Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report - 11/5/2017
Client Brandon G. with a nice fall Rainbow
Madison River Fishing Report
We would like to thank everyone for a great 2017. As of Monday November 6th we will be closing for the winter. However someone will be in the fly shop from 10am to 2 pm Monday through Friday to book reservations or answer any questions you may have.
Our On-line Fly Shop remains open 24/7.
Yellowstone National Park closed today, November 6th,
We will continue doing winter fly fishing reports on a less frequent basis.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next spring.
Montana Fishing Report
Madison River Fishing Report (Hebgen Dam-Ennis)
Hebgen Dam: 921 cfs
Kirby: 1010 cfs
Slowly sliding into the winter norms. The right day has plenty of Baetis and a few midges. Remember most fish will move into the banks, leaving some mid-river slicks empty. #18 to #20 Sparkle Duns are the go-to dry fly.
For nymphs, hard to go wrong with #10 Biot Stones & #18 Lighting Bugs.
A streamer float? You bet! Slap-n-Tickles, Envy's, Double Bunnys & Sparkle Minnows all produce.
We are already booking Professional Guide Fishing Trips for 2018. If you're looking to fish with us again next year, now is the time to reserve your favorite guide.
Yellowstone National Park Fishing Report
Yellowstone National Park closes to fishing today November 6th. The park opens to fishing again on Memorial Day weekend 2018.
Product of the week: Patagonia Men's & Women's Waders
Hebgen Dam Update
After 10 years the repairs to Hebgen Dam are finally done. We can't wait to see what constant bottom flows will do for the fishing on the Madison River, but I think we're going to love it.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NorthWestern Nearly Done With Hebgen Dam Project; Madison River Basin Water Conditions Hold Steady
Butte, Mont. – October 18, 2017 – September precipitation in the Madison River basin was 264 percent of the 30 -year average. This was a welcome change from July and August which were 44 percent and 63 percent of average, respectively.
As a result of the higher inflow, Hebgen Dam outflow and elevation are slightly higher than normal for this time of year. Currently, outflow is 960 cubic feet per second (cfs) and is expected to remain near this level through the end of the month. Hebgen elevation is 6532.35 feet, which is 2.52 feet below full pool. By month end, the lake is anticipated to draft to about 6532 feet.
The Climate Prediction Center’s forecast for the remainder of October indicates a higher probability for temperatures to be above normal and precipitation to be below normal.
Construction crews completed the installation of the new concrete lining in the Hebgen Dam outlet pipe by the end of September, significantly ahead of schedule. NorthWestern Energy was very happy with the quality of work on the concrete, and all test results show the work is in compliance with specifications.
The first week in October the crews ground and patched any surface irregularities, and installed and welded the steel transition section near the intake. During the second week of October the transition steel was grouted into place and work began on removing the materials in the tailrace used for access, as well as cleaning up the site and demobilizing. NorthWestern plans to transition flows from the spillway back to the intake in the coming weeks.
In 2009, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) required safety repairs to the Hebgen Dam intake, spillway and outlet pipeline to meet current dam-safety standards and reflect advances in earthquake seismology. The approximately $40 million project is expected to be mostly complete by the end of 2017, with some minor non-structural work to be done in 2018.
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