Best fishing is on Hebgen’s Madison Arm for gulpers. Fish during AM when lake surface is calm. Speckled dun spinner, dun, and emerger patterns, size 14-16) Be careful because blue-green algae ( toxic to pets and many domestic animals) bloom is becoming dense along shallows especially in the Grayling Arm. Hoot owl closure still applies to entire Madison River.
Now that the giant stone fly event is mainly “in the rear view mirror,” Hebgen Lake’s Madison Arm gulpers are the big attraction.This strictly morning event will attract a lot of action hungry fly fishers, but it is good to remember that other lakes have gulper activity. Elk, Hidden, Cliff and Wade Lakes are good candidates to find this activity.
Here are new emergency closures recently posted on the Montana FWP News web site. See below.
Emergency Fishing Closure will be in effect on portions of Red Rock Creek from Upper Red Rock Lake to the Hell Roaring Creek crossing at South Valley Road. Flow at USGS Gage 06006000 Red Rock Creek above Lakes have fallen near and below 5th percentile mean daily flow. Flow on July 14 was 24.2 cfs (19.7 cfs as of 7/20 10 AM). Low flows have concentrated Arctic Grayling into isolated pools, making them extremely vulnerable to angling. This river section will remain closed to fishing until lifted by FWP administrative action when mean daily flows are adequate to provide cover for Arctic Grayling, or until October 15. The entire Madison River in Montana now has a hoot owl closure
See the FWP NEWS web site for hoot owl and other southwest Montana fishing closures.
As of today there are no new “hoot owl” closures in the southwest area. The giant stone fly hatch has moved up the river and crowded conditions remain there below Hebgen Lake. Look for Hebgen’s Madison Arm gulpers to begin soon.. Centennial Valley streams are exceedingly low with respect to flow meaning larger fish are moving down to the lakes. Hidden Lake is offering some good fishing. A good way to enjoy fishing there is to rent a boat from Elk Lake Lodge.
Montana is subject to drought conditions just as other western states. In fact, conditions are dangerous enough that “hoot owl” closures are in effect for several streams. Nearby Montana waters with “hoot owl” closures include the lower Beaverhead (mouth up to Laknar Bridge) and the entire Big Hole Rivers. You can observe all “hoot owl” closures and others on the Montana FWP News web site. Once there go to Closures and Restrictions, then Fishing and Water Bodies, and from there View Map.
Governor Bullock intends to remove the self quarantine restriction for out of state visitors on June 1st. Thus Yellowstone Park gateway communities will offer all retail services including those for angling. Likely many businesses will be under social distancing conditions, so consider contacting these before a visit.
Many anglers have questions about the impact of Covid-19 on non-resident fishing in Montana, especially with the general fishing season opening there in mid-May. To see current non-resident restrictions go to fwp.mt.gov/covid19. On this site select “Quarantine Directives for Out of State Travelers to Montana.” Open (and save, if desired) “Quarantine Directives.pdf” for details. These restrictions may change in the near future, so go to this site from time to time.
The best chances for good still water fishing here is the gulper activity of which that on Hebgen Lake is the most renowned. Comparable hatches happen on other regional still waters, and many of those have fewer fly-fishing attendees. Elk, Hidden, Quake, and Wade Lakes are good examples where fewer fly-fishers means more unattended waters to enjoy.
The two big dry fly events here are the gulper action on Hebgen Reservoir and the spruce moth fall on the Gallatin and Madison Rivers drainages where pine forests are nearby.
Look at the number of boats on the lake, and slow fishing is obvious. Around springs and creek mouths, especially early in the day, are the best locations for any action. But if action comes to these places, expect company. Looks like best strategy is wait until October.
Giant and golden stonefly fly adults on the Madison River are moving through the river in the Hebgen Lake area. So the river there is being heavily fished. Same is going on in Yellowstone Park where the Madison’s PMDs, caddis, sallies, and big stonefly remnant are bringing on fly-fishers in big numbers. Getting away from the crowds is easy if you enjoy fishing Montana’s Centennial Valley waters. Besides tranquility, the good news here is that grayling seem to be in good numbers in Red Rock Creek. And they are present in several year classes. Speckled duns and adult damsel flies are providing interest to Elk Lake cutthroat and Hidden Lake rainbows especially during days with less wind, and Elk Lake Resort is serving scrumptious dinners.