Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 8/25/20


by Tom Forsberg August 25, 2020

Montana

Upper Madison: The Hopper bite has been a bit inconsistent on a day to day basis, but almost every day there is at least a short window where there is a good bite. Fishing an ant behind a hopper will catch fish more consistently and a tungsten head dropper has been quite effective as well. The nymph bite has been pretty consistent with smaller flies and as usual for this time of year, a good drift will be the key to hooking fish.

Flies: #12 Tan and Pink Chili Dogs, #8-12 Tan, Pink and Yellow Thunder Thighs, #16-18 Arrick’s Ant, #12-16 Royal Wulff, #14-16 Parawullf, #16-18 Krystal Dip, #14-16 Green Machine, #14-18 Red Neck, #16 Olive Hot Spot Perdigon, #14 HoloPoint, #16-18 Shop Vac, #16-18 Olive S.H. Hare’s Ear, #16 Shop Vac

 

Hebgen: The lake has had a decent amount of bug activity most days. Look for tricos in the Madison Arm early, transitioning to callibaetis starting around 11am most days. Fish have been a little tough some days with a fair amount of “one and done” risers. If you’re finding rising fish but struggling to get them to eat something natural, you can always try un-matching the hatch with a damselfly or ant. Suspending a Turkey Callibaetis or pheasant tail under an indicator has also been effective on those tougher mornings. 

Flies: #14-16 Turkey Callibaetis, #16 Parachute Callibaetis, #16 Callibaetis Cripple, #16 Callibaetis Spinner, #20 Calf Wing Trico Spinner, #16-18 Arrick's Ant 

 

Gallatin: Terrestrials and attractors are still pretty much the name of the game on the Gallatin. Like the Madison, a tungsten headed dropper will pick up some fish under a hopper or large attractor.

Flies:  #12 Tan and Pink Chili Dogs, #12-14 And and Orange Spruce Moth, #12-16 Royal Wulff, #14-16 Parawullf, #12-14 Lime Trude

Yellowstone National Park

Slough/Soda Butte/Lamar: Nothing new here. Hoppers. Ants. Beetles. Bring a few tungsten droppers just in case. 

Flies: #12 Tan and Pink Chili Dogs, #8-12 Tan and Pink Thunder Thighs, #14-16 Bogus Beetle, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant, #14 Royal Trude, #14 Holo Point, #12 Spanish Bullet




Tom Forsberg
Tom Forsberg

Author



Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Madison River Fishing Report - Upper Madison River Fishing Report - Greater Yellowstone Area Fishing Reports

Fishing Report - 7/31/2026
Fishing Report - 7/31/2026

by Nina Lett July 31, 2026

Read More

Fishing Report 7/24/2026
Fishing Report 7/24/2026

by Nina Lett July 24, 2026

The Upper Madison has slowed a bit with the heat, being at it's best in the early mornings or late at night. I've been having some success throwing...

Read More

July 17th Fishing Report - Madison River Outfitters
July 17th Fishing Report - Madison River Outfitters

by Nina Lett July 17, 2026

The Upper Madison is still fishing steadily, especially in the morning and later evenings. With the hot weather we had this last weekend and the hesitant water releases from Hebgen, I was getting a bit nervous about how the Madison would be fairing at this point...

Read More