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South Western Montana

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / South Western Montana (Page 7)

Southwest Montana 8-12-14

We hear that fishing is slowing down a bit on the Madison River, but not so on Hebgen Lake where morning gulpers are providing great fishing.  Other lakes in this area provide gulper fishing, and have nearby accommodations in the form of lodges or campgrounds.  Consider trying the north and south ends of Elk Lake or shallows along the west shore of Wade Lake for gulpers.

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Southwestern Montana 5-17-14

Montana general fishing season opens today. As of yesterday the Madison River below Hebgen Dam was running high and clear, but with warming weather look for Cabin Creek to put in murky water. The ice is off Hebgen Lake, and those fly-fishers wading the north shoreline to present woolly bugger patterns are having good success.

Further west the Beaverhead River is running about 170cfs below Clark Canyon Dam.  Caddis and BWO activities are making for good fishing there. In Clark Canyon Reservoir some fish are cruising the shoreline but more seem to be heading to areas where midge activity is concentrated.

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Southwest Montana 10-22-13

The bulk of browns and rainbows have migrated into the Park via the Madison River. Enough remain to consider making a visit to the river in between the lake and the Park.  The river between Quake and Hebgen Lakes will also hold migrating browns, but their numbers could be matched by the number of anglers trying to catch them.  A smaller run featuring some very large individuals will peak in the South Fork of the Madison in November.  By then weather will make fishing not so pleasant for many anglers, so a visit there is worth considering.

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Southwestern Montana 8-31-13

In last several days the gulper activity has picked up on Hebgen Lake.  Try #18 dun and spinner patterns. Action should be good, with Madison Arm best location, until wind kicks in or until around mid day.

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Southwestern Montana 7-30-13

We have reports that the gulper action on Hebgen Lake has been somewhat spotty lately. Most of these reports come from folks fishing the Madison Arm, which usually offers the best during gulper season.  But it is early in this season, so there is plenty of time for improvement.  When we receive reports of better action, we will post them here.

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Southwestern Montana 6-25-13

Big stoneflies are emerging from the Madison River.  Recently presenting big nymph patterns up to the Three Dollar Bridge area has been productive. That is changing now as adults are appearing.  Look for them to be out in force between Quake and Hebgen Lakes soon.

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Southwest Montana 6-15-13

Fishing on the Madison River below Hebgen Lake is really shaping up. Big stoneflies are beginning to hatch early, caddisflies are giving great PM fishing and PMDs are emerging big time.  Streamers are working during low light conditions. And because  insect activity is beginning earlier than normal, crowds are down.

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Southwestern Montana 8-28-12

Gulpers are going on in Hebgen Reservoir. Most action is on the Madison Arm, but the South Fork Arm, with more protection from winds, also offers action. We  have reports that the river between Hebgen and Quake lakes is beginning to fish well as waters begin to cool.  Try caddis life cycle patterns, and switch to streamers when the sun goes down.

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Southwestern Montana 8-21-12

So far this season the gulpers on Hebgen Lake have been rather spotty in their activity. No one knows for sure why, but there are a lot of discussions out there on the subject.  The peak of activity is usually right about now.  Some good advise seems that moving around from location to location as the days go by can bring more success.

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