Category: Fishing Reports

Parent Category for Fishing Reports

August 15th – 21st | Madison River Fishing Report

 

 

 

 

 

It’s been a fun week up here in the Madison Valley with lots of good news heading the flyfishing communities way. Hoot Owl restrictions were lifted on the Upper Madison and Missouri from Holter to Cascade on Tuesday. Then Saturday Yellowstone National Park lifted their Hoot Owl restrictions on all the rivers and streams within the Park. The Lower Madison below Ennis Dam to it’s confluence with the Missouri will remain on Hoot Owl restrictions until further notice. This has allowed us all to get back to a bit more normal schedules and a bit more rest overnight. Then we had three solid days of cool and rainy weather. Which has helped water temps lower in most of our major fisheries. Some very solid streamer days were had. With some large browns being landed river wide. Nymphing has remained decent to very good most days. And we even had some clients that stuck to the dries throughout the inclement weather and had great success as well. We have some beautiful weather forecasted for the next ten days or so with plenty of sunshine and temps in the 70’s and low 80’s. So we are all hoping and looking forward to being able to throw Hoppers, Ants, Beetles, and large attractors all day and evening without the restrictions in place.

Streamers and Nymphing will be the name of the game early or twitching those Chubbies for the Nocturnals until Mid Morning or Mid Day. Then transition into Terrestrials, Attractor Dries, and Dry Dropper rigs for the rest of the day and evening. Maybe finish off with some more Streamer fishing the last hour of light.

We have plenty of bugs in stock for all your needs whether it be Dries, Nymphs, or Streamers. We have just marked down a huge amount of Cortland flylines at 40% off and invite you to come in and pick a line or two up in case you’ve got a rod or two in need of a fresh line. Cortland doesn’t get as much hype as the RIO or SA but has always been one of the best lines and nothing has changed today. These are great lines at a great price. It’s been wonderful seeing some of our regular customers back in the shop again now that we all don’t have to sprint to the river at 6am. And we look forward to meeting many new faces and hope those of you have not yet discovered what Beartooth Flyfishing has to offer, will soon come in and let us take care of you. Enjoy the time on the water and be safe out there.

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness in Royal, Rootbeer, UV Cinnamon #12-#16. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, UV Cinnamon, UV Tan #14-#18. Delektable Lil’ Secret in Royal, UV Pink #16-#18. Parachute Adams #10-#16. Carlson’s Purple Craze #10-#16. Rusty Spinners #14-#16. Morrish Hopper, Panty Dropper Hopper, Thunder Thighs Hopper in Tan, Pink, Peach, Yellow #12-#14. Delektable Flying Ant in Cinnamon, Black, Black/Red, Purple #14-#16. Bloom’s Stealth Ant Purple #16. Yeagers 409 Red #16.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #8-#10. Pats Rubberlegs Black, Olive/Black, Coffee/Black, Brown #8-#12. Delektable Lil’ Spanker in Silver, Red, Blue, Purple, and Pheasant Tail #14-#18. Lightning Bugs in Silver and Purple #16-#18. Pheasant Tail Nymphs #14-#18. Micro Mays #16-#18. Little Green Machine PT #16-#18. Wire Worms #4-#8. Shop Vacs #14-#18. $3 Dips Brown #16-#18. Crystal Dips #16-#18. Prince Nymphs #14-#18. Perdigons #14-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single or Double or Stainless Steel Jointed in Black, Olive, White, Olive/White, Olive/Black. Trevor’s Sculpin Black or Olive. Silk Kitties Olive and White. Dungeons Standard or Mini in White, Olive, Black. Mini Loop Sculpin Tan and Olive. Zonkers in Silver, Copper, and Olive. Small Bunny Leeches in Black. Sculpzilla in Black or Olive. Sparkle Minnows. 

 

August 8th – 14th | Madison River Fishing Report

Hoot Owl restrictions remain in effect for the foreseeable future on the Upper Madison. So get on early and put those rods away at 2pm. Fishing overall remains pretty good. Although it seems each day right now is different. With periods of time and stretches of river producing that may or may not have produced the day before. It’s a patience game at times. Switching bugs, tactics, colors, to whatever our fishy friends want at that particular time. Nymphing is definitely your best bet for solid action throughout the day. But if you’re willing to stick with the dries and are patient and have a solid rotation of patterns you can bring some tiny guys as well as some nice ones to the net. And the streamer game is showing some great signs of life over that last week.

The dry fly action with hoppers, ants, and beetles has shown a bit more consistency over the last week. Especially in the Storey to Varney area. Tan, Yellow, Peach, and Pink seem to be the general colors of choice. In the mornings we still have some Epeourous Spinners and some Caddis out and about. So it’s wise to have some Rusty Spinners and your favorite Caddis imitations just in case. Nocturnals also remain active in the mornings as well.

As we said before nymphing remains fair to good most days. With Prince variants, Small to Mid Size Pat’s Rubberlegs, Lightning Bugs, Shop Vac’s , Dips, Delektable Lil’ Spankers and Pheasant Tails.

Streamer fishing is bringing some great fish early in the mornings. If you can get on at dawn or slightly before there are some players out there ready to pounce. Trailing your streamer with a small nymph continues to be highly effective as well over the last several days. Standard colors like Olive and Black are working great in the mornings and throughout the day. Brighter colors are taking some good fish also when the sun is high and bright.

We just received some of Dan’s new patterns this week. The full assortment of the Delektable Lil’ Secret Dries are now in stock in UV Cinnamon, Royal, Goldrush, and UV Caddis Green. These are great patterns to imitate smaller Stoneflies, Nocturnals, and make a good low riding Hopper Pattern as well. I had a chance to test some out a couple mornings ago and they did not disappoint. So stop by and grab some while you can. The guides and visitors are gobbling them up as we speak.

Dries: Thunder Thighs Hopper, Morrish Hopper, More or Less Hopper, Half Down Hopper in Tan, Peach, Pink, Yellow, #12-#14. Delektable Flying Ant in UV Cinnamon, UV Purple, Black, Black/Red, Red #14-#16. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, UV Cinnamon, Tan #14-#18. Delektable Chubbyness in Royal, UV Cinnamon, UV Purple and Rootbeer #12-#16. Parachute Adam’s #10-#16. Purple Haze #10 – #16. Yeager’s 409 Red #14-#16. Delektable Lil’ Secret UV Cinnamon, Royal #12-#18.

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Olive/Black,Brown, Coffee/Black #8-#12. Delektable Lil’ Spankers Silver, Gold, Red, Pheasant Tail #12-#18. Lightning Bugs Silver, Gold #14-#18. Shop Vac’s #14-#16. 3 Dollar Dips Brown #16-#18. Crystal Dips #16-#18. Formerly Known as Prince #12-#16. Prince Nymph #12-#16. Wire Worms #4-#8. Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single and Double Black/Olive, Olive/White, Olive, White. Zonkers Natural and Olive. Trevor’s Sculpin Olive and Black. Dungeons Full Size and Mini. Silk Kitty. Sparkle Minnows. Kreelex. Sculpzilla Olive and Black.

As you can see we had a visit from two of the Hoot Owl Trout Princesses. They gave Dan some great Karma for that Fattie ‘Bow.

August 1st – 7th | Madison River Fishing Report

 

It’s hard to believe we are through the first week in August already. Archery season is just around the corner and there is a touch of fall in the air in the early mornings. But still plenty of fishing to be had. We are still under Hoot Owl restrictions here on the Upper Madison. So keep in mind you need to lay the rods down at 2pm and enjoy the scenery with a cocktail after that. Or get out in the middle of the night and find that Brown of a lifetime on a juicy Mouse pattern. We’ve received more much needed rain over the last several afternoons and we are very thankful for that.

 

 

 

 

 

After the last two epic Hopper seasons, so far this year is shaping up as a tougher one. Of course the Hoot Owl closures don’t help by taking away a huge portion of the prime Hopper time on the River. If your patient and rotate through some colors and patterns you can get some action on them. But Ant patterns and Chubbies are fishing more consistently each day. And you can never go wrong with the Dry Dropper rig this time of year.

Nymphing remains consistent and is solid to very good most days. Pat’s Rubberlegs in Olive/Brown, Brown/Black, Delektable Guide Stones are working, Lightning Bugs, Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Flashback Pheasant Tails, and Wire Worms have been fishing well over the last several days.

Dead drifting and stripping streamers early in the mornings is bringing in good results. Sculpin imitations in Olive, Natural Zonkers, and White have been popular this week. Trailing your streamer with a small nymph has been a solid strategy too.

Dries: Delektable Mega 2Tone Chubbyness in Royal and UV Purple #10-#12. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, UV Tan, UV Cinnamon #14-#16. Delektable Chubbyness Rootbeer and Cinnamon #12-#16. Delektable Flying Ant in UV Cinnamon #14-#16. Delektable Twisted X Orange/Brown #10-#12. Royal Wulff Cripple #16. Parachute Adams #10-#16. Rusty Spinners #14-#16. Purple Haze #10-#16.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #8-#10, Pat’s Rubber Legs Olive/Brown, Brown/Black #8-#10. Delektable Guide Stones same size and colors as Pat’s, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver, Gold, Red, Blue, Purple #14-#18. Lightning Bugs Silver, Gold #14-#18. 3 Dollar Dips #16-#18. Crystal Dips #16-#18. Shop Vac’s #14-#18. Prince’s, Delektable Prince Brandon, and Formerly Known as Princes #12-#18.

Streamers: Zonkers Natural. Trevor’s Sculpin, Sheila Sculpin, McCune’s Sculpin. Delektable Screamer Single or Double in White, Olive, Olive/Black, Badger. Dungeon’s in Olive and Black.

July 25th – July 31st | Madison River Fishing Report

Another week of Summer has come and gone in the Madison Valley. We’ve received a bit of much needed rain at times. The fire situation up around Cliff and Wade has improved and the heavy layer of smoke we’ve been living and fishing in since the beginning of July has lifted some. Improving the air quality and visibility. Hoot Owl restrictions are still in place and will be so until conditions improve enough for Montana FWP to lift them. For any of you that are new to Hoot Owl restrictions this means no fishing between 2:00 PM and 11:59 PM. Please access the Montana FWP link below for a list of all the Hoot Owl restrictions in effect statewide.

https://fwp.mt.gov/new/current-closures-restrictions.

Flows and fishing remain solid here on the Upper Madison. The Streamer game is definitely on in the early morning hours. With trout chasing well from before light to mid morning when that sun begins to hit the water. If you can catch a day with some cloud cover or when the smoke creates a false cover it has been good with the bunny fur all day. We’ve also had great reports from the Upper River with many anglers having success stripping smaller Black Buggers, Bunny Leeches, and Mohair Leeches.
We’ve seen the Mayfly and Caddis hatches begin to slow down over the last week. With the Nocturnals, Ants, Beetles, and Hoppers beginning to be more of the prime game. If it’s slower on the dries definitely go to the dry dropper rig. The Hopper bite is still building and will only improve throughout August and into September.
Nymphing is the most consistent fishing at the moment. With flows bumped back up to around 1500cfs at the Kirby guage, the Wire Worm has been effective on some recent days. Prince variations, Lightning Bugs, Perdigons, Olive and Coffee Pat’s, and Delektable Lil’ Spankers.

It can be a bit crowded at the ramps right now with the restrictions in place and everyone getting early starts. Remember to be courteous and patient out there. Play your fish as quick as possible. Keep them as wet as possible and take that extra moment to revive them before your release. Current conditions give you the opportunity for some unique and fun new ways for photos. With most cell phones and cameras having some waterproof features now. You can get some amazing shots at or under water level. Please call us or stop by with any questions you may have about your fishing needs. Stay safe out there everyone.

Dries: Morrish Hopper in Tan and Pink #12-#14. Thunder Thighs Hopper in Tan, Pink, Yellow #10-#14. Half Down Hopper #12-#14. More or Less Hopper Tan, Peach, #12-#14. Delektable Chubbyness UV Purple, Royal, UV Cinnamon, Root Beer #10 – #14. Delektable Lil’ Chubby Royal, Root Beer, UV Cinnamon, UV Tan #14 – #18. Para Adams #10 -#16. Carlson’s Purple Craze #14-#16. Royal Wulff #12 – #16. Royal Wullf Cripple #14 -#18. PMD Sparkle Dun #16. Delektable Sparkle Bug Tan, Pale Olive #14 – #16. Delektable PMD Teaser #14 – #16. Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan #14-#18. Delektable Halo Caddis #14 – #16 Tan, Royal, Peacock. Delektable Lil’ Secret Royal, Goldrush, UV Caddis Green. Micro Water Walkers Peanut, Pink, September Stone #14-#16.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Standard and Flashback #8 -#10. Pat’s Rubberlegs Olive/Black, Brown/Black #8-#10. Formerly Known as Prince #16-#18. Psycho Prince Yellow and Purple #14 – #16. Delektable Lil Spanker Silver, Gold, Pheasant Tail #14 – #18. Lightning Bugs Silver and Gold #12-#16. Delektable Tungsten Jig Spanker Silver, Pheasant Tail, Miller Time, #16-#18. Perdigons. Wire Worm #8. 

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single or Double Olive, Olive/Black, Badger #6. Sparkle Minnows #6. Zonkers Copper, Silver #4-#6. Galloups Dungeon’s Standard and Mini Olive, Black, Cream. McCune’s Sculpin Tan and Olive #4 – #6. Black Bunny Leech #8 – #10. Black Buggers and Mohair Leeches #8-#12.

July 18th – July 24th | Madison River Fishing Report

It’s been an eventful week up in the Madison Valley. Hoot Owl restrictions went into place on July 21st for the entire Madison River. From the mouth to the Yellowstone National Park Boundary. So for those of you who may be unfamiliar with these rules since this has never happened on the Upper section. This means no fishing between 2PM and Midnight. Also Yellowstone National Park has decided to implement Hoot Owl restrictions on all rivers and streams within the National Park beginning at 2PM on July 24th. The one difference with the YNP restrictions is that there is no fishing from 2PM until sunrise rather than Midnight. Water quality is actually good. Flows are currently at 1500 cfs at the Kirby guage. Which is about 200 cfs above the median historical flow at this time of year. Water temps are topping out between 65 and 68 degrees everyday. With early morning to mid morning temps staying in the mid to high 50’s. But with so many rivers under restriction FWP doesn’t want to have a flood of guides and anglers flocking to the Madison if it were one of the few rivers left without restriction. See the below link to Montana FWP for a full list of closures and restrictions throughout the state. 

https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions

As for the fishing, it remains pretty good. Dries, nymphs, and streamers are fishing well throughout periods of the day. Attractor dries, Caddis, PMD’s, Sallies, Ants, Beetles, and Hoppers are all possibilities. The dry dropper rig is prime right now with a Chubby or Hopper up top with a smaller nymph trailing. Streamer fishing has been good early for the first few hours of the day. Dead drifting, on the swing, or on the strip. PMD spinner falls in the morning. With periods of surface activity to Caddis, PMD’s, and Terrestrials throughout mid day to the closure time at 2 pm. 

It’s important to remember to be patient, and courteous as we are all dealing with these restrictions together. Keep in mind the precious resource we have and to keep in mind we are all doing our part to protect it. The boat launches will be a little more crowded with the limited hours of fishing. Enjoy the company and companionship of our fellow anglers and like all things it will be back to normal soon. Be safe and and enjoy our beautiful outdoor opportunities. We have updated our store hours during the restrictions to 6AM to 5PM seven days a week. 

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness #14-#16 Rootbeer, Royal, UV Purple, Goldrush. Delektable Lil’ Chubby #14-#16 Royal, Goldrush, Tan. Delektable Twisted X #16 Yellow/Red. Delektable Elk Hair CDC Caddis #14-#16 Tan. Delektable Halo #16 Tan, Royal. Delektable Lil’ Secret #12 Royal, Delektable Lil’ Secret #14-#16 UV Caddis Green, UV Goldrush. Micro Water Walkers #14-#16 Pink, Peanut. Morrish Hopper #12-#14 Tan, Pink. Thunder Thighs Hopper #10 Pink, Yellow. More or Less Hopper #10 Peach, Pink, Goldenrod. Delektable Flying Ant #14-#16 Purple, Black, Red, Red/Black, Cinnamon. 

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphs: Prince and Prince Variants #12-#16. Lemon Drops #14-#16. Psycho Prince #14-#16 Yellow, Purple. Delektable Lil’ Spanker #14-#16 Silver, Gold, Blue, Red. Delektable Hammerhead #14-#16 Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail. Lightning Bugs #14-#16 Silver, Gold. Pat’s Rubberlegs #8-#10 Olive/Black, Brown/Black. Delektable Root Beer Float #16 PMD. Delektable Tungsten Jighead Spanker #16 Miller Time. Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-#16. Split Back PMD #14-#16. 

Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single and Double in Olive/Black, White. Mini Dungeons. McCune’s Sculpin Tan, Olive. Zonkers Copper, Silver. Sparkle Minnows single and articulated. Sculpzilla’s Black, Olive. 

 

July 11th – July 17th | Madison River Fishing Report

It’s always amazing how quickly the Summer season in Montana cruises by. Here we are approaching the last part of July. Fire season is definitely here and there is a good amount of smoke most days here in the Valley from the Goose Fire burning up around Cliff and Wade. Despite the hot and smoky conditions, there are plenty of smiling faces and bent rods out on the river this past week. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dry fly fishing is still going strong. The Hopper and Nocturnal fishing is in it’s beginning stages. Lots of flashes and half takes out there. With the occasional larger fish attacking it with a vengeance. Within the next week we should be seeing more consistent action on the Hoppers and Nocturnals. Caddis, PMD’s, and Little Yellow Stones are still out there in great numbers as well. It seems the hot time of the bite changes almost daily. Sometimes early to mid day. Other days it’s been mid day to afternoon. But the evenings are consistent with the nightly Caddis activity. 

When the action on top has gotten slow at times. The nymphing has been consistent and bringing plenty of trout to net. Various Prince Nymph patterns, Caddis Pupae and Emergers, PMD Nymphs and Emergers, and Yellow Sally Nymphs are all fishing well. Now that the big bugs are done. The trout are beginning to show some interest again in the Stonefly Nymphs also. One consistent combo we’ve been fishing the last couple weeks is the Delektable Halo Caddis Emerger Tan in size #16 trailed by a #16 Delektable Root Beer Float in PMD. This combo has been deadly in the seams and slicks around rocks by the bank and in the middle of the river. 

Streamer fishing is best when you’d expect it to be. Early, Late, or under some cloud cover. Quite a few Sculpin imitations are working. Trevor’s, Sheila’s, McCunes. Along with our Delektable Screamers Single and Double in Olive/Black. Brighter afternoons are seeing some chasers on White or more Sparkley imitations. Such as Sparkle Minnows, or Kreelex patterns. 

Many anglers are getting out early or getting on the water for the evening fishing which is a great idea with the water temps still getting pretty warm each afternoon. Please stop by the shop for a few six packs of flies and your floatant and gadget needs. And it’s always fun to come in and wiggle one or two of Dan’s new creations in the Rod Room. If you’ve never had a chance to cast one of Dan’s Custom Beartooth Rod’s, you really should. They are tremendous rods. Each rod unique with all the custom handles and other components he has at his disposal. Be safe out there and stay cool.

Dries: Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan and Pale Olive #16, Delektable Sparkle Bug Tan #16, Delektable Halo Caddis Emerger in Tan and Royal #16. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, Tan, Pink, and Goldrush #14-#16. Delektable Chubbyness in Royal, Root Beer, Cinnamon , and Purple/Black #12-#16. Carlson’s Purple Craze #14-#16. PMD Sparkle Dun #16. Morrish Hopper #12-#14 in Tan and Pink, Half Down Hopper #14, Thunder Thighs Hoppers #12 -#14.

Nymphs and Emergers: Formerly Known as Prince #14- #16, Prince Nymph #14-#16, Lightning Bugs Silver, Pearl, and Gold #14-#16, Delektable Lil’ Spankers Silver and Gold #14 -#16, Delektable Hammerhead Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail #14-#18. Delektable Root Beer Float PMD #16. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Olive, Brown, #8-#10.Delektable Mega Prince #8-#10. Psycho Prince Yellow or Purple #14 – #16. Delektable Jig Hook Tungsten Spanker Miller Time #18. Split Back PMD #16. Lemon Drop #14 – #16. 

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single or Double Olive/Black, Sheila’s Sculpin, Trevor’s Sculpin, McCune’s Sculpin, Zonkers in Copper and Silver. Sculpzillas in Black, Olive and White. 

June 27th – July 3rd | Madison River Fishing Report

 

 

 

 

 

We are entering the final phases of this years Salmonfly Hatch. With the big bugs now spread out between Windy Point up to Quake. The dry fly action continued on strong all week. With the Madison trout munching on Salmonflies, Goldens, Sallies, Caddis and PMD’s. Mornings and  evenings have been strongest and most consistent. But plenty of fish are looking up throughout the afternoons as well. Two fly rigs consisting of a Salmonfly trailed by a caddis dry or emerger has been paying dividends. And for you evening anglers be sure to have some Rusty Spinners in the box at dusk. That’s usually the code cracker if they won’t take those caddis and you’re getting perfect drifts. 

Nymphing remains strong throughout the river. Stonefly nymphs, Caddis pupae, PMD nymphs, and Sallies all are in the drift right now. With so much insect activity right now it’s important to have a good rotation of flies you are confident in whether fishing on top or sub surface. Keep changing up the combos until you find what works for you out there. 

Streamer action remains good especially if you’re an early riser and out there in the lower light conditions. Plenty of fish are taking dead drifted or twitched streamers throughout the day as well. Trailing a nymph behind is also always a good bet. 

 

 

 

 

 

With the high temps and drought conditions, please remember to play your fish as quick as possible and keep them wet for a quick photo and a proper release. With these conditions it’s so important to handle this fragile resource with the proper care. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Secret Stone in UV Orange, UV Salmonfly, UV Goldenstone, and Royal. Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness in UV Salmonfly, and Goldrush. Delektable Lil’ Chubby in Royal, Black, Goldrush. Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis in Tan, Pale Olive. Delektable Twisted Baby in Brown. Carlson’s Purple Craze.

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs in Black, Brown, Olive. Delektable Guide Stone’s. Delektable Mega Prince and Hurless Stones. Delektable Hammerhead Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail. Lemon Drops, Split Back PMD. Psycho Prince Yellow and Purple. Delektable Lil’ Spanker in Silver, Red, Gold, Pheasant Tail. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Jig Head in Miller Time. Shop Vac’s, $3 dips. Perdigons. 

Streamers: Delektable Screamers Single and Double in Olive/Black, Badger, Brown/Yellow. Dungeons Full Size and Mini. Zonkers in Copper and Silver. Sculpzilla in Olive and Black. 

The Delektable Crew would like to wish you all a very safe and Happy 4th of July holiday. We enjoyed a very special Wedding on the River this week with the Palisades and the Madison in the background and one of our guides was the Reverend. What better way to enjoy days and evenings by having a relaxing day on the Madison. We thank you all for your support and patronage.