Madison River
Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake: 4/25/2010
The Madison between the lakes is seeing a tremendous amount of fishing pressure at the moment. Cabin Creek is blowing mud and vehicle access to the Ghost Village area is blocked by a downed tree. Only about 600 CFS is being released from Hebgen Dam making the river very low. Fish are concentrated in areas with some depth. Most of the fish in the river are in the process of spawning and should really be left alone.
Quake Lake-McAtee Bridge: 4/2/2010
The Madison is closed to fishing from Quake Lake to McAtee Bridge until the third Saturday in May.
McAtee Bridge to Ennis: 4/25/2010
The river is fishable below McAtee and the nymph fishing has been pretty good. As many of the other options in the area are dirty, the Madison has been getting a lot of pressure. A few Caddis and March Browns are around, but the dry fly fishing has been limited at best. Stick to nymphs and streamers to find the fish.
Gallatin River: Update 4/28/2010
The Gallatin is back in shape below the Taylor’s Fork. Cool weather has slowed down run off to a trickle and the river is fishing well. While a few Baetis, March Browns and Caddis are about, expect to fish nymphs. Trout are eating beadheads in sizes 12-16 very well. Caddis Larva, Princes, Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears have all been very effective. Fish runs and pools and expect good fishing until the water gets brown again.
Hebgen Lake: 4/25/2010
The main body of Hebgen Lake is still iced over. There are bits of open water here and there, but we are still probably a week or more away from ice off, depending on the weather. The south side of Hebgen is still inaccessible due to snow.
Quake Lake 4/25/2010
Quake is going to become discolored quickly. The ice is receding and walk in anglers are having some success fishing nymphs and buggers from the banks.