Madison River Fishing Report: Upper Streamers & Lower PMDs
It has been a bit of a rollercoaster regarding flows lately, but the Madison River is fishing fantastically from top to bottom. The Upper and Lower sections are requiring completely different tactics right now, but both are highly productive if you fish to the conditions.
Upper Madison: Clearing Water & Heavy Streamers The Upper Madison has been fishing incredibly well on streamers. The water has a slight tint to it, but it is highly fishable from bank to bank. As the water has come down, it has really cleared up. Most of the lower elevation creeks are pumping clear water right now. We are still seeing a small push of off-color water from the West Fork of the Madison, but it is nothing that will blow out the river. It just leaves a slight, fishable stain.
Focus your efforts up high, as the fishing down around the town of Ennis has been noticeably tougher in comparison.
Streamers: This is the main game right now. Delekta's Delectable Streamers (from Beartooth Flyfishing) and various olive and white bunny fur streamers are moving fish. The best color combinations have been olive and white, olive and brown, and all black.
Nymphs: If you need to drop a nymph, smaller stoneflies are doing the work. Stick to Girdle Bugs in sizes 8 and 10.
Current Flows:USGS Upper Madison River Near Cameron
Lower Madison: Overcast Skies, PMDs & Caddis The Lower Madison is a completely different river right now. With the overcast and rainy weather in the forecast, the Lower is going to be a very strong option this week. The cloud cover is keeping the fish active and looking toward the surface.
You can fish above or below the surface depending on what the fish are telling you. If you see snouts, they will eat a dry. If there are no risers, switch to a subsurface rig and you will find them.
Dries: There are smaller caddis hatching alongside the PMDs right now. If the fish are rising, they will eat a caddis just as confidently as a PMD, so throw whichever pattern you prefer. Your favorite standard PMD or small caddis dry fly will get it done.
Nymphs: Go with skinny, small PMD nymphs. Olive has been the most consistent color, but very bright purple variations are also working well. Classic Frenchies, France Flies, and Perdigons are all fantastic choices right now.
Current Flows: USGS Lower Madison River Below Ennis Dam