Madison River Outfitters 9/1/20
Montana
Upper Madison: When the sun has been out this past week, we have been seeing some of the better hopper fishing of the season so far. The increased number of naturals on the water seem to be helping fish eat more confidently. Ants continue to be good producers as a trail fly and the Holo Point and Olive Perdigon continue to fish well as droppers. The nymph bite has been consistent with smaller flies throughout the day.
Flies: #12 Tan and Pink Chili Dogs, #8-12 Tan, Pink and Yellow Thunder Thighs, #16-18 Arrick’s Ant, #12-16 Royal Wulff, #14-16 Parawullf, #16-18 Krystal Dip, #14-16 Green Machine, #14-18 Red Neck, #16 Olive Hot Spot Perdigon, #14 HoloPoint, #16-18 Shop Vac, #16-18 Olive S.H. Hare’s Ear, #16 Shop Vac
Hebgen: Nothing new on the lake. Some days are better than others, but overall there has been a decent amount of bug activity most days. Look for tricos in the Madison Arm early, transitioning to callibaetis later in the morning. If you’re struggling to find fish tracking in the arms, go explore the main lake or south shore as there have been fish working elsewhere also. Fish have been a little tough some days with a fair amount of “one and done” risers. If you’re finding rising fish but struggling to get them to eat something natural, you can always try un-matching the hatch with a damselfly or ant. Suspending a Turkey Callibaetis or pheasant tail under an indicator has also been effective on those tougher mornings.
Flies: #14-16 Turkey Callibaetis, #16 Parachute Callibaetis, #16 Callibaetis Cripple, #16 Callibaetis Spinner, #20 Calf Wing Trico Spinner, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant
Gallatin: Terrestrials and attractors are still pretty much the name of the game on the Gallatin. Like the Madison, a tungsten headed dropper will pick up fish under a hopper or large attractor.
Flies: #12 Tan and Pink Chili Dogs, #12-16 Royal Wulff, #14-16 Parawullf, #12-14 Lime Trude
Yellowstone National Park
Slough/Soda Butte/Lamar: Hoppers, ants and beetles are still going to be your main producers, but keep an eye out for Drake Mackerels to start showing up over there any day if they have not already.
Flies: #12 Drake Mackerel Cripple, #12 Tan and Pink Chili Dogs, #8-12 Tan and Pink Thunder Thighs, #14-16 Bogus Beetle, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant, #14 Royal Trude, #14 Holo Point, #12 Spanish Bullet
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Tom Forsberg
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