South Western Montana 5-4-09

General fishing season opens Saturday, May 16th.  Hebgen Lake remains frozen solid with snow on the ice.

The Madison between Hebgen and Quake lakes is open to fishing year round. Right now it is fishing well from Hebgen Dam to Cabin Creek with a bit above normal water flow.   Nymphs on the bottom are bringing  action.  Cabin Creek is putting in run-off that discolors the river down to Quake Lake slowing fishing there.  The River between McAtee and Ennis bridges is open  to fishing with nymphs, BWO & caddis life cycle patterns, San Juan worm types and midge emergers producing.

The Beaverhead River is open to fishing below Pipe Organ Bridge with flows about two-thirds of normal.  Some Mother’s Day caddis activity remains, and presenting nymphs and streamers along the bottom produces.  During overcast  or low light conditions look for afternoon activity from BWOs.