Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 6/16/20
Montana
Upper Madison: Flows on the Madison have come down almost 50 percent throughout the course of the last week and they are still coming down gradually. The river is coming into great shape and is now much more navigable for all anglers. Wade fisherman can venture off the banks more and floaters can now get under bridges to open up the Lyons to Windy/Pal stretches. Nymphing and streamer fishing will still be your most productive methods, but we should hopefully start seeing some dry fly action picking up in the near future.
Flies: #8-10 Sili-legs, #12-14 Biot Golden Stone, San Juan Worm, #12 Tactical Tung. Pink Hot Spot Jig, #14-16 Frenchie, #14-16 Red Neck, #16 Olive Hot Spot Perdigon, #16 Iron Lotus, #6 Mini Sex Dungeon, #6 Mini Bangtail, #2 Meat Whistle
Hebgen: Fishing on the lake picked up much more consistently for us when we haven’t been getting blown off the water these past few gusty days. While we have still been focusing most of our efforts along the north shore, don’t hesitate to spread out and explore the Madison arm and main lake. Chironomid nymphs under an indicator will provide your best action.
Flies: #12 O.S. Opal/Red Buzzer, #14 Black/Red Nugget, #14-16 Flashback PT
Gallatin: Like the Madison, the Gallatin has dropped significantly over the last week as well and should be plenty fishable. Nymphing with a larger rubber legs or worm with a smaller trail nymph is going to be your best bet for now, but this is a place we’ll also hope to start seeing some dry fly opportunities soon as well. There is construction happening on 191 and you will likely get stuck waiting at one of the stoplights for a bit, so just be patient.
Yellowstone National Park
Firehole: If you are looking to find rising fish, the Firehole is still your place. As we get some stormier weather starting today until the weekend, look for baetis and PMD emergences in the afternoons. You can also almost always bet on at least a few fish eating White Miller caddis. Swing soft hackles the rest of the time to make for a day of great fishing.
Flies: #18 BWO Sparkle Dun, #16-18 BWO Klinkhammer, #16 Parachute PMD, #16 Tilt Wing PMD, #16 PMD Cripple, #14 Tan Elk Hair Caddis, #14 Tan/Olive Diving Caddis, #12 Partridge & Green, #12 Partridge & Peacock, #14 Partridge & PT
Madison: We have been having some steady fishing with Salmonflies, though this may slow down given the weather over the next few days. While the weather may affect how many naturals you see, it still wouldn’t hurt to try throwing some around. There still could be a fair number of fish looking up for them. Like the Firehole, PMDs and baetis could make an appearance in the next few days as well so keep your eyes open for that.
Flies: #10 Hot Cake Salmonlfly, #8-12 Razorback Salmonfly, #8 Supafly Salmonfly
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Tom Forsberg
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