Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 5/18/21


by Tom Forsberg May 18, 2021

Upper Madison: Flows have started to climb a bit and the water has definitely picked up some color over the last few days. As this continues, look for fish to push up into the banks a bit more than usual. With that said, not much has changed as far as the fishing goes. Rubber legs with a smaller trail fly will be most consistent. As for the dry fly fishing, we have been seeing some caddis out and about, and though they are showing up in greater numbers downstream we have been seeing some in the wade section as well. It would be worth your time to try throwing a caddis tight to the banks. The weather continues to alternate between warm spring days and nasty, cold spurts. It’s looking like this weekend could bring in some inclement weather, so there is going to be a good chance at seeing some baetis around. 

Flies: #8-10 Black Sili Legs, San Juan Worm, #16 Orange Head Mary, #16 Olive Hot Spot Perdigon, #14-16 Red Neck, #16 Bullet Quill, #16-18 Dip, #14-16 Tan X-Caddis, #12-14 Para-wulff, #16-18 BWO Klinkhammer, #18-20 Parachute BWO, #18-20 Low Water Baetis, #6 Mini Sex Dungeon, #8 Hot Bead Goat Leech 

 

Hebgen: The lake seems to be picking up a bit over last week, but is still hit or miss at this point. Stripping a leech slowly or fishing chironomid nymphs under an indicator are your two best options. Things should only pick up and get better as we continue into spring. 

Flies: #14 Black/Red Nugget, #12 Opal/Red Buzzer #16 Peacock Chironomid, #16 Pheasant Tail, #8 Thin Mint, #8 Olive or Black Simi Seal Leech

 

Gallatin: The Gallatin below Taylor Fork is high and dirty at the moment. This will be the case for the foreseeable future. Throwing a larger rubber legs or worm with a smaller trail fly will be your best bet, but the Madison is a far better option for the time being.

Flies: #8-10 Black Sili Legs, San Juan Worm, #16 Orange Head Mary, #16 Olive Hot Spot Perdigon, #14-16 Red Neck, #16 Bullet Quill 

 

 




Tom Forsberg
Tom Forsberg

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