Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 5/21/2019


by Tom Forsberg May 21, 2019

Montana

 

Upper Madison: After getting a teaser of some nice spring weather last week, we are back to the reality of what May weather in Montana can be. The last few days have been cold, rainy and snowy with the forecast for the upcoming week calling for more of the same. That being said, this weather should put off the impending runoff for the foreseeable future and the fishing has been really good. Nymphing with Sili Legs, worms and smaller dips, Frenchies and Red Neck flies continues to be most effective. We are still having our best success fishing in soft pockets along the banks, rock slicks, and any slower drop-offs/depth changes you can find. As for dry fly fishing, be on the lookout for baetis coming off this week as this weather should be ideal for them. Fishing a dry dropper rig with a chubby and a Sili Legs dropper has also been fun, if not the most effective way of going about catching fish. 

Flies: #8-10 Sili-legs, #12-14 Biot Golden Stone, San Juan Worm, #16 Frenchie, #16 Red Neck, #16-18 Black Lightning Bug, #16 Guide Dip/$3 Dip, #16-18 DOA Baetis Cripple, #16-18 Baetis Sparkle Dun, #12-14 Royal Chubby, #12-14 Peacock Chubby

 

Hebgen: We continue to have some great fishing in the mornings and even sometimes creeping into the early afternoon hours when the wind stays down. There has been a good amount of fish feeding on midges on the surface on calm days, but they have been pretty sporadic with a lot of one-and-done risers. Fishing chironomid nymphs a few feet under an indicator will be your best bet. 

 

Gallatin: Runoff has started on the Gallatin and the river is definitely up, but the weather this week should stall out any further rise in water levels. Nymphing will be about your only option right now. Use larger stonefly nymphs, worms and heavier czech-style patterns and try to find some slow, soft pockets along the banks. *Park stretch remains closed until this coming Saturday.*

  

Yellowstone - Closed. Opens to fishing this coming Saturday. Please remember no felt boots in YNP!




Tom Forsberg
Tom Forsberg

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