Through numerous weeks of ruthless heat and only getting a tiny taste of what fall has yet to bring, we’ve finally reached the end of what some crazy anglers consider the best month of the year. Streamer junkies & dry-fly addicts alike can both agree that while the last couple weeks have been less than ideal in terms of hatches and migration status on the Madison, there have still been a handful of great opportunities at quality fish for those willing to put the time into finding them.

Last week’s turn of weather gave us a small window for making fishing miracles happen, which some folks did happen to succeed in. After the never ending heat spell, three days of snow brought immediate relief to fish and fishermen alike. While many were hoping for an outburst of Baetis after seeing cold, cloudy weather in the forecast, hope quickly reduced to disappointment after the freezing weather nearly abolished their emergence. Alternatively, streamers have continued to be the most efficient (perhaps also the most explosive & enjoyable) way of finding and landing big fish. For those willing to brave the cold weather yet ahead, definitely be focused on covering water to find where those big, migratory browns are holding up. Stick to dark colored streamers, olive & black, maybe the occasional yellow or tan to spice things up. Boufaces, BFE’s, Mini Dungeons, and Peanut Envy’s are all bound to catch a fish’s attention if you’re casting in the right place at the right time. Keep swinging those streamers till your fingers are numb, have an eye out for spawning activity, and enjoy the remains of this late-season fishing!