Tag: Upper Madison River fishing report

June 6th-June13th | Upper Madison Fishing Report

We are experiencing the calm before the runoff here in the valley for the first half of this week. However later in the week the river began to  roar! The weather has been in the lower and mid 70’s earlier this week and dropping to the high 50’s by Sunday. The fishing earlier this week until Sunday has been productive as the fish are hungry. The water is the perfect off color and the “W” factor has been at a minimum. The flows started this week at 1,050 cfs at Kirby and 2,100 cfs at Cameron from the 6th to the 9th, however with the warmer weather on the 8th and 9th we started to see a dramatic increase in flows from the 10th-13th.  The flows increased over 3 days from 1,050cfs to 2,900cfs at Kirby and 2,180cfs  to 5,400cfs at Cameron. So to say that the river was dramatically impacted by the jump in flows which we are seeing mainly coming from our tributaries.  By the 13th the dam is full at Hebgen and we saw a large increase due to releasing water from the dam. Due to these changing water conditions from the first part of the week we had good conditions for floating and fishing and by the end of the week very challenging floating conditions (to impassable from Lyons Bridge to Palisades due to the inability to get under Wolf Creek Bridge and Sun West Ranch Bridge) however, good fishing wading from the banks, especially from Raynolds Bridge to Lyons Bridge, as the water rises into the banks the fish are pushed into the deeper calmer water on the banks, stack up like cordwood and are ridiculously hungry!! Early in the week we saw a very productive streamer bite but as the water became dirtier the darker color Nymphs, Leeches, Worms and Egg patterns were the ticket to big fish! The pictures, as Paul Harvey would say, tell “the rest of the story!”

Nymphs: Delektable Hammerhead STBH Holo Silver #16-#18, Delektable Prince Brandon #10-#18, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail #10-#16, BH Guides Choice Hares Ear #12-#18, Delektable Guide Stone Black #10-#14, Delektable BH Black Stoner #4-#8, Tungsten BH Blow Torch #14-#18, Tungsten BH Jiggy Frenchie #14-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Single Screamer/SS Double Screamer/SS Triple Screamer Yellow, White/Olive, Black/Olive, Brown/Yellow #6, Sparkle Minnow Black Fish Skull #4, Dali Llama White/Olive #6, Zonker Yellow, White, Natural #6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10-#16, Purple Haze Split Wing Parachute #12-#16, Parachute Adams Spark Purple #12-#18, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan, Olive, Cinnamon #14-#18, Delektable Root Beer Float Emerger Brown #16-#18.

June 13th | Upper Madison Runoff Report

Here in the Madison Valley Mother Nature has decided it can’t hold back the big part of runoff any longer. As of this morning the Kirby station is at 2,460 cfs and the Cameron station is reading 5,100 cfs. At these flows it is not safe to float between Lyon’s Bridge and Palisades fishing access sites. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET BENEATH THE SUN WEST AND WOLF CREEK BRIDGES! We have also just been notified by Northwestern Energy that they will begin to increase flows out of the Dam today to bring the Kirby station up to 3,500 cfs and keep the flow consistent at that level for the next several days. So expect the Cameron station to jump another 1,000 cfs give or take as well. These higher flows will make fishing tough as we approach peak runoff. There will not be much need to get into the water. Fish will be pushed into the banks and it’s going to be a nymphing and streamer game until things begin to subside. The Upper Madison is a challenging river to row at normal flows. With the expected higher flows please be careful out there and if you don’t have a lot of big water rowing experience it’s best to leave the boat at home right now. It only takes one mistake in big water and you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. Be smart and most of all be safe out there. Call our shop at 406-682-7525 if you have any questions to help you plan your fishing experience.

Nymphs: Delektable Guide Stone Black, Black/Brown #4-#8. Delektable Mega Prince Flashback #4-#8, Pat’s Rubberlegs Black #4-#8. Delektable Worm Red, Pink, #12. Wire Worms #8-#10. Prince Nymphs #12-#16. Formerly Known as Prince #12-#16. Lightning Bugs #12-#16. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver, Red, Blue, #12-#16. Delektable Jig Hook Spanker Silver, Holo Black, PMD Pale Olive, #12-#18.

Streamers: Delektable Single Screamer White, Black, Olive, Yellow, Black/Olive #6. Delektable Double Screamer Black/Olive, White, Brown/Yellow #8. Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Olive/White, Black/Olive, White. Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Smoke, Sculpin, JJ #6. Galloup’s Dungeon Black/Olive Barred. Galloup’s Silk Kitty Black,White, Tan/White. Bow River Bugger White #6. Zonkers White, Natural, Yellow #6.

May 30th-June 5th | Upper Madison Fishing Report

Rain, Rain, Stay, Stay!! What a beautiful birth of Spring life we are seeing this week! The mid 50s-60 degree temperatures and daily rainfall have brought a complete rebirth to the Valley. Fur babies are roaming around the water ways with their protective mothers; it is best to be aware and keep your distance if and when you encounter these precious animals. The river has turned from an off-color brown to a deep green this week and is just perfect! The Madison at Kirby started this week at 1,070cfs and gradually dropped to 850cfs by the end of the week; at Cameron we saw the river at 1,800cfs at the beginning of the week, by Friday a drop to 1,200cfs and finishing with another rise at 1,700cfs by Sunday as the tributaries continue to rise and fall with the weather conditions. Fishing is always good, as for catching right now it is hit or miss . However, we have reports of tentative nibbling and missed hits. Streamers and larger nymphs have been the most productive, but we have seen some top action when the weather breaks between rain showers. The wade fish only section of the river has been the most productive with the clearer water and lower flows making it an easier wading experience. As always, we end with some great pictures, the proof is in the pudding!

Nymphs: Delektable Hurless Olive Flashback #6-#10, Pat’s Rubberlegs Black/Brown #4-#6, Delektable B.H. Black Stoner #6, Delektable Black Guide Stone #6, Delektable Prince Brandon #10-#12, Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail #12-#14, Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Jighead Holo Green #14, Tungsten BH Jiggy Blow Torch #14-#16, BH Hot Orange Pheasant Tail #14-#16, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver #16-#18, Psycho Prince GB Caddis Green #14, Delektable Jig Hook Tungsten Spanker Halo Olive #16.

Dries: Purple Haze Parachute #10-#16, Parachute Adams #10-#18, Delektable Mega2Tone Chubbyness Royal #10-#12.

Streamers: Dali Llama Olive/White #6,  Zonker Natural Size #6, Delektable Double SS Screamers Olive & White/Black & Olive/Black/Olive & Yellow #8, Delektable Double/Single Screamers Black/Olive/Yellow #6-#8, SculpZilla Black #8, Sex Dungeon White/Black & Olive/Black #4.

June 2nd, 2022 | Quake Lake Fishing Report

What a special day to spend fishing with great friends!! Dan was whisked away from the shop by his good friend Sean and went in to hunt for big fish and good times at Quake Lake; they found both!! Putting in at Lake Story and motoring up to the inlet of the Madison River; fishing Beaver Creek, stripping Streamers around the big dead trees and spot fishing to risers, the lake showed it’s pre runoff glory!!! All the food groups were on the menu from Streamers to Dries to Nymphs the fish were hungry! Lower flows, slightly off color, mixed overcast and sunny conditions contributed to optimal conditions to fish before the water rises and muds up, if you can catch this brief window between ice off and runoff the day will be epic! As always the pictures tell the story far better than this author can!

Nymphs: Delektable Hurless Stone FB Olive #6, Delektable Mega Prince Standard FB #6, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver #18-14.

Dries: Parachute Adams #18-#14, Delektable Mega2Tone Chubbyness Royal #12

Streamers: Delektable Double SS Screamers Green/Olive #6

May 23rd- May 29th Upper Madison Fishing Report

The first signs of Runoff have hit the Valley. However, it has been slow and gentle so far.  Inconsistent weather conditions in the Valley have continued throughout this week. The River is showing a distinct striping from the West Fork down. Further towards Varney and into Town we are seeing a complete off-color River. This happens to be perfect for fishing bigger Stoneflies and Nymphs, flashier droppers with larger diameter Tippet. Above the West Fork we have started to see Fish stacking up in holes and the Streamer Slinging has started to be productive!! We have had reports of 20-30 fish days on the Streamer, Slingers’ your time has arrived! The River started the week at Kirby at 650 cfs and gradually rose through the week to 1,080 cfs; at Cameron we saw a similar trend with the water at 860 cfs early in the week and it ended at 1,820 cfs. We are seeing this influx of water coming from our tributaries (West Fork, Indian Creek, Wolf Creek, Cabin Creek, Beaver Creek, Standard Creek, Moose Creek & Sheep Creek) rather from Hebgen Lake. We are very grateful to have a dedicated dam operators that are doing all that they can to conserve as much water as possible at Hebgen to keep our beloved Madison with healthy flows all Summer long! The weather that we have had this April & May has really been a life saver, we are currently sitting at 130% snowpack!! This coming week we should be seeing more rain and mid 60-degree weather, however with the cooler nights we are predicting to see a continuation of this week’s water conditions and continued fishable water!! Come see us and let us help you with your bug selection and gear, and we provide Free delicious Dark Roast Coffee and chat about Epic Fishing Days!!!

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince STD FB #6-#8, Delektable Hurless Stone Grey or Olive FB #6-#8, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver/Pheasant Tail #12-#16, BH Delektable Prince Brandon #10-#16, BH Shop Vac #14-#16, BH Hot Orange Pheasant Tail #14-#18, Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Hare’s Ear #14-#16, Delektable Stoner Egg Head Spark Plug Black/Brown #6, Delektable BH Black Stoner #6, Lightning Bug Silver #16-#18, Delektable Stonefly Candy UV Brown/Gold #4-#8, Pat’s Rubberleg Brown or Black #4-#8, Tungsten BH Jiggy Blow Torch #14-#16, Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Jighead Halo Green #14, Delektable Worm Red #8, Wire Worm Orange/Red #6.

Dries: Delektable Mega2Tone Chubbyness Royal #8-#10, Purple Haze Parachute #16-#18, Geppert Crystal Dip #16-#18, Parachute Adams #16-#18, BWO Para-Sipper #18-#20, Three Dollar Crystal Dip GB #16, Delektable BWO Teaser #18, Delektable Royal Squeezer #18-#20.

Streamers: Coffey’s BH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6, Delektable Screamer Single or Double Olive, Yellow, Black, or Spawning #8, Zonker Natural/Copper #6-#8, Sculpzilla Olive #8, Sparkle Minnow Fish Skull Black #8, Slump Buster Black #8.

May 17th-May 22nd Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Montana Spring has many surprises, mostly the weather! This week started with temperatures in the high 60s, snow by Friday melted later in the day, and a full-blown blizzard on Sunday.  The river showed some signs of runoff with the West Fork kicking in mud with the higher temperatures early in the week however the cooler temps turned that off as quickly as it turned on and the river was running clear by Sunday. We saw fluctuations in the river this week starting out with flows at Kirby at 750cfs up to 980cfs by mid-week and coming back down to 715cfs. There was a similar pattern for Cameron as well 860cfs at the beginning of the week, 1,300cfs by midweek, and dropping to 900cfs by Sunday. The changing conditions have made some days challenging for catching but alternatively have made other days amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were very excited and honored this week to host students and teachers from the Nueva School in Hillsborough, California on a guided float on the Upper Madison. The kids have been learning about fly-fishing and practicing casting at school; they put their preparation and knowledge to the test on Thursday. The “W” and temp factor added some special variables. As for their experience, the pictures tell the best story!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince STD FB #6-#8, Delektable Hurless Stone Gray/Olive FB #6-#8, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver/Pheasant Tail #12-#16, Delektable Prince Brandon #10-#16, BH Shop Vac #14-#16, BH Hot Orange Pheasant Tail #14-#18, Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Hare’s Ear #14-#16, Delektable Stoner Egg Head Spark Plug Black/Brown #6, Delektable BH Black Stoner #6, Lightning Bug Silver #16-#18.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dries: Delektable Mega 2Tone Chubbyness Royal #8-#10, Purple Haze Parachute #16-#18, Geppert Crystal Dip #16-#18, Parachute Adams #16-#18, BWO Para-Sipper #18-#20, Three Dollar Crystal Dip GB #16, Delektable BWO Teaser #18, Delektable Royal Squeezer #18-#20.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Streamers: Coffey’s BH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6, Delektable Screamer Single/Double Olive/Yellow/Black/Spawning #6, Zonker Natural/Copper #6-#8, Sculpzilla Olive #8, Sparkle Minnow Fish Skull Black #8, Slump Buster Black #8.

 

 

 

 

 

May 9th-May 16th Upper Madison River Fishing Report

The Midnight Rain Dances have worked here in the Valley! We are of this week at 100% snowpack and the valley is unveiling its spring beauty; green glory, trees budding and little wildflowers starting to peek out from the warming earth. We started the week off with temperatures in the 40’s and finished off the week with temps in the low 70’s! The River has been running steadily at 750-800 cfs at Kirby but fluctuating at 1,020 cfs earlier in the week, dropping down to 860 cfs mid-week and finishing at 1,050 cfs by the 15th.  We saw a touch of runoff on the 14th and 15th with the warmer weather but that has stopped with the cold front moving in. The Caddis and Mayfly’s have been seen and are working on the River, when the W factor isn’t blowing them all away, which has has been calmer this week. The fish that have been caught this week have been healthy and hungry and seem as eager as we for warmer weather! As always, the pictures tell the best story. And way to go Patsy and Joan! 

Nymphs: Pat’s Black #6 & #10, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver #16, RS2 Olive #18, Delektable BH Prince Brandon #16-#10, Delektable Mega Prince STD, FB & Olive #6-#10, Delektable Guide Stone Black #6-#10, Tungsten BH Jiggy Blow Torch #16-#18, Delektable TGBH Big Spanker Pheasant Tail #16-#18, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Olive Green #18-#20, Geppert Crystal Dip Black, Brown #16-#18, ShopVacs #14-18.

Dries: Delektable Twisted X Tan/Brown #16, Delektable Mega2Tone Chubbyness Royal #10, Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Caddis Green #16, Purple Haze Parachute #16, Griffith’s Gnat #16-20, BWO Para Sipper #18-20, Delektable Teaser BWO #18-20.

 

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single or Double SS Jointed Black, Olive, White, Spawning, Purple Black #6, Sculpzilla Olive or Black #4-8, Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow #6, Zonker Natural #6, BH Dude Friendly Black/Natural #10.

May 1st-May 8th Madison River Fishing Report

Wow! What a Wet and Wild Spring we have had in Southwest Montana. Temps have varied from mid 30s to high 60s through the week and the conditions have been no wind and sunny to full blown 50 mph wind gusts and white out snowy conditions. Then switching to heavy rain with light wind and back to sunny with no wind: all these conditions possibly all within the span of one day. The true fishing believers braving the weather in search of the bite have been hardened and truly indoctrinated in what it means to fish in Montana in the Spring; and for their perseverance in the elements many have been rewarded handsomely! The Crew at Beartooth Flyfishing and the fishing community are overjoyed for the moisture that the weather has been bringing us this past month. At this time last month, we were sitting at 73% our normal snowpack and within the month we have climbed to 92% and still climbing!!

The flows on the Upper Madison earlier this week were 730cfs at Kirby and 805cfs at Varney gradually climbing to 820cfs @ Kirby and 1,020cfs at Varney by the end of the week. With the variable weather conditions this week fish are still moving slow (but biting hard) with colder water temperatures and nymphing has been the way! The Streamer bite is coming on but slowly and dead drifting has been the most productive technique. Fishing has been awesome this week the pictures below tell the story more beautifully than we can!

Nymphs: Pat’s  Rubber Legs Black #10, Delektable Hurless Stone Gray #8, Delektable Mega Prince Standard #8, Formerly Known as Prince #14-16, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail #14-20, Shop Vacs #14-18, Delektable Rootbeer Float Baetis Dark Grey/ Olive #18-20.

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single or Double SS Jointed Screamer Black, Olive or White #6, Sculpzilla Olive or Black #4-8, Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow #6.

Dries: Para Adams #12-20, Carlson’s Purple Craze #18-20, Griffith’s Gnat #16-20, BWO Para Sipper #18-20, Delektable Lil’ Teaser BWO #18-20.

 

March 20th-March 27th | Madison River Fishing Report

Spring has sprung in the Madison Valley, which consequently means we start the week with a snowstorm and end with 70 degrees wading in shorts weather! The “W” factor (wind) in the valley was moderate this week, a mixture of calm in the morning and breezy in the afternoon or vice versa. The river is running at lower flows this time of the year with a spike of 700 cfs at Kirby Ranch earlier this week and ending with 643 cfs by Sunday. Do not let these flows discourage you from fishing as these flows make wading, especially on the upper river by Three Dollar and Raynolds Pass, a friendly and safer experience. Just be careful not to walk on the reds in the pea gravel. Boat navigation is possible if you are experienced in rowing in low flows and able to read the flow and follow the path in the deepest water. As it may be more difficult conditions for floating it is worth it as the people hatch is at a minimum!

The Delektable crew was able to break away from work and do a true fishing test on Sunday and oh! boy! what a beautiful day! Nymphs, fished in tandem with a #B split shot 16” above first fly and at some deeper holes wade fishing 2 or 3 #B shot, were the most productive means for catching, both rainbow and browns chomping down and of course some very healthy whitefish. Later in the day as the cloud cover came in, we switched to two single Streamers dead drifted with a little twitch that produced several nibbles and 3 successful catches. We also have reports from Three Dollar and Raynolds Pass that middle of the day to afternoon BWOs are working in the pools, slicks and behind the rocks if the wind is calm. If you find yourself getting beaten up by the fish and doubting your choices remember the worm hatch is always happening!

Nymphs: Delektable FB Braided Brownstone size #8, Delektable FB Hurless Stone size #8, Delektable FB Olive Mega Prince #8, Delektable Big Spanker Warrior size #18, Delektable Worm Red and Earthworm Brown Size #12

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single White size #6, Bunny Buster #8, Mini Sculpin Natural Size #10, Mini Loop Sculpin Olive size #8

Dries: BWO Para-Sipper #18 & 20, ETHA- Wing Dun BWO size #18 &20

February 3rd | Madison River Fishing Report

Happy February from the gang here at Beartooth Flyfishing. It’s been a great winter so far here in the Madison Valley. The valley is full of Elk and Deer which makes for some fantastic winter photos and wildlife viewing. Snowpack has been building and at this moment we are sitting at 95%. Keep up with the prayers for more snow and moisture as we can use all we can get after the low flows of last season. We’ve been busy at the shop working on Preseason orders. Dan’s been busy building rods. We will have some exciting things to see for the upcoming season to be sure.

The Upper River has opened back up after its temporary closure due to Hebgen Dam Malfunction in late 2021. The Ice Jam is on in full force from Ennis Lake upstream through Ennis and the lower fishing access sites. Angling pressure has been very low this winter as many anglers have been voluntarily giving the river a break to continue to heal after last years incident at the Dam. We’ve had many calls wondering how the river is doing. And as of right now it’s the same Madison we’ve loved forever. Flows are looking good. 920 cfs at Hebgen, 1000 cfs at Kirby, and 1060 cfs at Cameron.

The actual fishing itself has been good to excellent for those who have made the choice to get out there. Nymphing has been good to excellent. Midge Pupae, Smaller Mayfly Nymphs, Serendipities, and Heavy Stonefly Nymphs have been getting the job done. February is typically the month where we really see the midge dry fly activity really kick into gear up in the Upper Wade Stretch around $3 Bridge and Raynold’s Pass. This year looks to be no different as we’ve even had some great midge days up there in the latter half of January with quite a few nicer blue bird days in the past couple weeks. Look for those days in the upper thirties and low forties with calmer winds and the dry fly fishing up there can be some of the best you’ll have throughout the year. Dead Drifting a Streamer has also been very effective at times. Anglers who have checked in with us at the shop are coming in with good to great reports which is so nice to hear after the events of late last year.

We at Beartooth thank all of you as always for all your support and kindness. As Spring begins to approach get those vices heated up and fill those boxes for another exciting Flyfishing Season in SW Montana in 2022. Our fly inventory right now is great. As always, we have all the bugs you could possibly need for a early outing to the Upper Madison. Be safe out there and Tight Lines!

Dries: Griffith’s Gnat #18-#22. Adams Midge Cluster #18-#20. Brook’s Midge Sprout Black #20. CDC Midge #20. Zelon Midge #20-#22. Parachute Adams #20-#22. Carlson’s Purple Craze #18-#20.

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince Std. and Flashback #8-#10. Delektable Guide Stone Black, Black/Brown #8-#10. Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Brown, Black/Brown #8-#12. Delektable Twinkle Black, Red, Rootbeer, Olive #18-#20. Zebra Midge Black, Red #18-#20. $3 Dips Brown, Red, Olive #16-#20. Jig Hook Napoleon Light Olive #16-#18. Delektable Lil’ Spanker Silver, Gold, Red, Pheasant Tail, Blue #16-#20. Delektable Tungsten Jig Spanker Silver, Red, Gold, Holo Olive, Holo Black, Pheasant Tail #18. Delektable Big Spanker Warrior #18.

Emergers: RS2 Gray, Black, Olive #18-#22.

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single or Double Olive, Black, White, Black/Olive. Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Black, Black/Olive, Olive, White. Sculpzilla Olive, Natural #4-#8. Zonkers Natural, Copper, Olive #6-#8. Bow River Bugger Olive, White, Black/Olive #6-#8.