Madison & Yellowstone Fishing Report: Big Bugs & Incoming Rain

Written By David Kern

Salmonflies, Golden Stones, Caddis, PMDs, bigger mayflies, and Yellow Sallies. You name it, we have it. The big bugs are currently around on both the Yellowstone and the Madison. However, with the rain pushing through today and colder weather in the forecast, expect that heavy surface activity to slow down considerably over the next few days.

Close-up of a guide holding a brown trout caught on a streamer on the Madison River.

Upper Madison: Clear Water, Streamers & Medium Nymphs We have been focusing our efforts on the Upper Madison lately. The water is running clear, and while the big bugs are out, the dry fly bite has been spotty.

Instead of waiting on surface feeders, we have kept pushing streamers and finding great fish. It is a very solid streamer bite right now. If you prefer to fish a subsurface rig, medium attractor nymphs in sizes 12 and 14 are doing the work. Anything that imitates a Yellow Sally or a caddis larva is a smart choice to keep in the drift.

Current Flows:USGS Upper Madison River Near Cameron

A vibrant brown trout resting in a landing net after hitting a streamer fly.

Yellowstone River: Green Water & Managing the Mud The Yellowstone has the big bugs around as well, but the incoming weather is the main variable to watch. Right now, the water has a bit of a green tint to it, which is actually a big plus for fishing and keeping the trout confident.

Keep a close eye on the forecast. If it rains hard this weekend, expect some mud to push into the river and change the water clarity.

Current Flows:USGS Yellowstone River near Livingston

David Kern https://flyshotoutfitters.com
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Madison River Fishing Report: Upper Streamers & Lower PMDs