We had several folks go out this week. To make it easier for you and not too long a read with pictures, we tried to generalize the report and provided a sample of the photos. So, here we are catching up for you! 🙂





Mornings and evenings have been the best with caddis, mayflies, and sallies. Most of the fish have been taken on nymphs like the hares ear softies and the tungsten pheasant tail softies. The micro may and some red style nymphs like the red brassie in the small sizes have been working great as well.


The Delektable CDC prince and the lemon drop have been hot in the middle of the day when it slows down a little. Sally nymphs have been good in the Indian Creek confluence and nearby. At this time when the fish are getting a little pickier, you have to be willing to change it up a little bit more than usual to find what they want exactly. We have been seeing some hoppers now but they aren’t taking them as readily yet. Ants have been reported to be working also. It’s hot and terrestrial season is upon us. Happy fishing!!!

Dan, Marty, Brandon, Tim, Randy, Nick and Craig

Higher water levels, chilly mornings and cool, pleasant days; it’s a great
time to be out on the water. Add wonderful clients to the mix and it’s just
a joy to be a guide.
Such was the case Sunday with Mark and Mark, a transplant father and son from Montana and Idaho. Originally from east
Texas, we are/were virtual neighbors and spent the day discussing much of
our home states, and enjoyed lots of mutual ribbing over the aspects that
are the Texas/Louisiana rivalry. The day was non-stop conversation, joking
and laughing. A day on the water with new friends; it doesn’t get much
better than that.

And, of course, there was the fishing. Which was great! … The fish were
hungry and eager, with the bite starting practically as soon as the oars
were in the water. The bites were strong, leaving no doubt to their intent,
and the fights were equally intense, with big runs and leaping fish. there
were very few “twinks,” with quality fish coming one after another. The duo
had a blast!

And the fly selection couldn’t have been simpler. The fish were keying on
Nocturnal Stones, and the fish were caught on Girdle Bugs, from start to
finish … So grab your Girdles and go fishing!

This followed another great trip with Missy and Jeff from Pennsylvania. The day started with Missy running nymphs and Jeff throwing dries. Jeff got a few fish to rise, but after watching Missy catch most of the fish on nymphs, he made the switch, then it was game on for both of them! Another fun day with wonderful clients.

Marty

Back to the Madison and the water is higher and faster. Big Dan was out with Gerry and Sarah during the day. They had a good day both on dries and wet flies. With the water up, more action started coming later in the day with nymphs as the hatches delayed and the stone flies were under the surface along with emergent caddis. There was a bit of dirty water from the West Fork area from last night’s storm but that did not stop the trout from biting. You just needed to find them in new places.

John and Dan G thought they would get out there and see what was going on in the evening after returning from the Beaverhead and they were glad we went out. Browns on the dry just off the banks and boulders. The hot fly was a Caddis in the #16, but they are going to leave it up to you to get the exact pattern 🙂 they were also eating the Delektable Red Twisted X (size 14) pretty hard. Don’t be afraid of the higher water and a little color, Dan G’s advice is to up your game and try to figure it out! Some suggestions would be streamers with nymphs behind, or double up on the big nymphs behind the rocks. He has been throwing dries in the evenings and doing great. Some dries to try would be any Caddis, PMD patterns and go for the Yellow Sally still too!! They are definitely eating them all! Happy fishing and keep those lines tight!

Big Dan, Dan G, and Nancy

The water came up a bit today which helped the temp and flow. We had stormy weather later in the afternoon. Mike doesn’t stop casting all day and scored well on dries and on nymphs. We were still having good results on Goldenstone dries. And yes, Dan’s secret golden was one of the tickets and Caddis too. We ran out of Dan’s fly in the shop but still had some great other goldens to substitute.

Cheyenne who is 8 years old enjoyed her birthday float with Gunnar. Right out from the launch she landed an awesome trout. Way to go Cheyenne! Happy Birthday! She was fishing a stone fly nymph combination and just kept scoring. She was able to take a short breather to get a nice photo of Gary, her dad, with a nice Brown Trout. They got off the river just before the big storm hit.

Dan with Mike and Beth kept floating through the storm and did keep catching. Again, goldenstones, caddis, sallies, and a variety of nymphs were working today.

Nancy