Madison River
Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake: 2/25/09
Between the lakes has been fishing pretty well lately. Flows are at 760 CFS which is normal for this time of year and these flows make wading pretty easy. Look for fish in slower water and expect to do most of your fish catching with nymphs. We’ve had our best luck with small Zebra Midges, Flashback Pheasant Tails and Olive Hare’s Ears. Rubber Legs and Biot Golden Stones have been good at times and a few anglers are having luck dead drifting buggers.
Quake Lake-Lyon Bridge: 2/25/09
Enjoy the last few days of fishing on this stretch of river. Remember it closes from Quake down to McAtee Bridge on March 1st. Swinging streamers and nymphing have both been good ways to find fish. Since it has warmed up, more trout are being caught in a bit faster water. Gravel bar drop offs and deep riffles have been good places to try, as well as the usual rock pockets and slicks that harbor fish all winter. Keep some midges in the box, as calm days have seen good hatches of the tiny aquatics.
Gallatin River: 2/25/09
The Gallatin has been fishing very well below Big Sky. Nymphing has been the ticket, and fishing a rubber leg with a #14-16 bead head nymph in tow is punching those tickets. Fish are in slow water with some depth, often in great numbers. Most of the fish are 10-14 inch rainbows, but a few surprises can be found.