Cold mornings, a little sunshine, and brown trout on the move—November fishing is very much a “dress warmer than you think” situation. Fly Fish Food reported that the Madison below Hebgen Lake is at 641 cfs and 48.4°F; expect daytime highs around 49°F, overnight lows in the upper 20s, and a chance of snow Thursday. Check road conditions before you go, and bring layers you can add as the afternoon cools.
For a shot at migrating browns, I’d start with a streamer or soft hackle and keep it moving through likely holding water: Coffey’s CH Sparkle Minnow, an olive Sculpzilla, or a woolly bugger are good bets. If fish are looking up, midges are the reliable option through much of the day, with BWOs most likely around midday; try a Parachute BWO #22 when you spot risers. Later on, work caddis patterns through the runs. The best windows are roughly 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for BWOs and late afternoon into dark for caddis—though a well-placed streamer can earn a tug anytime.
You can find more information via Fly Fish Food here.
Montana's outdoor week, in your inbox at 7am Friday.