Madison River Report - May 30, 2024
Madison River Flows:
Northwestern Energy will be gradually reducing the flows from Hebgen Dam after May 28th, leaving a little over 2 feet for the lake to come up in the following weeks. There’s still plenty of fishable water while we wait for peak runoff, with 49 inches of snow (19 inches of Snow Water Equivalent) remaining at the Carrot Basin Snotel Site. As weather improves, we can expect to lose a couple inches of snow from the peaks each day.
Below Hebgen: 1050 cfs
Kirby: 1490 cfs
Varney: 2140 cfs
Between the Lakes
Memorial Day weekend brought West Yellowstone a glimpse of summer heat, and we are immediately back to reality with cooler weather for the upcoming days. Fishing below the dam has been productive for those willing to wade, while visibility has been gradually reduced after every afternoon rainstorm we’ve seen in the last week. Once we see more consistent warm weather, expect visibility to likely get worse before it gets better. With that being said, those fish are still willing to eat your biggest Rubber Legs or Bouface Leech if you can get it in front of them.
Wade Section
Whether you’re prospecting water with a nymph rig or stripping a streamer through deep soft pools, don’t overlook the banks. While the river is still off color, those bigger fish will be tucked up tight to the banks. Cover the wade section with an Arizona Hares Ear, Jig Pheasant Tail, or 101 Stone. As we approach peak runoff, put extra consideration into wading cautiously. Even experienced anglers take the occasional (unintended) dip into the Madison while it’s still a balmy 51 degrees.
Float Section
Be sure to stock up on streamers for this time of year on the float section. Those better quality fish will 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, Sculpin Snacks or a Thin Mint are all great options for enticing pickier fish tucked up under the banks. Warmer afternoons may give us some intermittent BWO’s, so keep an eye out during the heat of the day for some dry fly action if you’re looking to switch things up a bit. Think Sparkle Dunns or a Hi-Viz BWO spinner. The Madison is shaping up for a great season, and there’s great fishing yet ahead! When all else fails, check in with Fishy Joe for his custom fly assortments for the 50 Mile Riffle.