Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report
Montana
Upper Madison: The nymphing has been really good down below Quake this past week. Smaller baetis and midge patterns and a good drift are still the key to success. With the weather outlook for the coming week, the baetis dry fly fishing should get rolling a lot more consistently as well. It’s also a good idea to be on the lookout for some fish rising to midges in some of the slower slack water along the banks.
Between the Lakes: This stretch of river is fishing quite well at the moment and we have seen some larger lake fish caught here in the last few days. While it’s possible you can run into some dry fly fishing with midges and baetis, the main producer has been nymphing. Larger rubber legs have been working well along with the usual smaller patterns. Streamers are always a good option here this time of year as well.
Flies: #16-18 Red Neck, #16 Olive Biot Czech, #18 Shop Vac, #18 Guide Dip, #16-18 Green Machine, #18 Black Krystal Dip, #16-18 ICU Midge, #16-18 Black/Green Lightning Bug, #18-20 Zebra Midge, #6-10 Sili Legs, #18 Purple Parachute, #20 Parachute Adams, #20 CDC Biot BWO
Gallatin: Same story on the Gallatin as it has been the last few weeks. Smaller baetis have provided some decent dry fly fishing when there has been cloud cover. Otherwise try some smaller nymphs and/or throwing some streamers around. As usual, no need to get on the water early as the water temps are pretty cold right now.
* Our special thanks to the crew over at Gallatin River Guides for providing us with the most up-to-date info on the Gallatin.
YNP
Madison in YNP: We are all pretty excited for the forecast this coming week. For us, nothing beats swinging and/or stripping in the snow and cold. The weather should push even more lake fish into the system than there are already. Early and late in the day have been best lately, but when it gets cloudy and stormy like it’s supposed to this week, it helps make the midday action a little more consistent. Come stock up on some soft hackles and streamers and get out there.
Flies: #8-10 Partridge & Peacock, #8-10 Partridge & Orange, #6 Sparkle Minnow, #8 Simi Seal Leech, #8-12 Black Sili Legs, #14-16 Red Neck
Firehole: The Firehole should fish excellent this week. Baetis should come off strong throughout the week with the stormy weather. Swinging a soft hackle or small leech are also great choices if nothing is happening on top.
Flies: #20 CDC Biot BWO, #12-14 Partridge & PT, #12-14 Partridge & Orange
NE Corner: As long as these rivers don’t see too much rain this week they should all fish well. Hecubas and baetis will provide you with some nice dry fly action in the afternoons. We have been having our best luck over there from about 2-5 p.m. most days as of late.
Flies: #12 Slough Creek Comparadun, #14-20 Olive CDC Comparadun, #10-12 Parachute Hopper, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant, #14-18 Royal Trude, #14-18 Parawulff, #14-18 Rusty Spinner, #14 Red Neck, #14 Orange Bullet, #16 Olive Czech Biot, #8 Sparkle Minnow
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Also in Madison River Fishing Report - Upper Madison River Fishing Report - Greater Yellowstone Area Fishing Reports
Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 5/8/2025
Hebgen & Quake Lakes: The ice is now officially gone on both Hebgen & Quake. Its been very hit or miss but if you can time it right and get a day with little to no wind, the chironomid fishing has been pretty solid. Streamers have been moving some fish on the less than ideal condition days. Smaller midge nymphs like buzzers and ice cream cones have been the ticket though as of late.
Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 4/18/2025
Hebgen: The Lakes are both still fully iced over and will most likely continue to be for some time.
Tom Forsberg
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