Madison River Flows:

Flows at the Dam dropped back on Wednesday after another rain event pushed it's way through the basin this week.  Hebgen Lake is now 6 inches from full pond!  Here soon, any water that is coming into Hebgen will be matched at the outflow. There’s still plenty of fishable water while we wait for things to clear up, with 17 inches of snow (4.6 inches of Snow Water Equivalent) remaining at the Carrot Basin Snotel Site, runoff has hit it's peak.    There is some weather coming early next week, so be prepared for cooler temps and rain. 

Below Hebgen: 971 cfs

Kirby: 1570 cfs

Varney: 2790 cfs

Between the Lakes

Fishing below the Dam has been productive, even on the right bank in the dirty water from Cabin Creek.  While visibility has been gradually reduced on the right bank after every afternoon rainstorm we’ve seen in the last week, those fish will still eat a fly if you get it right in front of them.  Find the softer, deeper water and you;ll find the fish.  Cabin and Beaver Creeks are pumping in mud, but that can clear up in just a few of days once the rain stops (it has for now). With that being said, those fish are still willing to eat your Rubber Legs, Thin Mint or Bouface Leech trailed with smaller nymphs (BH Shop Vacs, Bullet Quill style Jigs, BH Serendipities, Roza's Pink Hare's Ear, 101 Stones, red SJW). 

Wade Section

While the river is still off color, for the time being, it is NOT blown out - at Reynold's Pass the river is green. Those bigger fish are tucked up tight to the banks - short leashing a couple of nymphs or fishing a chubby and a long dropper is a great way to cover the water. Flies that we suggest for the wade section are - Arizona Hares Ear, Jig Pheasant Tail, Red Neck, Hoover Black, SJW or 101 Stone. Since the river is green right now, don't be afraid to fish smaller nymphs like Bullet Quills, Jig Napoleans or Pheasant Tails. Will those fish eat a rubber leg in the wade stretch? Sure thing, but going with the smaller flies in your box will produce a few more fish.  Put extra consideration into wading cautiously during peak runoff.  This is not the time of the year to go for a swim, tighten up that waist belt folks and wear felt boots. 

Float Section

Even with the recent rains this week, the West Fork has cleared up considerably. The left bank below Lyon Bridge is fishable, but stopping to work the spots is best on that side of the river.  Nymph fishing with a Rubber Legs, 101 Stone, or Thin Mint followed up with smaller beadheads like a Red Neck or a red SJW should produce some decent fishing.  It's a great time of the year to fish with heavier tippet to both flies, there are plenty of beaver sticks on the banks in June during runoff and it's pretty easy to run through a puck flies.  We suggest 1 or 2X for the top fly and 2 or 3x for the smaller bottom flies, especially if you're fishing the left bank below Lyons.  Getting em' on the run in these flows can be a little tougher at times, so use some weight and get those flies down.  Be sure to stock up on streamers for this time of year as well. Those better quality fish can be tucked up tight to the edges of the river, and can be more than willing to crush a big meal that swims by them on the right day. Mini Dungeons, BFE’s, Swing Delights (come by the shop and check this streamer out), Sculpin Snacks or a Thin Mint are all great options for enticing pickier fish tucked up under the banks. The Madison is shaping up for a wonderful season, and there’s great fishing yet ahead!