Upper Madison River Fishing Report – 8.1.14 (by FishTales Outfitting LLC)
By angelamontana

Posted: August 2, 2014

FLOWS:

  • Hebgen Dam 1,050 cfs
  • Kirby Ranch 1,240 fcs
  • Varney 1,420 cfs

The Madison River has been bumped a couple times over the last week in small, 10% or less increments to pulse the lower river and keep water temps cold. This little charge of cold water has helped the fishing immensely and that makes for happy anglers! Check out our Specials to learn more about booking your Montana Fly Fishing Vacation!

VISIBILTY:

  • Clear 3+ feet

upmadPATTERNS AND TACTICS:

DRY FLIES: There are Spruce Moth’s up around Lyon’s Bridge (FAS) down to Palisades (FAS), look for fish rising on the banks under the Ponderosa’s. There are Caddis, PMD’S and Yellow Sallies as well along with Nocturnal Stoneflies.

  • Try a Fat Head Spruce Moth, Parachute Spruce Moth, CDC Spruce Moth or just an Elk Hair Caddis sizes #10-12.
  • Try a Goddard Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute PMD, or a Yellow Stimulator for fish rising on the little dry game. Size #14-16.

upmad2NYMPHING: The standard two fly rig under an indicator is still very productive on the Madison. Set your indicator 5 feet above your first fly and tie a dropper off the bend of the hook to your second fly.

  • Try a Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone Fly Nymph in brown, black, olive, or tan and brown sizes #6-10.
  • Pheasant Tails, Delekta’s PT CDC Spanker, Copper John’s, Psycho Princes, Davie’s Evil Weevil are all good second fly choices.sizes#14-18

upmad3STREAMERS: The streamer bite has been fierce lately and I hope it stays that way for a while. Try a slow twitch and drift, tight line or under an indicator with a beadhead dropper. The bunny and a bead game is on!

  • Try a Zonker, Mini Loop Sculpin, Whitlock’s Hare Sculpin or Shelia Sculpin in natural and olive sizes #4-8.

TIPS: Bring plenty of sun block, water and bug dope.

For more information on Montana fly fishing and guided fishing trips on the Madison River please contact Fishtales Outfitting.

fishtales

(Report by Michael Stack of FishTales Outfitting LLC)

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing