Madison River Fly Fishing Report 8/2/2016
Montana
Upper Madison
Looking to be an interesting week as flows over the past 4 days have bumped from 1,100cfs on 7/30 to 1,500cfs. Between an increase in flows and a few afternoon rain showers, the water temps have been OK considering it's August. Fish have certainly starting keying in on terrestrials, the #16-18 Para-Ant and #12-14 Grand Hopper have been finding some really nice fish near the banks as well as mid-river slicks. Besides terrestrials, your best options for dries are currently the #16 Rusty Parachute, #14 Para-Wulff, #16 DOA Cripple, and the #16 Missing Link.
Nymphing has been best early and late in the day, mid-day has been more reliable fishing on top. With the higher pulse-flows this week, make sure to fish the banks hard before stepping out to the pockets, spooked a good number of fish right from under the bank this morning at Raynolds.
Upper Gallatin
What a fun river to fish at the moment. Spruce Moths have been very reliable, as with a few terrestrial and attractor patterns. Fish the Canyon runs hard, there are a lot of happy fish in there. If the river near Big Sky gets a little crowded, pick up a YNP License and head up river. Top patterns are the #14 Spruce Moth, #14 Red 409, #16 Royal Wulff, #16 X-Caddis, and #16-18 Purple Parachute.
Yellowstone Park
Yellowstone
Still a decent number of Green Drakes up high, the fish have been very willing to eat #12 DOA Drake Cripples and #12-16 Spinners. Your presentation is always key here, wait to find a rising fish and get drag-free drifts. If your Cutthroat of choice rises and denies your pattern, tie on a new one right away and try again. A few other options are the #16 Bogus Beetle, #12 Chubby, and #14 Hippy Stomper.
Slough/Lamar/Soda Butte
Most of these fish are pretty keyed in on smaller flies. You can still find a few willing to eat Chubbies, but you're better off throwing #18 Vis-A-Dun, #14 Slough Cr. Cripple, #16 Hazy Cripple, #16-18 Parachutes, and #16-18 Rusty Spinners.
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Also in Madison River Fishing Report - Upper Madison River Fishing Report - Greater Yellowstone Area Fishing Reports
Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 5/8/2025
Hebgen & Quake Lakes: The ice is now officially gone on both Hebgen & Quake. Its been very hit or miss but if you can time it right and get a day with little to no wind, the chironomid fishing has been pretty solid. Streamers have been moving some fish on the less than ideal condition days. Smaller midge nymphs like buzzers and ice cream cones have been the ticket though as of late.
Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report 4/18/2025
Hebgen: The Lakes are both still fully iced over and will most likely continue to be for some time.
Jake Schilling
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