Madison River
Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake 10/19/08
The Madison just reopened between the lakes. Fishing has been quite good, but there are a lot of anglers on the water, especially on weekends. Both midges and baetis have hatched in good numbers. Nymphing with imitations of each has been the best way to get hooked up. Olive Zebra Midges, Olive PT’s, Crystal Dips and Micro Mays are all good flies. Prince Nymphs have also been good in a #12-16. Some rising fish can be found when the sun is off the water making for excellent dry fly fishing to large fish with #22 dries. Baetis Stacker Cripples have been very effective when dead drifted over risers.
Quake Lake-Lyon Bridge: 10/19/08
Fishing has been very good on cloud days below Quake. Beautiful sunny days aren’t what we’re looking for this time of year. Nymphing has been really good with small midge and baetis patterns. Hatches of midges have been bringing up fish in the mornings while Baetis have been strong on cloudy afternoons. Anglers are also catching some really nice brown on streamers in the evenings.
Lyon Bridge -Ennis: 10/19/08
The float section of the Madison is still fishing great and the summer’s Clacka hatch is pretty much over. Only an intolerance for the cold will limit one’s fishing success. Nymphing is still the best way to find fish, though streamer fishing is always a great option this time of year. Careful navigation is a must as the river is lower than it has been at any point this season.