Madison River
Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake: 8/5/09
Fishing between the lakes has been pretty darn good as of late. Fish in some of the more obvious pools are a little less reluctant to rise to attractors than they were a month ago, but when there are hatches these fish are more prone to come to the surface. Hitting out of the way pockets in somewhat marginal water is a good way to find trout that are happy to feed on top when the naturals are few and far between. Nymph fishing has continued to produce some nice fish. Silli Leg Stones have been working well with a Shop Vac, Black Crystal Dip #16-18, or Prince dropped off the back.
Quake Lake-Lyon Bridge: 8/5/09
Evenings have seen good numbers of rising fish in the wade section of the Madison. Epeorus and Caddis make up the bulk of the insects that the trout are feeding on. Caddis Emerger patterns have been deadly late in the day in #16-18. We’ve also had good fishing with Cripples and Parachutes that imitate the Epeorus in size 16. Late in the evenings we’ve see good spinner falls, so make sure to have some Calf Wing Rusty Spinners in #16 if you are fishing up until dark.
Lyon Bridge to Ennis: 8/5/09
Mornings on the Madison have seen some good Caddis and Mayfly activity, bringing success fishing attractors mimicking these insects. Spruce Moth fishing is just getting underway, so make sure to have a good pattern for that was well. As the insect activity peters out, switch up to hoppers and ants for the afternoons. As usual, small nymphs remain effective when conditions are not conducive to fishing the surface.
Gallatin River: 8/5/09
The Gallatin has been fishing very well with attractor style dries. Wulffs, Parachutes, Stimi’s and Humpies are taking plenty of fish. We’ve had some good hopper fishing when it is sunny in the afternoons. With rain in the forecast, keep an eye on the streamflows. Spikes in flow usually indicate dirty water. When the river is colored, nymph fishing is extremely effective, so don’t be too pouty if the river is green.
Hebgen Lake 8/5/09
Hebgen’s Gulper fishing has been pretty good as there have been an increased number of fish feeding with consistency on the surface. Catching these cruising trout is never easy on dry flies, but stalking them is always fun. Callibaetis Parachutes, CDC Biot Comparaduns and CDC Spinners will get eaten if one can place them in line with a feeding fish. Dropping a Turkey Callibaetis off the back of a more bouyant dry makes it easier to hook up but just isn’t as much fun.
Quake Lake 8/5/09
Quake has had plenty of good fishing as of late. Callibaetis are numerous in the mornings. The same tactics that work well on Hebgen are the trick for rising fish on Quake. Additionally, trout have been willing to feed on hoppers when the wind makes these insects available. Spruce moth fishing has also been a treat, as Quake’s browns and bows willingly eat many of these insects.