Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 8/14/2017
Montana
Upper Madison: The fishing has definitely been hit or miss as of late. The good news is that overnight temps have been much cooler and consequently the water temps have cooled off nicely. Nymphing continues to be the most effective method, but we’ve been having good fishing using terrestrials in the afternoons given the right conditions. Overall, we have been sticking to some of the smaller terrestrial options. Beetles and ants have been the most consistent of these, especially ant patterns that are bi-colored. Epeorus spinner falls in the evenings have been continuing and are getting fish to come up and eat on the surface.
Flies: #16-18 Lightning Bugs, #16-18 Shop Vacs, #16-18 Guide Dips, #16 Nyman’s Flying Ant, #14 Bogus Beetle, #12 Tan Spruce Moth, #16-18 Rusty Spinner.
Hebgen/Quake Lakes: Hebgen still isn't fishing quite as consistent as we usually hope for this time of year, but it has definitely been improving day by day. The cooler overnight temps have meant that the strongest emergence of Callibaetis have been happening in the late mornings and even early afternoons on some days once the water warms up. Quake Lake has been fishing quite well in the mornings when the wind has stayed down. Be sure to bring Callibaeits and some spruce moth patterns if you're headed down there.
YNP
Gallatin: The emergences of caddis and PMDs are becoming a little more sparse, but they should still make your box if you're heading over here. Spruce moths are still fishing well towards Big Sky and as usual, attractor patterns have been producing pretty well throughout. If you have ever had any interest in implementing some European/tight-line nymphing techniques, the Gallatin between Taylor Fork and 320 Ranch provides some good pocket water and is a great stretch to practice on.
NE Corner: Terrestrial fishing has still been most effective on Slough, Soda Butte and Lamar. Again, we are leaning towards the smaller options when it comes to these, especially ants and beetles. Finding some water to yourself can be the biggest challenge up on these waters so try to get away from the road when and where you can.
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Tom Forsberg
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