Madison River
Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake: 2/19/2010
Flows out of Hebgen Dam have finally been dropped to 930 CFS after they hovered at around 1,100 CFS all winter. The lower flows make for easier wading and it certainly doesn’t hurt the fishing. The river has fished very well lately. Rainbow trout numbers seem to have been boosted by fish from Quake Lake and there are plenty of Whitefish around. If you are looking for rising trout, the stretch of the Madison doesn’t have much to offer, but the nymph fishing has been great. We’ve caught fish on a variety of patterns. Start with Pheasant Tails or Olive Hare’s Ears in #14-16 and go from there. A Prince or Stonefly nymph in #10-12 has worked well as a top fly in a two fly rig. Small nymphs (#18 and smaller) account for more Whitefish than larger patterns. Remember that the river below Cabin Creek is accessible only by over snow travel and despite the relatively dry winter, there is still several feet of snow between the lakes.
Quake Lake-Lyon Bridge: 2/19/2010
The stretch of the Madison below Quake Lake is open until the end of February and the “wade section” has been fishing quite well. While our dry fly fishing has been remarkably consistent this winter, the nymph fishing was tough through December and January. Things have picked up considerably with the nymphs and the dry fly bite remains great on days when the wind isn’t blowing. Look for fish rising to midges in the calmest flows. The rises are subtle and the fish can be very spooky, especially when the sun is beaming, but good presentations usually get rewarded. The fish are much more picky about a good dead drift than they are about the midge imitation, but it pays to keep the fly small and fish something that is visible. The naturals are #20-#24 though midges will form small clusters on calm days. Get as close to the fish as possible to ensure an accurate cast and don’t flail the water. Nymphing has become much more productive in the last three weeks. Many small nymphs can be effective and the trout tend to be fairly pattern conscience, so it pays to have a good selection of flies. What works one day may not be effective the next. Some winter standbys include Zebra Midges, Micro Mayflies, Prince Nymphs and Black Crystal Dips. Remember that no fly is going to work unless it is fished with proper presentation and in the winter this almost always means a long drag free dead drift.
Lyon Bridge to Ennis: 2/19/2010
The Madison has fished pretty well past Lyon Bridge. Remember that the river closes at the end of the month down to McAtee to give the fish a break from all of us. This year has seen less ice in the river above Ennis Bridge and the fishing has been solid. Try swinging a streamer around if you are sick of watching strike indicators. Fish will give chase this time of year.
Gallatin River: 2/19/2010
Fishing on the Gallatin has really picked up as the temps have risen. Winter days that crack freezing are becoming more common and the fish are responding very well to nymph presentations. A lot of flies can be effective right now. Come armed with Caddis Larva, Golden Stone Nymphs, Silli Leg Stones, Prince Nymphs and Pheasant Tails and you should have it covered. Look for fish in any deep slow pockets and concentrate on getting long dead drifts. Enjoyable fishing for the Gallatin’s abundant trout should follow.
Hebgen Lake: 2/19/2010
Rumor has it that ice fishing in Hebgen has been good this winter. If sitting on a bucket and staring into an 8 inch hole on a wind swept lake in zero degree weather is your thing, than more power to you.
Quake Lake 2/19/2010
Where running water flows into Quake anglers can find ice free H2O. Surprisingly, these places often collect midging fish in the winter. If the dries aren’t happening, head to moving water.