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. 

We are starting to get the first glimpses of Spring here on the Upper Madison, bugs are in motion bringing happy fish and happier anglers. Large trout feed heavily in pre-runoff conditions, providing incredible early season angling opportunities on Nymphs and Dry Flies. Specifically, the renowned Mother’s Day Caddis hatch is an annual event every Spring on the Upper Madison. Colder water temperatures help incite eats on Streamers from larger predatory fish, allowing for exciting and engaging early season Streamer fishing. Despite a milder winter, early Spring has provided consistent high number angling days reported by many of our guides and clients

Flows on the Upper Madison are starting to pick up as the snowpack slowly begins to melt. Flows at the Cameron Monitoring station began around 850 cubic feet per second and flows at the Kirby monitoring station began around 700 cubic feet per second at the end of April. By the second week flows peaked at 1,200 at the Cameron and 950 at the Kirby monitoring stations. Flows for the Upper Madison can be monitored through the U.S. Geological surveys stream-gauge at the Cameron monitoring station ( Madison River near Cameron MT – USGS-06040000 ) and the Kirby monitoring station ( Madison River at Kirby Ranch nr Cameron MT – USGS-06038800 )

Nymphing angling has been successful in the early days of Spring runoff, imitating seasonal life history changes in aquatic insects that cold-water species take full advantage of. Specifically, Caddis species with additional Stonefly, Mayfly, and Midge patterns paired to diversify presentations. Hares-ear Nymphs and Emerging Caddis patterns prove to be highly effective imitating vulnerable stages of aquatic insects. Egg and Worm patterns have also proven to be effective as protein dense food options for cold-water species.   

Dry or die anglers rejoice as hungry trout show up for Mother’s Day Caddis for their annual carnage. Greedy trout taking small Dry Flies in fast water is something certain anglers look forward to every year, drawing anglers from all over the world. Fishing has been productive with a high number of days on Dry Flies with many of our guides. Additional hatches of BWO and Caddis will slowly persist as Spring melt off ramps up. 

Streamer fishing has been productive, targeting larger Trout, stripped or dead drifted under an indicator, or trailing a smaller Nymph or Emerger of of the Streamer. Patterns imitating forage of Sculpin and Crayfish species in natural colors have been productive for many of our guides. Tan and brown as well as black have been effective, in a wide range of profiles. 

Nymphs: Delektable Guide Stone Black #6 – #10; Pat’s Rubberlegs Brown/Black #6 – #8, Wire Worm Pink Red/Orange #8 – #4; Delektable Lil’ Spanker Blue #16 – #20; Delektable Tungsten Gold B.H. Formerly Prince #14 – #18; Delektable TBJH Hare’s Ear Torch Light #14 – #18; JH BH Zebra Midge Black #18 – #20; Delektable CDC Prince #14 – #18; BH Lightning Bug Silver #14 – #18. 

Dries: Delektable Twisted Baby Brown #10 – #14; Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Cinnamon #14,; Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Olive #14; Parachute Adams #14-16; Delektable Twisted Baby Tan/Brown #14; Cornfed Caddis CDC Tan #16, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Holo Olive #14-16, Missing Link Caddis Olive #14, Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Caddis Green #18, Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Olive #18.

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single Black and Olive/White and Olive/ Black #6 , Delektable Screamer Double Black and Olive/White and Olive/ Black #6, Mini Lama Olive/White and Black/Olive #4, Jr’s Conehead Streamer Natural or Olive #6, Galloup’s Sex Dungeon Olive.