Spring is here again on the mighty Madison River, with increasing snowmelt leading to bumped flows and water turbidity, producing incredible angling opportunities. This is resulting in pronounced aquatic insect activity from a myriad of Caddis, Mayfly, Midge, and Stone-fly species ramping up feeding from all cold-water species. This is also producing bites on Nymphing and early Dry Fly fishing. Cooler water temperatures from runoff have resulted in action packed Streamer fishing with aggressive eats in high water. This is culminating in a high number of catch-days with multiple guides with many happy clients.
River flows in mid-May have peaked just below 1,000 cubic feet per second at Kirby monitoring station, and 1,700 cubic feet per second at the Cameron monitoring station. Now sitting at the 800 to 900 at Cameron and 700 at Kirby towards the end of May. Additional late snowpack in the high peaks indicates tapered runoff through the beginning Summer season. Conditions for water flows on the Upper Madison River can be viewed at The U.S. Geological Survey stream gauge at Cameron (Madison River near Cameron MT – USGS-06040000) and Kirby (Madison River at Kirby Ranch nr Cameron MT – USGS-06038800).
Nymphing anglers report success this time of year throwing Stonefly Nymphs in colors brown and black. These are often paired with a smaller pattern of a Midge, Mayfly or Caddis. We recommend tying the two nymphs eye to eye about 18 inches apart for the best results on most freestone Rivers like the Madison. Wire worms and additional worm patterns have proven to be effective in high water flows. Decreased water clarity has led to brighter and buggier flies being the ticket.
Dry fly addicts have been able to connect with opportunistic risers on the Upper Madison, who are taking Callibaetis and occasionally Dun and Caddis. Spring runoff increases natural nutrient introduction into the Madison, this beginning life history of transitional stages of aquatic insects, which cold-water species take full advantage of. Soon, June flows will drop and entice famous Caddis and Salmon Fly hatches, bringing some of the most action-packed fly angling of the year.
Increased water saturation and cloudiness with constant temperatures in the low 40°s have created exciting and rewarding Streamer fishing on the Upper Madison, with fish not being afraid to chase down their meals. Dark and natural color combinations have been productive on hungry fish willing to chase down their meals. Colors like white, black, and olive are being able to move fish for everyone’s entertainment.
Nymphs: Delektable Guide Stone Black/Brown, #6 – #12, Delektable Kaboom Stone Black #6 – #12, Pat’s Rubberlegs Brown/Black #6 – #8, Wire Worm Pink, Red or Orange #8 – #4, Delektable Lil’ Spanker Blue #16 – #20, Delektable TBJH Hare’s Ear Torch Light #14 – #18, Delektable Twinkle Black #18 – #20, JHBH Zebra Midge Red #18 – #20, BH Lightning Bug Pearl #14 – #18.
Dries: Delektable Munchkin BWO #16 – #18, Delektable Ranch BWO #16 – #18, Delektable Squeezer BWO #16 – #18, BWO Para Sipper #18 – #22, PMD Parachute Sparkle Dun #16, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan or Cinnamon #16 – #18.
Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single Black and Olive/White, Yellow, and Olive/ Black #6 , Delektable Screamer Double Black and Olive/White and Olive/ Black #6, Mini Lama Olive/White and Black/Olive #4, CH Zuddler Black #6.
