Madison River Fishing Report
July 13, 2020
We’re starting to transition away from the salmonfly hatch, but there are still some to be found up high. Caddis, yellow sallies and PMDs are coming off in good numbers throughout the river. Nocturnal stoneflies and terrestrials are not far off. Madison River flows remain ideal and the weather has been cooperating quite nicely.
Nymphing has been extremely productive, especially for small trout and whitefish. We’ve already been playing small ball with #16 or #18 nymphs with great success. Princes, lightning bugs, caddis emergers and PMD emergers will work. You can pick up quite a few fish alongside large boulders right now, however we’ve recently found the fish to be a little more spread out. Don’t overlook the middle of the river. Split shot is not really necessary as trout seem to be feeding high in the water column.
Dry fly fishing has been excellent for tiny fish and a little less productive for big fish. If you keep at it thought, they will come up. Elk hair caddis, parachute adams and small foam body attractor patterns are a good bet, particularly around mid-day.
The streamer bite is hit or miss as it usually is. Large trout are keying in on the first year rainbows and sculpin. Try an olive/white streamer with some flash on bright mornings for some aggressive takes. Switch over the sculpin colors if that’s not working. Give it some time, but don’t bank on it if it’s not turning fish.
See you on the river!
-Parker
Upper Madison River Flows near Cameron, MT
Upper Madison River Water Temperature
Lower Madison River Flows below Ennis Dam
Lower Madison River Water Temperature below Ennis Dam