It was an interesting week weather wise here in the Madison Valley with lots of wind and some rain and snow but the forecast for this upcoming week looks a lot more fish friendly. Flows have been consistent at 940 c.f.s. below the dam at Hebgen, 1020 c.f.s. at Kirby and 1170 down at Varney.
The nymph fishing has been producing some quality fish especially later in the day when the waters warmest. Prince nymphs, Rubberlegs, Delektable Pheasant Tail Lil’ Spankers, Red Copper Johns and Worms have all gotten it done out there over the past few days.
Still the same song and dance on top, BWO’s and October Caddis. I’m expecting some good hatches this week with the weather predicted to be a little warmer (high 50s and lower 60s) so you dry or die guys should get a good late season fix. I’d be sure to have a couple Delektable Ranch BWOs in the box as well as some Adams and Purple Crazes and as the light dims in the evening skate a big October Caddis pattern around.
The streamer bite has been pretty good but not what we’d expect for this time of year, I’d count on that improving from good to great in the coming days. The olive and black Delektable Double Screamer has been my go to streamer as of late but we’ve also seen action on Galloup’s Sex Dungeon, pearl Zonkers, Trevor’s Sculpin and the white single Screamer. I’ve had the best luck on slow short strips and swings.
Be sure to call or stop in for any other tips you may need before heading out to enjoy the river and as always, check back next week for another up to date report
Flows are holding steady at 930 c.f.s. below Hebgen, 1020 at Kirby and 1140 c.f.s. down at Varney. The fly selection has been a little untypical for this time of year but if you can crack the code the fishing has been good. It’s looking like a mild week for this time of year coming up with daytime highs well into the 60’s so get out there and enjoy it!
Under the surface fish are eating things like Zebra Midges, RS2’s, Pat’s Rubberlegs in smaller sizes, small Delektable Big Spankers, Copper Johns and Princes. They’ll take those under a bobber or with a tight line which can be a little better for hooking them in some of the boulder pools.
Streamers are fishing well throughout the upper river. Make sure to swing some flies in front of the boulders as well as behind, we’ve seen a lot of fish holding in front of the rocks. Olive/black and white Delektable Screamers have been great flies as well as Circus Peanuts, McCune’s sculpins, Morrish sculpins and Sculpzillas.
Well I can’t believe it’s already October, we will be changing our store hours with the seasons to 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Flows have been steady at 880 c.f.s. below Hebgen, about 960 at Kirby and 1090 c.f.s. down at Varney. Although flows have been consistent the weather has not and due to that we had a couple days we had to work for some fish. The good news is things are on the upswing again.
