Madison River
Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake: 6/23/2010
Hebgen Lake outflow has been considerably reduced to a much more fishing friendly 960 CFS in the last week. This makes it a lot easier to wade between the lakes and the fishing has been pretty good. As is often the case this time of year, we are having our best success on nymphs. Sili Leg Stones trailed by a variety of #14-18 dropper flies have been the best bet.
Quake Lake-Lyon Bridge: 6/23/2010
The “wade section” has a little more than a foot of visibility currently and is slowly clearing up. The nymph fishing has been spectacularly good and the dry fly fishing has been all but nonexistent. Large stonefly nymphs, smaller caddis nymphs and mayfly nymphs have scored consistently, just make sure to get a good drift.
Lyon Bridge to Ennis: 6/23/2010
We are starting to see good fishing on the “float section” of the Madison. Large Sili Leg Stones in brown, black and orange have by far been the most effective flies. Streamer fishing has been pretty good as well. Salmonflies are coming soon, but as of yet, we haven’t seen the “big bugs”. The river is in great shape for the hatch, we jut need it to happen.
Gallatin River: 6/23/2010
The Gallatin is very fishable with nymphs in the Park and through the short stretch in Montana down to the Taylor’s Fork. Below the Taylor’s Fork the river is getting closer to being fishable but it is still very dirty. A few more days without rain should help, but it will take a bit more than that to get it in shape for dry flies. Plan on July 1st to fish this section, given normal rainfall. Hopefully the water will clear just in time for Salmonflies.
Hebgen Lake: 6/23/2010
Hebgen has been fishing inconsistently due to the weather, but when it has been good, it has been very good. Chironomids and Callibaetis nymphs have been the go-to flies for the lake, though buggers and crayfish have accounted for some nice trout as well.
Quake Lake 6/23/2010
Visibility in Quake is slowly coming around and is clear enough to fish with streamers and buggers. A few of our shop rats have started pounding the drop offs with big streamers and have had some action, but it hasn’t been red hot. Another week should get the lake in better shape.