Overview & River Conditions
According to Madison River Outfitters‘ latest fishing report, waters on the Madison River are holding steady, with Hebgen Outflow at 815.5 CFS, Kirby at 1,070 CFS (temps reaching 64°F), and Cameron at 1,260 CFS (temps reaching 68°F). Anglers should note that hot weekend weather is on the horizon, so keeping a close eye on water temperatures and avoiding peak heat hours is recommended.
Upper Madison River
The Upper Madison is the standout star right now. The walk/wade section is fishing exceptionally well with heavy insect activity, including clouds of caddis, golden stones, and yellow sallies.
- Tactics: Dry fly or dry-dropper rigs are highly effective as fish are rising consistently. Don’t hesitate to start testing out terrestrial patterns.
- Top Flies: Chubby Chernobyl, Elk Hair Caddis, Carnage Hopper, Skinny Dip, Shop Vac.
- Quote: “The Upper Madison just keeps getting better. The walk/wade section has been fishing exceptionally, with clouds of caddis and some stoneflies mixed in for good measure… dry fly fishing, or a dropper setup, is the way to go.”
Hebgen & Quake Lakes
Lake fishing remains stable, with “gulpers” active on sunny mornings. Anglers are finding fish targeting spent callibaetis, caddis, and some ants.
- Top Flies: Para Wulff Adams, Winna Spinna, Hackle Stacker, Ice Cream Cone.
Yellowstone National Park (YNP)
- Gallatin River: Salmonflies are dwindling, but fish are still looking up. Terrestrials or a Chubby Chernobyl will coax plenty of rises.
- Madison, Firehole, & Gibbon Rivers: Due to rising water temperatures, hoot owl closures are now in effect for the Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon (below Norris Campground), banning fishing from 2:00 PM to midnight.
- Quote: “We’ve been over this guys, even before 2 pm, just fish the Upper Madison or Gallatin if you want better, less lethal fishing.”
- Yellowstone River: Golden stones and drakes are bringing fish to the surface, especially under overcast skies. Persistence is key for rising fish.
- Quote: “Once you find a riser, though, throw the rotation of different flies at it until it eats. Don’t give up!!”
- Northeast Corner: Rivers are finally clearing up and becoming highly fishable. Large, high-visibility attractors are recommended for cutthroats, and green drakes are starting to pop on Slough Creek.
Editor’s note: Corrected the hoot-owl restriction hours to the standard 2:00 PM to midnight closure window.
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