River fishing report

October 30th-November 5th|Madison River Fishing Report

Flows are steady with the last couple of weeks’ reports as the temperature will begin to drop here in the Madison Valley. Daytime highs are predicted to be all over the board this week between about 30 and 50 degrees.

 

Let’s hope that the changing weather will turn the streamer bite on! We’ve seen some good fish caught lately on McCune’s Sculpins, Sundell’s Bad Boys, Mini Loops and Delektable Screamers but we’re still hoping to see some more consistency with the streamer bite.

Nymphs have been picking up most of the fish, of course. Hare’s Ears, Prince Nymphs, Rubberlegs, eggs and Delektable Big Spankers have all been good choices as of recent and they’re working best in the deeper holes so you may want to have some split shot with you as well.

Dry fly fishing is the same story as the past couple weeks with baetis being the main target. I still recommend just a classic parachute adams to imitate them but don’t be surprised to see more midge action in the coming days as it cools off.

Keep checking in for more tips and reports to come!

October 23rd-29th|Madison River Fishing Report

Warmer than average temps are expected for this week so get out there and take advantage! Flows are still holding steady at around 940 c.f.s. below Hebgen, 1,030 c.f.s. at Kirby and about 1,150 c.f.s at Varney.

With temps expected in the 55-70 degree range throughout the week I’d expect some continuing good BWO and baetis fishing especially on the upper end of the river. I’ve yet to find a baetis dry I like better than the ol’ Parachute Adams and the BWO’s are easy enough to imitate with a #18 purple craze or a split-wing BWO.

 

Nymphs have of course have been the most successful with Pat’s Rubberlegs, Delektable Lil’ Spankers, RS2s and Prince Nymphs all being some of the top flies. Whether it’s a tight-line, under a bobber or behind a streamer those bugs should get you by.

If you just want to chuck streamers be willing to work for it as streamer fishing has been somewhat inconsistent with some really good days mixed in. The Delektable Screamer, Bow River Buggers, Zonkers and Sculpzillas are all good things to have in the box.

 

October 16th-22nd|Madison River Fishing Report

 

It was an interesting week weather wise here in the Madison Valley with lots of wind and some rain and snow but the forecast for this upcoming week looks a lot more fish friendly. Flows have been consistent at 940 c.f.s. below the dam at Hebgen, 1020 c.f.s. at Kirby and 1170 down at Varney.   

 

The nymph fishing has been producing some quality fish especially later in the day when the waters warmest. Prince nymphs, Rubberlegs, Delektable Pheasant Tail Lil’ Spankers, Red Copper Johns and Worms have all gotten it done out there over the past few days.

 

Still the same song and dance on top, BWO’s and October Caddis. I’m expecting some good hatches this week with the weather predicted to be a little warmer (high 50s and lower 60s) so you dry or die guys should get a good late season fix. I’d be sure to have a couple Delektable Ranch BWOs in the box as well as some Adams and Purple Crazes and as the light dims in the evening skate a big October Caddis pattern around.

                                          

The streamer bite has been pretty good but not what we’d expect for this time of year, I’d count on that improving from good to great in the coming days. The olive and black Delektable Double Screamer has been my go to streamer as of late but we’ve also seen action on Galloup’s Sex Dungeon, pearl Zonkers, Trevor’s Sculpin and the white single Screamer. I’ve had the best luck on slow short strips and swings.

 

Be sure to call or stop in for any other tips you may need before heading out to enjoy the river and as always, check back next week for another up to date report
 

 

October 9th-15th|Madison River Fishing Report

Flows are holding steady at 930 c.f.s. below Hebgen, 1020 at Kirby and 1140 c.f.s. down at Varney. The fly selection has been a little untypical for this time of year but if you can crack the code the fishing has been good. It’s looking like a mild week for this time of year coming up with daytime highs well into the 60’s so get out there and enjoy it!

 

Under the surface fish are eating things like Zebra Midges, RS2’s, Pat’s Rubberlegs in smaller sizes, small Delektable Big Spankers, Copper Johns and Princes. They’ll take those under a bobber or with a tight line which can be a little better for hooking them in some of the boulder pools.

 

Streamers are fishing well throughout the upper river. Make sure to swing some flies in front of the boulders as well as behind, we’ve seen a lot of fish holding in front of the rocks. Olive/black and white Delektable Screamers have been great flies as well as Circus Peanuts, McCune’s sculpins, Morrish sculpins and Sculpzillas.

Dry fly fishing has been pretty consistent with the last report, Baetis and BWOs with a few October caddis being eaten as well. Size #18 Purple Craze have been the ticket for the BWOs and a #16 Parachute Adams should see some attention as well. A big Elk hair or Goddard caddis should do a good job of imitating the Octobers in the evenings.

Get out there and enjoy the river before old man winter blows into the valley!

October 2nd-8th | Madison River Fishing Report

River flow below Hebgen is up a bit from 880 c.f.s. to 930. Down at Kirby it’s running at 1020 c.f.s. and 1140 at Varney Bridge. We’ve got a couple chilly days coming up but by the end of the week we’ll be back into the low 60’s which should do good things for our BWO and baetis fishing.

The subsurface bugs are catching fish. Smaller Rubberlegs in black or black/brown, worms, bigger zebra midges, Delektable Big Spankers, soft hackle Copper Johns and Hare’s ears are all good bugs.

Streamers have been fishing well but size and colors have been a bit inconsistent so bring a good assortment and be willing to change up a few times till you find that magic fly. Delektable Screamers have been good as always especially in white, black/olive and badger. We’ve also had fish eat the Trevor’s sculpin, McCune’s, Sparkle Minnows and natural Zonkers.

Dry flies are picking fish up as well; you’ll want to target the slow slicks and behind the big rocks. Always remember that they don’t eat the fly unless you fish it even if you aren’t seeing heads poking up. Adams flies or Purple Crazes in sizes #16 or #18 should do the trick.

 

 

September 25th- October 1st | Madison River Fishing Report

Well I can’t believe it’s already October, we will be changing our store hours with the seasons to 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Flows have been steady at 880 c.f.s. below Hebgen, about 960 at Kirby and 1090 c.f.s. down at Varney. Although flows have been consistent the weather has not and due to that we had a couple days we had to work for some fish. The good news is things are on the upswing again.

Baetis are starting to show up especially in the upper wade section. I have been seeing fish eating mayflies and the occasional October caddis on the surface later in the afternoon. A big Goddard caddis with a parachute adams or a purple haze behind it should get you dry fly guys through the day. 

Streamer fishing has been good lately as well with the browns being very aggressive some days. I’ve seen better action on slower strips with white Delektable screamers, olive/white double bunny’s and when the going gets tough try dead drifting smaller sculpin patterns like Sheila’s or Morrish’s sculpins. 

Nymphing has unsurprisingly been most productive. Prince nymphs, Delektable Lil’ Spankers in red or pheasant tail, Delektable Hammerheads, Rubberlegs, and worms are all good options to hang under an indicator or behind a streamer.

Always feel free to call or stop in the shop for any additional info and keep an eye out for more reports to come!

September 18th-24th | Madison River Fishing Report

The river is flowing at 1,140 c.f.s. at Varney Bridge, 971 c.f.s. at Kirby and 880 c.f.s. below Hebgen Lake. The weather has been a bit on the chilly side but it looks like that will be changing over the next few days. Forecasted daytime highs are in the upper 50s and will climb into the upper 60s by the end of the week, let’s hope the fishing heats up too.

    Dry fly fishing has been on the tougher side lately with the cold temps keeping the bugs below the surface but as it warmed up a bit over the last couple days we started to see some mayflies here and there. This means the baetis and bwo fishing is starting and will only be getting better in the coming days. It’ll be tough to beat the ol’ #16 parachute Adams fly for the Calabaetis and a #18 Purple Craze for the blue wing imitations.

The bead-heads are getting it done as usual. Behind streamers or under a bobber things like Copper Johns, Delektable Big Spankers, Zebra Midges, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails, Shop Vacs, and Lightning Bugs are all getting bit.  

Streamer fishing has been pretty good but colors and sizes have varied day to day, if you work through the fly box you’ll find success. Delektable Screamers have been my go to bugs but Bow River Buggers, Sundell’s Bad Boy, McCune’s Sculpin, and Sheila’s Sculpin are all good things to have in the box.

September 11th-17th | Madison River Fishing Report

 

Well it felt a lot like winter when I woke up  yesterday morning and that was a blessing after such a dry couple of months. With predicted rain and highs in the mid 50s and low 60s the forecast is looking good for everyone’s favorite fall festivity, STREAMER FISHING! Flows are at 861 c.f.s. below Hebgen Lake and 970 c.f.s. down at Kirby.

 

Speaking of streamer fishing it has been  pretty good as of late, best in the mornings and evenings but I expect it to be an all day affair with the upcoming weather. The fish are in their normal hiding places (undercuts, boulders, logjams, etc.) feeding on their usual prey (whitefish and sculpin). Some of the bigger flies are starting to get more attention like the Delektable Double-Screamer, Circus Peanuts, Silk Kitty, and Sundell’s Bad Boys as well as the go to smaller stuff like Double Bunnys, Delektable Single Screamers and Sheila’s Sculpins. 

The recent snow probably put down some of the hoppers but it usually takes a couple cold spells to get rid of them for the season. Good news is the water temp is right down to Calabaetis and BWO levels so keep an eye out for those to start hatching. The bigger caddis are lingering around the banks in the evenings but we’re still waiting for them to show up in any numbers which shouldn’t take long at all.

Nymphs are still the best option if you’re out there looking for hook ups. Mornings have been most productive but that may change with the water temps. They’ve been taking some of the bigger soft hackles and/or caddis emergers like Delektable Hammerheads and soft hackle Copper Johns as well as the smaller bead-heads such as tungsten Studlys, Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Formerly Known as Princes, and Shop Vacs.

Keep checking in for more up to date fishing reports and as always call or stop in the shop for any other tips you may need!

September 4th-10th | Madison River Fishing Report

As we work our way into September day time temps are scheduled to drop into the 60s by the end of the week and some rain here and there will be a nice change from the smoky skies we’ve had. The Madison is flowing at 985 c.f.s. below Hebgen and 1130 c.f.s. down at Kirby.

Fishing has been good below the surface with streamers and nymphs. Let’s start with the nymphs; lightning bugs are still killing it and Delektable Big Spankers and Hammerheads, Two Bit Hookers, Shop Vacs and small Rubberlegs are all doing their job as well.

Streamer fishing has been pretty good as the sun comes up and as it goes down. A few of our top flies have been black/olive or white Delektable Screamers, Sculpzillas, olive Mini Loops and Trevor’s Sculpins. The Browns are sitting behind the rocks waiting all night for something meaty to swim by so take advantage!

We’ve had some good action on the surface in the middle and end of the day as well. Small black caddis and some bigger caddis are starting to hatch in the evenings and the hoppers and small chubby patterns are still getting action during the day. Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis and other small elk hairs are good in the evening along the banks. Yeti Hoppers, Sheila’s Hoppers, Delektable Slammers and Chubbyness in UV cinnamon or royal are all good options during the middle of the day.

Seasons are changing and the fishing is good so get out there and take advantage!

Madison River Fishing Report | August 28th – September 3rd

It’s already September and the summer has been really good to us here on the Upper Madison. The river is flowing at about 1,000 c.f.s. below Hebgen and 1,040 c.f.s. at Kirby Ranch. The forecast is calling for another dry smoky week ahead with temps in the upper 70’s and 80’s which should keep the terrestrial fishing going.

 

Nymph fishing has been really good lately whether under a big dry or a bobber. The name of the game has been small nymph flies, #16s, #18s and down to #20s. We’re having success on Delektable Big Spankers in the warrior color, Two Bit Hookers in black, Delektable Hammerheads, San Juans, and Rainbow Warriors. Prince patterns still work and Pheasant Tail patterns.

 

On the surface things have been producing solid fish as well. Terrestrials are still the focus but pseudo hatches in the morning have been getting thicker and lasting longer, by that I mean from sunrise until a little after 11 am. The best flies for that hatch are Parachute Adams or Purple Craze in #18 or even #20. As the day goes on the Delektable flying ants are still doing the job as well as Delektable Slammers in Chartreuse, White Cloud Hoppers, Shanafelt’s Mongo Hopper and of course all the varieties of small and medium Delektable Chubbyness patterns.

 

Streamer fishing has been slowly getting better every day. Targeting the boulders is the way to go, in front of them, beside them, and behind them. Delektable single screamers have been fishing really well in white, black or olive/black as well as Trevor’s sculpin, Bow River Buggers, Mini Loops, and Silvey’s. Stripping the flies with a little more movement has been getting a good response. But sometimes the slow strip works too.

 

We hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and caught lots of fish!