Madison River Flows-
Another slight bump in flows this week is keeping fish happy and healthy throughout the Madison River. This extra boost of water is not only continuing to keep Ennis Lake full, but pleasantly counteracting the warm days the end of the month has brought us.
Below Hebgen- 1250 CFS
Kirby- 1360 CFS
Varney- 1540 CFS
Between the Lakes
There are still plenty of fish to be found between the lakes given the abundance of bug life that continues to present itself on a daily basis. Single dries have continued to be extremely productive, especially after the big bugs have come and gone. Downsizing and tricking those fish that have seen lots of flies after the chaos of salmonflies is the challenge to conquer.
Small caddis, PMDs, and micro chubbies have been solid options to throw tight up against the banks and throughout slick water. With the warm weather we’ve been having, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to start seeing one or two terrestrials starting to waltz around, so keep your eyes peeled and your fly boxes stocked.
Wade Section
Small dry flies continue to be the name of the game this week throughout both the wade and float sections. Micro chubbies, Jojos Chubinator, Iron X-Caddis and Iris Caddis have been top contenders in the lineup of recent hot flies. Evening fishing has been exceptionally good with later caddis and PMD hatches, so don’t be afraid to get home late for dinner.
With that being said, take your time working through water in the wade section this week- it is important to focus on your first cast in each new section of water, ensuring that you’re putting your best foot forward in each initial presentation.
Float Section
Caddis are still dominating the wade section of the Madison, and we don’t expect them to slow down any time soon. Corn-Fed Caddis, Missing Links, and Micro Tan Chubbies have been great options for feeding rising fish sipping size 14 and 16 caddisflies. When the going gets tough, you can always tie on a small dropper to try to get fish moving. Try an Olive Bullet Quill, CDC Pheasant Tail, Duracell, or AZ Hares Ear nymph either under a Chubby or larger indicator.
This time of year and abundance of dry fly action is what all anglers have been seeking for months on end, so regardless of what you decide to tie on the next time you’re on the river- fish it hard be persistent on the search for the big guys.
