Madison River
Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake: 4/30/09
Snow still blocks vehicle access to the Madison below Campfire Lodge. There are a lot of anglers in the short stretch of river between the dam and Campfire, but folks seem to be finding enough fish. Avoid fishing to spawning rainbows on redds and concentrate your efforts on the runs and pockets away from spawning gravel. Small nymphs that imitate Baetis have been very effective.
Quake Lake-McAtee Bridge: 4/30/09
This stretch of river is closed until the third Saturday in May to protect spawning rainbows.
McAtee Bridge to Ennis 4/30/09
The Madison is open between McAtee and Ennis Bridges. Fishing has been consistently good, though the Gallatin is a better bet for shear numbers of fish. Dry fly fishing has been sparse to nonexistent, though there are midges on the water. Golden Stone Nymphs, Silli Leg Stones, Black Crystal Dips, Olive Hare’s Ears and Flashback Pheasant Tails have all been effective flies. Streamers will move a few fish, but the nymph bite has been a lot more steady.
Gallatin River: 4/30/09
The Gallatin got good and dirty last time it warmed up, then promptly cleared up and dropped into shape when we got cold again. As long as visibility remains over a foot, expect some good fishing. Right now the fishing is easy, the fish are plentiful and on the bit. Big stonefly nymphs have been the fly.
Hebgen and Quake Lakes 4/30/09
The main bodies of these lakes are still frozen. Over the snow travel allows anglers access to liquid water where the fishing has been pretty good. The Quake Lake boat ramp is still iced in, but the ice free water is close. A few days of warm weather should do it. Hebgen is still a ways from being ice free.