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Thank you for checking out our most recent upper Madison River fishing report. It is our goal to keep this page updated on a regular basis to serve as a resource for those of you planning your visit to Montana. Please refer to the information below consisting of fishing techniques, fly patterns, Madison River flows and the weather in Ennis, Montana. We encourage you to give us a call for more information not detailed in our fishing report.
It's been incredibly nice out here this April. We'll see a slight disruption from the north for a couple of the days ahead, but then we'll be right back on that warming trend. The fishing has been excellent and so have the river conditions.
Winds will shift to the north later today, letting some cold weather into the Madison Valley. Expect some tough rowing conditions when that happens and possibly some snow on the ground. Once that moves through we'll go back to south wind and see improving conditions for the extended forecast.
The flows bumped 200 CFS over the last couple of days due to some snowmelt. Hebgen Dam hasn't budge, so we expect flows will gradually subside with the incoming storm. There was a slight hint of color in the river yesterday but she's green today.
Midges, BWOs and skwalas are coming off sporadically based on the weather conditions. Look for the smaller bugs during overcast days and the bigger ones on warmer days. It's unlikely that you'll see a lot of stoneflies flying around, but just know the trout the are looking for them! Lots and lots of skwala here in town. Some recent kick net samples demonstrated an incredibly diverse amount of nymphs at the moment. You name it and it's down there moving around.
Dries, nymphs and streamers all have their moments recently, with the streamer and nymph being the top choice. The trout have really turned on their appetite for sculpin recently. The warming water temperatures have got them moving quickly to the fly. There isn't much to the nymph game other than girdle bugs, standard mayfly patterns and worms. You can bring fish up to a chubby in the lower sections of the river. There are some great midge and BWO hatches occurring higher up in the system on warm and overcast days.
To simplify things, you can expect Madison River trout to eat just about every classic trout pattern ever tied depending on the time of year. Known for prolific stonefly, caddis, mayfly and midge hatches, the trout of the Madison aren't as picky as other rivers. If you get the size and color right, chances are they'll eat it so long as you have the correct presentation. Certainly there are some local secrets, but if you stock up on the basics you should be just fine!
A 5 or 6 WT fly rod is ideal for most fly fishing situations on the Madison River. The Madison Valley can be a breezy place and with such a wide river it can help to have a little extra power in your cast. We tend to prefer fast action fly rods for this reason. Your fly line is arguably more important than your fly rod though. Half size heavy weight forward floating lines are the ideal compliment to a modern fast action rod.
A slow action 3-5 WT certainly has its time and place on this river, especially during the caddis, midge and BWO hatches. 7 WT rods are commonly fished with short sink-tip fly lines and big streamers. They also come in handy during the salmonfly hatch when you're casting a 3" long foam body dry fly.
Breathable waders and sturdy boots are often a necessity during the spring and fall months. Your best soles for traction are felt with carbide tipped studs. Be aware that many Madison River fly fishing guides do not allow studs in their boats. It is rare that waders are required between June 15-September 15. During these months, some lightweight boots or water shoes/sandals are preferred.
Above all else, quality clothing and accessories for all types of weather are essential for staying comfortable during the day. Montana can throw just about any type of weather your way so be prepared with a well thought out layering system to handle the often cold mornings and warm afternoons.
Join us October 6-10 at a discounted rate for 4 nights & 3 days of guided streamer fishing. We'll fish a variety of water in hopes of landing a trophy. Expect to learn from the best and make a lot of casts!
These openings are rare and don't last long, so be quick to claim them. Just give us a call!