The Madison River from the Slide Inn area downstream is at its best. The river between Quake and Hebgen lakes is good, too. But it is much more crowded than below. On both caddis, PMD life cycle patterms, small nymphs, cranefly patterns, streamers and big nymphs have their time of day. Hebgen, Quake and Ennis lake gulpers are sparse so far.
If you prefer dry flies, terrestrial patterns are the way to go almost everywhere on Park streams. We tend to overlook ant and beetle patterns compared to those of hoppers. But a delicately placed ant or beetle can be very effective along banks and overhangs not in direct light.
Streamer patterns in the evening are your best bet to find action on the river. Fish transitions and heads of runs and along banks. If you try evening fishing here, be sure to carry caddisfly life cycle patterns as fish are rising to these. During daytime slam hopper and chernobyl patterns against banks as you would do on the South Fork.
With flows out of Mackay Dam around 450 cfs, wading is still a bit tough. Your best bet for action on the river is above the reservoir. Terrestrial and attractor patterns will be your best bets to find it.
You gotta go deep almost everywhere during these summer “dog days”. Bigger fish will be there seeking the more oxygenated waters they need to pull through until we cool down.
With terrestrial insects here to stay for a while, the choice of smaller waters with great fishing is huge. This will continue until we get into those frosty nights. We get information every day on fishing conditions from so many of these waters. Get in touch with us or come in for a visit to learn the best smaller waters at any given time.
It’s tough times for fly-fishers, but creek mouths and spring holes remain your best bet.
Throughout the river mornings and evenings are the best times for action. Rusty spinners, terrestrial and caddis patterns are the ticket during these times of day. Expect the lower river to be the warmest, but a well placed terrestrial pattern along features not in direct sunlight could bring a big trout to take anywhere. Streamers at twilight will be your best chance for a big trout on the lower river or in Box Canyon, below Coffee Pot, or in the Tubs. Look for tricos to begin emerging any day now.
Flows out of Palisades Dam are down to 7700 cfs and 8500 cfs at Heise. This is a dream come true for those fly-fishers waiting to enjoy fishing riffles. Lower water means deeper penetration of light into riffles. This is just the ticket along with good water temperature to get aquatic insects emerging in bigger numbers from riffles. The lower flows are also a gift to those who prefer walk-in wade fishing. More riffles are approachable, and safer wading is at hand. Flows out of Palisades Dam will drop further as the irrigation season winds down. So expect even more choices for walk-in wade fishing. For float fishers flows at the present levels allow safe passage throughout the river. True, a few places will become tougher to navigate (like the lost option of taking out at Twin Bridges), but with the wide variety of strategies, eager trout everywhere along the river and effective flies, the river is at its best right now. Get in touch with us or stop by to see which strategy and what fly selection fits best on the section of river you are considering to visit.
LOST AT WARM RIVER SPRING: Hand made 9-foot fly rod with G. Loomis reel, all in red case. If found call John Davis 208-5552-0817.
LOST ON THE SOUTH FORK ABOVE WOLF: Two Sage rods in a double case when a boat dumped. If found, please call Jimmy’s 208-524-7160
Callibaetis emergence has been slow to develop on Hebgen, Quake and Ennis lakes so far this summer. Almost in an effort to make up for this, the Madison River has been super fishing. Terrestrial patterns, caddis, midge, and PMD life cycle patterns, rubberlegs, standard nymphs, cranefly patterns, streamers, and (horros!) San Juan worms: they all are working. Take your pick.