Crowds are no where to be found along the Lower Madison today. The sun was out, flows were perfect, and I fished for several hours without seeing another fisherman. This was a far cry from May-September fishing days.
Nymphing was the ticket for success today. A pair of San Juan worms or Mop Flies was all it took. No strike indicator was needed. What surprised me was the fish were everywhere. Many of the trout I caught were in just a few feet of water. The Whitefish were schooled up. Where you hooked one, you hooked many.
All the trout I caught were scrappy and healthy. Several rainbows went airborne. Only a few browns hit the nymphs. 10-18 inches were the average sizes. Midges were along the warm edges, but I saw no takers.
The Blacks Ford Fishing Access had only one boat trailer, and it was a guide trip. The vault toilets have been repaired and the ramp and all facilities are clean and repaired. Much of the parking has been restricted. “No Parking” signs are along the roads. Only parking in the access will be allowed. Hopefully the “Circus of Summer Floaters”, and tubers, will be less of an issue. Only Sportsmen pay for these facilities, and our public open spaces. All Citizens get to enjoy them so please be respectful.
Trout Unlimited has performed a cleanup and the river is looking good. As residents, we need to fish before the boatloads of Summer Tourists beats the water to a froth. These wonderful warm winter and early Spring days are perfect times to celebrate the outdoors.
This is why we live here!
Montana Grant
For more Montana Grant, hook up at www.montanagrantfishing.com.
