October 17th-October 24th, 2023 | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Remember Brown Trout and Whitefish are beginning to spawn; play your fish quickly, if you must snap a picture do so quickly and take off your gloves before handling. Pay attention to where you’re wading, avoid lighter colored pea gravel and if you see fish spawning let them do so in peace.  We all must take care of our precious resource; little acts of preparedness and consciousness go a long way to keeping our beautiful river and trout protected for generations to come.

Legends of the Fall are being created this Mid-October! We may have seen the last of the sweet days of Fall this week. Prior to our first Valley Snow the big front brought an uptick in catching and a huge drop off following. Seems that every creature of the Madison Valley has started to hibernate for the Winter. Those cold mornings sure make it harder to get out of bed but no worries, the Fish feel the same way!

Streamflows are at their Winter set point, Kirby at 886cfs and Cameron at 1,066cfs. We should see little fluctuations in flows from this point until Spring. BWO’s and Midges are still popping but look for them in the heat of the day. Nymphing has still been very productive and Stoneflies with a tungsten bead trailer have been working consistently. Trout are lethargic and slower moving this time of the year and will be going into the Winter months.  Waking up, enjoying a warm brew (maybe pack some with you too) and taking your time before getting on the Water (fishing during the heat of the day in a 2-3 hour window) will be your best success as you and the Trout are sufficiently warmed up for the day and ready to play!

At Beartooth Flyfishing we have had a fantastic season here on the Upper Madison River! We are so grateful and thankful for all our Customers, Guides and Dear Friends that keep our business alive and thriving. We stay open during the entire Winter however our hours have changed to Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 5pm, closed Sunday and Monday. We will be having some awesome Markdowns and Sales coming in November so come on by, get the best free coffee on the river and check out the shop without the crazy crowds of the Summer. Who knows what treasure you could find!

Nymphs: Delektable Guide Stone Olive/Brown, Black, or Black/Brown #8-#10; Delektable FB Sparkle Kaboom Stone #8-#10; Delektable Mega Prince STD FB #8-#10; Standard Flashback PT #16-#18; Geppert’s Master Emerger #18; Delektable Lil’ Spanker Red, Silver, Blue or PT #16-#18;  JH Zebra Midge Red or Black #18-#20; Copper John Red #16-#18; Splitback BWO #18-#20; Delektable Prince Brandon #14-#16; Psycho Prince Purple or Yellow #16-#18; Delektable Twinkle Red, Black or Olive #18-#20; Wire Worm Red #6-#8; Delektable JH Hammerhead GTBH Prince or Hare’s Ear #16-#18.

Dries: BWO Para Sipper #18-#22; Sparkle Dun BWO #20; Delektable Curved Hook Ranch BWO #18; Snowshoe Emerger BWO #20; Hi Vis BWO Spinner #20; Delektable Teaser BWO or Adams #18-#20; Black Sipper Midge #18-#20; Hi Vis Griffiths Gnat #18-#20; Para Adams #18-#20; Carlson’s Purple Craze #18-#20; Delektable Lil’ Chubby Royal or Goldrush #14-#18; Parachute Madam X Orange #10.

Streamers: Delektable Single Screamer White/Olive, Yellow, Black, Spawning, or Black/Olive #6; Galloup’s Sex Dungeon Olive/Black Barred #6; Sculpzilla Natural or Olive #4-#8; Zonker Copper/Natural, Olive or Pearl #4-#6; McCune’s Sculpin Olive #4-#8; Dali Llama Olive/White or Olive/Black #6; Delektable SS Jointed or Double Screamer Black/Olive, White/Olive, White or Spawning; JR’s Conehead Olive #6; Coffey’s CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin or JJ #6; Trevor’s Sculpin Olive #4.

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

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Remember Brown Trout and Whitefish are beginning to spawn; play your fish quickly, if you must snap a picture do so quickly and take off your gloves before handling. Pay attention to where you’re wading, avoid lighter colored pea gravel and if you see Fish spawning let them do so in peace.  We all must take care of our precious resource; little acts of preparedness and consciousness go a long way to keeping our beautiful River and Trout protected for generations to come.

Sunny days with cool nights have been a prevailing theme this week as we move into our fall season. We are in the best time of Fall and if you’re on a Summer schedule still you may be in for some chilly mornings and a long wait beating the water until the catching warms up! This time of the year Fish start to move into their Winter holes where food is prevalent. Shallow riffles, behind the rocks & deep River bend holes are places to target your energy.

Early AM Streamer fishing has been hot or cold on a day-to-day basis usually turning abruptly off mid-morning. BWO’s and Midges have been coming off mid-morning into the early afternoon, keep your eyes peeled for risers and adjust accordingly. Fishing these little Dries can be challenging visually, changing your Fly routinely can help also using a larger front Fly (we prefer a #18 Delektable Lil’ Chubby or an October Caddis). Nymphing has been the most productive throughout the day. Fishing tandem small Nymphs in shallower water and a Stonefly with a tungsten jig Nymph below in deeper holes has been the ticket.

Finding Fish can be challenging this time of the year, moving quickly (don’t waste time on marginal water), working holes (they may not take the Fly on the first, second or third look but that seventh cast…Fish On!) and take a break, appreciate the serenity and glory of nature around you on the Upper Madison River in the Fall!

Nymphs: Delektable Mega Prince STD FB #8-#10; BH Mo River PT #18-#20; Zebra Midge Red, Black #18-#20; Delektable Twinkle Red, Black or Olive #18-#20; Delektable JH Tungsten Spanker Holo Red, Holo Olive, Holo Silver, Holo Black, or PT #14-#18; Pat’s Rubberlegs Black or Black/Brown #8-#10; Delektable FB Sparkle Kaboom Stone #8-#10; Geppert’s Crystal Dip Red or Black #18; Copper John Red #16-#18; Standard Prince Nymph #14-#16; Delektable Prince Brandon #14-#16; Geppert’s Master Emerger #18; Wire Worm Red or Orange/Red #6-#8.

Dries: BWO Para Sipper #18-#22; Sparkle Dun BWO #20; Delektable Curved Hook Ranch BWO #18; Snowshoe Emerger BWO #20; Hi Vis BWO Spinner #20; Delektable Teaser BWO or Adams #18-#20; Black Sipper Midge #18-#20; Hi Vis Griffiths Gnat #18-#20; Para Adams #18-#20; Carlson’s Purple Craze #18-#20; Delektable Lil’ Chubby Royal or Goldrush #18-#14; Parachute Madam X Orange #10.

Streamers: Delektable Single Screamer White/Olive, Yellow, Black, Spawning or Black/Olive #6; Galloup’s Sex Dungeon Olive/Black Barred #6; Sculpzilla Natural or Olive #4-#8; Zonker Copper/Natural, Olive or Pearl #4-#6; McCune’s Sculpin Olive #4-#8; Dali Llama Olive/White #6.

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October 2nd-October 8th, 2023 | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on October 8, 2023 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Black Cats, Pumpkins, and the Fall Harvest is coming… but it’s not quite here just yet! Last week we saw what probably was the final breath of summer. While we have all been geared up to fish Streamers, the Dries have been quite effective during the day and into the evening. With mixed results with Streamers, Nymphing has been the most consistent way to land some Trout out there.

The Streamflows dropped this week to accommodate the Brown Trout spawn and to establish the Winter flows. Once established we should see flows stay consistent throughout the rest of the Fall/Winter season. Flows started this week at 1,140cfs@Kirby and 1,230cfs@Cameron at the beginning of the week and dropping mid-week to 886@Kirby and 1,060cfs@Cameron.

This week we saw bright sunny days with warmer temperatures. With the drop in Streamflows, fishing could be challenging depending on what section you were fishing and what time of the day. The early morning and late evening Streamer bite has been on with more aggressive chasers and eats. During the day BWOs and Midges have been producing some good fish if you can see your Fly and keep it up! Fishing these smaller flies with a Chubby or Ant pattern in front and frequently rotating your smaller Fly can help. Smaller nymphs in tandem and small Stonefly patterns #8-#10 have been productive in the shallower riffles and deeper holes with jig patterns with a split shot can get you that score that you’re after.

This next week with the weather turning, we should see the Fall Streamer fishing start to really pick up. Remember Brown Trout are beginning to spawn; play your fish quickly, if you must snap a picture do so quickly and take off your gloves before handling. We all must take care of our precious resource; little acts of preparedness and consciousness go a long way in keeping our beautiful river and Trout protected for generations to come.

Dries: Delektable Flying Ant Cinnamon & Black #18; BWO Para-Sipper #18-#22; Q’s Loopy Cripple Stacker BWO #18; Hi Vis BWO Spinner #20; Etha-Wing Dun BWO #20-#22; Delektable BWO Teaser or Adams Teaser #18-#20; Delektable BWO Munchkin #18-#20; Parachute Adams Black Post #18-#22; Parachute Adams Sparkle Purple #16-#18; Delektable Lil’ Chubby Cinnamon, UV Rainbow or UV Goldrush #16-#18.

Streamers: Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Olive/White, Black, White, Black/Olive; Delektable Double Screamer Olive/Black, Olive/Black in Gold, Black, Olive, White; Delektable Single Screamer Black, Olive/White, Olive/Black, White or Olive #6; Zonkers Dark Olive, Tan, or Natural #8; Trevor’s Sculpin Olive, Black, or Natural #4; Dali Llama Olive/White #6; Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6; Flash Fry Olive/Natural #6; Mini Loop Sculpin Olive or Natural #6; Mini Sculpin Black #10; Galloup’s Sex Dungeon Olive, Black/Olive Barred or Tan #6; JR’s Conehead Streamer Olive #6; Fish Wacker Mini White or Olive #6; Sculpzilla White, Olive or Black #4-#8.

Nymphs: Delektable JH Tungsten Spanker PT, Holo Orange, Black, or Silver #16-#18; Pat’s Rubberlegs Black or Black/Brown #8-#10; Delektable Kaboom Stone, Sparkle Kaboom Stone or FB Sparkle Kaboom Stone #8-#10; Jiggy BH Black Zebra Midge #18-#20; Delektable Tungsten BH Big Spanker Warrior #16-#18; Wire Worm Red or Orange/Red #6-#8; JuJu Flashback Baetis #18; Geppert Master Emerger #16-#18; Pheasant Tail Nymph Classic #16-#18; Skinny Nelson #18; Delektable Twinkle Black, Red, or Purple #18-#22; Delektable Ranch BWO #16-#18.

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September 25th-October 1st, 2023 | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Beartooth Flyfishing

We may be experiencing the last days of Summer surface action over the last week and what a fantastic week it has been. Trout are starting to change into their beautiful Fall colors to match the changing leaves and with the Autumnal equinox we are seeing Streamer fishing coming on in a big way!!

Streamflows are staying consistent and perfect at 1,150cfs@Kirby and 1,310cfs@Cameron. Trout have begun to move into the shallow riffle water and Whitefish have begun spawning. Conditions are perfect right now to catch the trout of a lifetime, the behemoth Trout are making their presence known and are on the hunt, hopefully, for the fly at the end of your line!

This past week Dries were consistently good as soon as it warmed up and through the afternoon if you could throw them in mixed windy days! Nymphing and Streamers have been consistent, smaller Nymph combos and Streamer/Nymph combos have been productive; Trout are starting to pod up and if you catch one fish in a hole you most likely will find many more.

Dries: Delektable Lil’ Chubby Royal, UV Olive or UV Tan #14-#18; Delektable Chubbyness Rootbeer, Olive Brown, Royal or UV Goldrush #14-#16; Parachute Adams Sparkle Purple #16-#18; Royal Wulff Cripple #16-#18; Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Purple or Tan #16-#18; Delektable Halo Dark Olive, Royal, Tan or Peacock #16-#18; Trico Thorax Dun #20; Etha Wing Dun Trico #20-#22; Half Drowned Moth, Hopper, Caddis #14-#16; Thunder Thighs Hopper Tan or Yellow #14; Delektable Slammer Black or Red #12-#14.

Nymphs: Delektable Curved Hook Ranch BWO  #16-#18; JuJu Flashback Baetis #18-#20; RS2 Olive #16-#20; Geppert Skinny Dip Brown, Pearl #16-#18; Delektable Tungsten BH Big Spanker Warrior #14-#18; Black BH PMD Nymph #16; Geppert Green or Red Machine #18; Delektable Guide Stone Olive/Brown, Black or Black/Brown #10; Delektable Lil’ Spanker Red, PT, Silver, Gold or Blue #16-#18; Delektable Hammerhead GTBH Prince or Hare’s Ear #16-#18; Tungsten BH Jiggy Frenchie #16-#18; Formerly Known as Prince #14-#18; Delektable JH Tungsten Spanker Holo Red, PT or Holo Black #16-#18; Wire Worm Red or Orange/Red #4-#8; Flossy Worm Red #12-#14; Delektable Prince Brandon #16-#18; Geppert’s Mega Emerger #16-#18; BH Lightning Bug Gold, Pearl or Silver #14-#16; Geppert’s Skinny Dip Black #14-#16; Psycho Prince Purple #16-#18; BH Rainbow Warrior Red #16-#18.

Streamers: Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Olive/White, Black, White, Black/Olive; Delektable Double Screamer Olive Black, Olive Black in Gold, Black, Olive, White; Delektable Single Screamer Black, Olive/White, Olive/Black, White or Olive #6; McCune’s Sculpin Tan #4-#6; Dali Llama Olive/White or Black/Olive #6; Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Sculpin or JJ #6; Trevor’s Sculpin Olive or Black #6; Flash Fry Olive/Natural #6; Mini Loop Sculpin Olive or Natural #6; Mini Sculpin Black #10; Galloup’s Sex Dungeon Olive/Black or Tan #6; JR’s Conehead Streamer Olive #6; Fish Wacker Mini White #6; Sculpzilla White, Olive or Black #4-#8.

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September 11th- September 24th, 2023 | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on September 24, 2023 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Cool mornings, warm days, calm waters, and fabulous fishing. Can you ask for anything more in beautiful Southwest Montana! We have had just the best Summer! And if you were lucky enough to be here the past two weeks, anglers have been blessed with beautiful weather and robust fishing experiences!

Fishing has been consistent, for most days, and by the later part of September we have started to see Trout start to move into the shallow riffles and pod up. Dries have been quite productive throughout the day; Caddis, Hoppers, Ants, Tricos and some BWOs are still holding strong. Nymphing with two smaller nymphs or size #10 or #8 Stones or a Streamer and Nymph trailer combo have brought some big smiles to many fly slingers!

We have changed our hours and are open from 8 am to 6 pm every day! Here at Beartooth Flyfishing we are fully stocked for all your fishing needs and here to help you with all your upcoming adventures!

Dries: Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Tan, Royal, UV Cinnamon or UV Pink #14-#18; Delektable Halo Royal, Peacock or Mo River #16-#18; Delektable Chubbyness Rootbeer, Royal, UV Cinnamon, UV Purple or Olive Brown #12-#16; Micro Water Walker Peanut or Pink #14-#16; Bloom’s Stealth Ant Purple #14-#16; Yaeger’s 409 Red #14-#16; More or Less Hopper Yellow or Peach #10-#12; White Cloud Hopper Tan or Peach #12-#14; Thunder Thighs Hopper Pink or Tan #12-#14; Delektable Flying Ant Red, Purple or Black #14-#18; Delektable Lil’ Secret UV Pink, Royal or Goldrush #14-#18; and Parachute Adams Sparkle Purple #16-#18.

Nymphs: RS2 Olive or Grey #18-#20; BH Montana Bullet Black/Red #18; Delektable Guide Stone Olive/Brown, Black or Black/Brown #10; Delektable Lil’ Spanker Red, PT, Silver, Gold or Blue #16-#18; Delektable Hammerhead GTBH PT, Prince, Hare’s Ear or UV Purple #16-#18; Tungsten BH Jiggy Frenchie #16-#18; Formerly Known as Prince #14-#18; Delektable JH Tungsten Spanker Holo Red, PT or Holo Black #16-#18; Wire Worm Red or Orange/Red #4-#8; Delektable Prince Brandon #16-#18; Geppert’s Mega Emerger #16-#18; Pat’s Rubberleg Black or Olive/Brown #8-#10; BH Lightning Bug Gold, Pearl or Silver #14-#16; Geppert’s Skinny Dip Black #14-#16; BH Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-#18; and Psycho Prince Purple #16-#18.

Streamers: Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Olive/White, Black, White; Delektable Double Screamer Olive Black, Olive/Black in Gold, Black, Olive, White; Delektable Single Screamer Black, Olive/White, Olive/Black, White or Olive #6; McCune’s Sculpin Olive or Tan #4-#6; Zonkers Dark Olive, Tan, or Natural #8; Trevor’s Sculpin Olive, Black, or Natural #4; Dali Llama Olive/White or Black/Olive #6; Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6; Conehead Zuddler Olive #6- #8; Flash Fry Olive/Natural #6; Mini Loop Sculpin Olive or Natural #6; Mini Sculpin Black #10; Bunny Buster #8.

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