Madison River Outfitters

Between the lakes, flows out of Hebgen Dam have dropped to 900 CFS.  This is a great level for wade fishing and makes for an excellent dry bite.  We’ve had good luck on Trudes, Wulffs and Rusty Brown Parachutes. Evening Caddis hatches have necessitated keeping a few EC Caddis in the fly box as well. When prospecting with dries, look for out of the way water that hasn’t been fished for a bit.  Nymph fishing fish #16-18 Serendipities and Olive Hare’s Ears has also been worth the time to rig up.   

Quake Lake-Lyon Bridge: 7/22/09

The wade section of the Madison is fishing very well.  Trout can be caught on both nymphs and dries throughout the day.  Morning hatches of caddis and PMD’s have been good which puts the trout on the bite.  Small nymphs have been effective, especially #18 Shop Vacs.  When nymphing, look for willing fish in mid river structure.  These spots get less pressure than the obvious back side rocks and pools and make for easier fishing.  On the surface, a #16 PMD ParaWulff, Royal Trude or CDC Caddis have been great flies for the mornings.  Evenings have also seen some dynamic fishing.  Caddis emergence starts things off.  Later in the evening, these insects are joined by excellent mayfly spinner falls.  Calf Wing Rusty Spinners, Iris Caddis and Epeorus Parachutes are tough to beat at this time of day.  When the light gets bad, rig up a big visible dry in front of the emerger or spinner pattern and keep at it until dark.

Lyon Bridge to Ennis: 7/22/09

Water levels in the float section are perfect for dry fly fishing.  We’re still seeing good insect activity, so terrestrial fishing has been put on hold for a bit.  PMD and Epeorus Mayflies go along with the excellent caddis hatches.  Parachute PMDs, E/Z Caddis, Trudes and Rusty Orange Parachutes have all been rather fishy flies.  Nymphs have also been working well, especially in the mornings.  Tailwater Tinys, Black Crystal Dips, and Olive Micro Mayflies are the ticket to fish deep.

Gallatin River: 7/22/09

The Gallatin can’t seem to make its mind up whether it wants to run clear or dirty these days and with more thundershowers in the forecast, expect more indecision on the part of the river.  Right now it is clear and fishing well.  Check the flows before you leave home as a hard rain can put the river out for a few days.  When clear, chuck Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams and Yellow or Royal Stimulators at the Gallatin’s trout.  They have been more than willing to feed on the surface when the river is in shape.

Hebgen Lake 7/22/09

Hebgen is seeing good numbers of Callibaetis, though dry fly fishers have often been complaining about the limited time these insects are on the water before winds come up and ruin the fun.  Fishing deep with Chironomids, Callibaetis Nymphs and Princes has made up to some degree for the lack of consistent dry fly fishing.

Quake Lake 7/22/09

Quake has had really good Callibaetis fishing as of late.  Fish have been keyed into Callibaetis spinners throughout the late morning hours.  In the evening there have been a large number of fish feeding on the surface.  Midges are the usual culprit for the evening activity as usually for this time of year.  Foul weather can spoil the fun, but if it stays nice, head out to Quake for a grand time.