Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 5/25/21
Montana
Upper Madison: We are getting some much needed precipitation this week, and while it doesn’t make for the most pleasant fishing conditions, it was much needed for the rivers given how dry things have already been this spring so far. The cooler temps have put a pause on the runoff we started to see last week and the water is relatively clear for the time being, though you can expect it to pick up some color again starting later in the week. We have been running into some baetis activity the last few afternoons and that should continue this week until the weather clears up. Nymphing will still be your bread and butter. Rubber legs and worms with smaller trail flies such as pheasant tails and Perdigons have been great producers.
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 weather this past week has made getting out on the lake a little difficult. It is still a little hit or miss at this point. Stripping a leech slowly or fishing chironomid nymphs under an indicator are still your two best options. Things should only pick up and get better as we continue into the season.
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: Not much has changed here in the last week. Even with the cooler temps the Gallatin below Taylor Fork is high and dirty at the moment. This will continue to 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 the better option for now.
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
YNP
The Park fishing opener is this Saturday. Just a heads up that Park fishing license prices have increased this season. The 3 day license is now $40, the 7 day license is now $55 and the season license is now $75. Generally you can expect to see some baetis, caddis and possibly some PMDs on the Firehole and Madison. Check back next week for an updated report after we get in there and do some fishing this weekend.
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Tom Forsberg
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