Fishing Report 7/3/2026 - Madison River Outfitters
Montana
Flows
Hebgen Outflow - 825 CFS
Kirby - 1110 CFS
Cameron - 1360 CFS
(Flows as of the evening of July 2nd)
Upper Madison
After the days of heavy rain we had over the weekend, I was admittedly worried about how the fishing would be after the sun came out; I'm happy to say the Madison is in great shape. Salmonflies are throughout the walk/wade section (spotted some around $3 Bridge on Thursday), along with swaths of caddis, goldens, sally's, and PMD's sprinkled throughout.
Once the sun hits the water, it's go time for dry flies- I was able to rise fish on big and small bugs alike. The West Fork is bringing in some "chocolate milk" water, but I haven't seen a noticeable drop in dry fly (or nymph) eats because of it.
Dry Flies - Jake's Hatch Back PMD, Missing Link Caddis, Fools Gold
Nymphs - Crystal Dip, Magic Fly PMD, Olive Hotspot (as usual)
Hebgen Outflow - 825 CFS
Kirby - 1110 CFS
Cameron - 1360 CFS
(Flows as of the evening of July 2nd)
Upper Madison
After the days of heavy rain we had over the weekend, I was admittedly worried about how the fishing would be after the sun came out; I'm happy to say the Madison is in great shape. Salmonflies are throughout the walk/wade section (spotted some around $3 Bridge on Thursday), along with swaths of caddis, goldens, sally's, and PMD's sprinkled throughout.
Once the sun hits the water, it's go time for dry flies- I was able to rise fish on big and small bugs alike. The West Fork is bringing in some "chocolate milk" water, but I haven't seen a noticeable drop in dry fly (or nymph) eats because of it.
Dry Flies - Jake's Hatch Back PMD, Missing Link Caddis, Fools Gold
Nymphs - Crystal Dip, Magic Fly PMD, Olive Hotspot (as usual)
Hebgen/Quake Lake
The lakes have been providing some really good opportunities for dry fly fishing. Gulpers have been consistent, especially in the morning before the wind kicks up. A chironomid dropper is a safe bet if you are confident in the solo dry!
Dry Flies - Para Wulff Adams, Winna Spinna
Nymphs - Ice Cream Cone, Opal Buzzer
The lakes have been providing some really good opportunities for dry fly fishing. Gulpers have been consistent, especially in the morning before the wind kicks up. A chironomid dropper is a safe bet if you are confident in the solo dry!
Dry Flies - Para Wulff Adams, Winna Spinna
Nymphs - Ice Cream Cone, Opal Buzzer
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone River - The Stone opened on July 1st, bringing the usual throng of people along with it. If you can squeeze in there, however, there is a good amount of just about every hatch along the rivers with caddis, PMDs, and a couple of stones around. Fill in the holes in your dry fly box, don't forget those big chubbies, and cover ground until you find a consistent riser!
Gallatin - Even though the water levels jumped a bit after that stretch of rain, the Gallatin is still in good shape. I had great results throwing a darker caddis or a yellow sally along gravel bars/banks.
Madison, Firehole, Gibbon - As the weather warms up again, I would head to different waters. Those temps don't lie; the rivers on the west side of the park are just too hot to ethically fish. See you in late September!
Northeast Corner - This rain delayed my hypothesis on when the NE corner would be ready, unfortunately. Give it a week or so, and those flows should be in a good spot.
Product Recommendation of The Week - Fishpond/Tacky Double Haul Fly Box
This fly box has been my go-to recommendation for the last few years. I've really loved the lifespan of these boxes, and the quality of the silicone fly slots.
- Holds almost 300 flies
- Magnetic closure
This fly box has been my go-to recommendation for the last few years. I've really loved the lifespan of these boxes, and the quality of the silicone fly slots.
- Holds almost 300 flies
- Magnetic closure
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Nina Lett
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