Madison River
Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake: 3/17/09
Fishing between Hebgen and Quake has picked up a bit as we slowly begin to see glimpses of spring. River flow out of Hebgen Dam is still around 775 CFS which is normal for this time of year and a great level for fishing. Nymph fishing continues to be the best way to hook up trout. Both larger (size 6-12) stonefly nymphs and smaller (16-20) midge and caddis larva imitations are effective at this time. Biot Golden Stones and Olive Hare’s have been really good flies as well. Trout are concentrated in slower water and good long dead drifts are necessary to coax hook ups.
Quake Lake-McAtee Bridge: 3/17/09
This stretch of river is closed until the third Saturday in May to protect spawning rainbows.
McAtee Bridge to Ennis 3/17/09
The Madison is open between Mac and Varney. The ice jam which blocked much of the river this winter has melted away and the water is in fine shape. High water last fall moved a lot of gravel around, so expect the river to look and fish a little differently than it has in the past. The good news is that the high water has exposed a ton of gravel and this should translate into a great spawn and good hatches this summer. Midges are abundant on the river, but fish only rise to them in a few choice spots. Streamers and nymphs will account for far more fish than dries. Natural colored sculpin patterns have been effective streamers. Black Crystal Dips, Princes, Rubber Leg Stones and Bead Head Pheasant Tails have all been good nymphs.
Gallatin River: 3/17/09
We are still finding good fishing on the Gallatin. The river is seeing a bit more pressure than it was in the depths of winter, but the fish are still feeding. Though we have seen a few fish rising here and there, most of the midges are being ignored. Nymphing is by far the most productive way to attack the river. We’ve had good luck on everything from #6 Silli Leg Stones down to #20 Olive Zebra Midges. #14-16 Prince and Pheasant Tail nymphs have been particularly effective. Look for big pools with large pockets of deep and slow water. Other types of water hold fish, but these big pools seem to have concentrations of fish in them.