October 10th – October 16th, 2022 | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on October 16, 2022 by Beartooth Flyfishing

We begin our slow wave Goodbye! to an incredible Native Summer. Nights have begun to get cooler and it’s taking longer for the sun to warm the Valley during the day. True Fall is starting to set in and while this next week starts with the last of our gorgeous sunny days expect snow by the end of the week. Even with the drop in temps, fish eat every day. The chill may challenge the angler but the bite is still on! Stream Flows have been consistent this week; 760cfs at Kirby and 950cfs at Cameron and are expected to continue this way for the upcoming week.

We saw some Dry fly action this past week, on and off with Ants and Hoppers (the last we may see with the cold temps at night) and Trico, Midge and Mayfly activity. The clear sunny days have dampened some of our Fall hatches but look for the overcast days bringing BWO and October Caddis action! Nymphing and Streamer fishing has been the most productive especially Nymphs on the drag through shallow water. If you come across rising, tailing fish and they just aren’t interested in your fly; go smaller (#20-#22) it can prove very successful to get those picky Trout!

Nymphs: Delektable Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail, Purple, Blue, Black, Silver, Gold #14-#20; Geppert’s Green Machine #18; RS2 Olive #16-#20; Tungsten Split-Case BWO #20; BH Mo River Red, Black #18-#20; Delektable Curved Hook Ranch BWO #16-#18; JH Napoleon Light Olive #18; Zebra Midge Black, Red #18-#20; Sawyer PT Copper, Red #16-#18; Pat’s Rubberleggs Black, Brown/Black, Olive/Brown #8-#10; Delektable Mega Prince Standard Flashback #10; Juju Baetis #18-#20; GB Bubbleback Emerger PT #16-#18; Delektable Hurless Grey, Olive #10; BH Jig Head Pearl, Silver Lightning Bug #16-#18; Tungsten BH Jiggy Frenchie #14; and Delektable Orange Juice Caddis Emerger, Lime Juice #14-#16.  

Dries: Half Drowned Moth, Hopper, Caddis #16; Fat Frank Olive, Tan #12-#14; Hi-Vis Parachute BWO #20; October Caddis PMX Orange #12; Delektable Flying Ant Minimal Cinnamon #16-#18; Parachute Adams #18-#20; B’s Emerging Peacock Caddis #16; Delektable BWO Squeezer #18-#20; Delektable Twisted Baby Orange/Brown, Tan/Brown #12-#16; BWO Para Sipper #20-#22; Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Pink, Royal #16-#18; and Delektable Chubbyness Rootbeer, Cinnamon #16.

Streamers: Delektable SS/Double/Single Screamer Olive/White, Black, Yellow, White, Badger, Olive/Black, Brown/Yellow #6; Murphey’s Miracle Mile Olive Peanut #4, CH Zuddler White, Olive, Black #4-#8; Lady Gaga White, Rainbow #6; Rubber Bugger Halloween #6; Zonker Natural, Copper, Olive, Black #4-#6; Sculpin “The One” #6; Yo’ Dali Llama Olive/White, Black/Olive, Natural #6; Mini Loop Sculpin Olive, Natural #6; and Silky Kitty Olive, White, Black #6.

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October 3rd-October 9th, 2022 | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Fall is just so very sweet in the Madison Valley! This year is shaping up to be gorgeous weather wise, sunny with the mid 60’s to low 70’s! The fishing has just been splendid this past week, nymphing being the most productive means of daily catching. However, the overcast days have been accompanied by Black Caddis, October Caddis and BWO’s. Also don’t count the Hopper and Ant out yet, they are still out and working. Dry and Emerger/Nymph combos have been productive, especially if you stick to your guns and fish it consistently. Trout have begun to attack aggressively to a stripped Streamer and are holding in shallower water.

The water flows have stayed consistent this week, 760cfs @ Kirby and 940cfs @ Cameron. These lower flows keep the fish spread out throughout the River. So be sure to try a variety of locations so you are fishing water all over, especially in shallow runs (big trout are hiding out looking to eat a tasty Lil’ Juvenile)!

As always, have fun out there, fish hard as Winter is coming but hopefully not too soon!!!

Nymphs: Delektable Lil’ Spanker Pheasant Tail, Purple, Blue, Black, Gold #16-#20; Geppert’s Green Machine #18; RS2 Olive #16-#20; Tungsten Split-Case BWO #20; BH Mo River Black #18-#20; Delektable Curved Hook Ranch BWO #16-#18; Zebra Midge Red, Black #18-#20; Delektable Orange Juice Caddis Emerger, Lime Juice #14-#16; Delektable Worm Red, Wine #16; Pat’s Rubberlegs Black, Brown/Black, Olive/Brown #8-#10; Delektable Mega Prince Standard Flashback #10; Delektable Hurless Flashback Gray, Olive #10; JH Napoleon Light Olive #18; GB Bubbleback Emerger PT #16-#18; Sawyer Pheasant Tail Copper, Red #16-#18; Juju Flashback Baetis #18-#20; and Formerly Known As Prince #18-#14.

Dries: Delektable Flying Ant Minimal Cinnamon #16-#18; Half Drowned Moth, Hopper, Caddis #16; Hi-Vis Parachute BWO #20; Delektable BWO Squeezer #18-#20; October Caddis PMX Orange #12; Delektable Chubbyness Rootbeer, Cinnamon #16; Parachute Adams #18-#20; Fat Frank Olive, Tan #12-#14; Delektable Twisted Baby Orange/Brown, Tan/Brown #12-#16; Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Pink, Royal #16-#18; Parachute Adams #18-#20; B’s Emerging Peacock Caddis #16; BWO Para-Sipper #20-#22; and McKnight Tan Thunder Hopper #12-#14.

Streamers: Lady Gaga White, Rainbow #2; Murphey’s Miracle Mile Olive Peanut #4; BH Flashabugger Black #8; Yo’ Dali Llama Black/Olive, Olive/White, Tan/Natural #6; Trevor’s Sculpin Olive #4; Kyle’s Egg Head Olive/Yellow, Natural #6; Slump Buster Squirrel/Copper #6; Zonker Natural/Tan, Natural, Natural/Copper, Dark Olive #6-#8; Delektable Single/Double/SS Olive/White, Black/Olive, Purple/Black, Black, White, Yellow, Badger #6; and Silvey’s Sculpin Leech Olive, Tan #4.

 

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September 26th-October 2nd, 2022 | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on October 2, 2022 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Snow in the mountains, overcast/rainy days, leaves turning colors and Ginormous Trout in the River! Fall is just the best in the Madison River Valley! This week was full of Fall surprises; from the weather (cold in the morning and high 70’s during the day with touches of thundershowers and the big “W” bringing in the cold front by the end of the week) to the Really Big Trout coming out and making their presence known! What wasn’t a surprise this week was that the ladies really came out on top with the Most and the Biggest catches of All!!

Most of this week we saw very productive Dry Fly fishing and consistent Nymph and Streamer fishing. With the weather turning by the end of the week the  Dry Fly fishing became more challenging but opened doors for more productive Streamer with trailing Nymph fishing. Dead drifting streamers has been the most consistent method but as the water temperature continues to drop twitching and stripping will become the way to score a Whopper!

This coming week look for Dry Fly fishing, especially October Caddis and BWOs, with the warmer weather predicted for most of the week. Additionally, don’t give up on the Hopper just yet, they don’t die till the second hard freeze, and they should be hopping around this week! Best of Luck out there and if you’re struggling out there come on in; we have free coffee in the morning, entertaining advice, and all the flies you could possibly desire!!

Nymphs: Geppert’s Green or Black Machine #18; Delektable Curved Hook Ranch BWO #18; Delektable Orange Juice Caddis Emerger #12-#16; SBH Zebra Midge Red, Black #18-#20; Wire Worm Red #6-#10, BH Mo’ River Pheasant Tail #16-#18; Delektable Jig Hook Spanker Holo Orange, Black #14-#18; Formerly Known As Prince #10-#14; Two Bit Hooker Light Olive #16-#20; Delektable Lil’ Spanker Blue, Pheasant Tail #14-#20; Delektable Black/Orange Stoner #8; Pat’s Rubber Legs Olive/Brown, Black, Black/Brown #8-#12; Tungsten Split Case BWO #20; JuJu Baetis Flashback Purple #20; and Epoxyback Tungsten Copper John Copper, Red #14-#18.

Dries: Delektable Lil’ Chubby Royal, Cinnamon, Rainbow #16-#18; Delektable Twisted X Orange/Brown, Rose/Gray #14-#16; Parachute Madame X Peacock #10-#14; Royal Wulff Cripple #16-#18; Olive “X” Caddis Elk Hair #16; Carlson’s Purple Craze #16-#18; Delektable BWO Teaser #18-#20; Etha-Wing Dun BWO #20-#22; Q’s Loopy Cripple Stacker BWO #18; Delektable Flying Ant Red #18; White Cloud Hopper Tan #12-#14; and Hi-Vis Tan Thunder Thighs #10-#14.

Streamers: Lady Gaga White, Rainbow #2; Murphey’s Miracle Mile Olive Peanut #4; BH Flashabugger Black #8; Yo Dali Llama Black/Olive, Olive/White, Tan/Natural #6; Trevor’s Sculpin Olive #4; Kyle’s Egg Head Olive/Yellow, Natural #6; Slump Buster Squirrel/Copper #6; Zonker Natural/Tan, Natural, Natural/Copper, Dark Olive #6-#8; and Delektable Single/Double/SS Olive/White, Black/Olive, Purple/Black, Black, White, Yellow, Badger #6.

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September 19th- September 25th 2022 | Upper Madison Fishing Report

Posted on September 25, 2022 by Beartooth Flyfishing

The weather has cooled, the streamflow has dropped, and the fishing has turned on in an epic way!!! The Fly Hatches are on; Hoppers, Ants, BWOs and Caddis are coming on late this year and the Trout are deep on the prowl! The weather is forecasted to be mild for the end of September and most of October. This coupled with our guaranteed water flow is making the Upper Madison River the place to be in the West this Fall!!

There is not much to say for this last week’s fishing other than WOW!! Dries, Nymphs, and Streamers all are productive means of hooking up. It’s up to the fisherman which strategy they want to employ! Streamflows started this week at 875cfs at Kirby and 1,030cfs at Cameron and have dropped by the end of the week to 809cfs at Kirby and 983cfs at Cameron. Most likely we will continue to see these flows continue into the next couple weeks to help aid the spawning browns running out of the Lakes.

Dries:  Delektable Chubbyness Olive Brown, Royal, UV Cinnamon #12-#16; Royal Wulff Cripple #14-#16; BWO-Para Sipper #18-#20; Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Pink, UV Tan, Royal, UV Cinnamon, UV Rainbow #14-#18; Dornan’s Micro Water Walker Pink #14; Purple Haze Cripple #16-#18; Delektable BWO Squeezer #18-#20; Delektable BWO Teaser #18-#20; Q’s Loopy Cripple Stacker BWO #18; Delektable Twisted Sister Purple, Tan/Brown #12-#14; Purple Haze Split-Wing Parachute #14-#16; Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Holo Olive, Purple #16-#18; CFO FPA Copper/Black #16; Hi-Vis Thunder Thighs Hopper Tan, Pink #10-#14.

Nymphs: Geppert’s Mega Emerger #16-#18; Geppert’s Master Emerger #16-#18; Delektable Curved Hook Ranch BWO #16-#18; BH Mo River Pheasant Tail #18-#20; Jig Hook Iron Lotus #16-#18; JuJu Baetis Flashback Purple #18-#20; Delektable Lil’ Spanker Purple, Silver, Red, Pheasant Tail, Blue #16-#20; Tungsten BH Jiggy Blow Torch #14-#18; Pat’s Mr. Rubberlegs Black, Olive/Brown #10-#12; Delektable TGBH Sure Strike Yellow/Peacock #16-#18; BH Delektable Prince Brandon #14-#18; RS2 Olive #18-#20; Delektable Mr. RubberLegs Brown Stone #10; Delektable Jig Head Spanker Holo Black, Holo Olive #18.

Streamers: Yo Dali Llama Olive/White #6; Trina Belly Dancer #6; Silky Kitty Olive, Black #6; Sundell’s Bad Boy Olive #6; Mini Loop Sculpin Olive, Natural #6; Coffee’s Sparkle Jig Smoke, Purple #1; Sculpzilla Olive/White, White, Black #4-#8; Shelia Sculpin #4; Delektable Single/Double/SS Olive/White, Black/Olive, Purple/Black, Black, White, Yellow #6; BH Flashabugger Black #8.

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September 12th-September 18th, 2022 | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on September 18, 2022 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Montana FWP are conducting their Fall Shocking of the Upper Madison River on the following dates:

Pine Butte: September 8th, 9th, 12th and September 19th-September 21st

Varney: September 14th-16th and September 22nd, 23rd and 26th

Epic beginning Fall Fishing Days are being hailed through out the shop here at Beartooth Flyfishing! While it may be tough going for some and fantastic fishing for others; the trend for productivity seems to be timing, flies, location, and a little luck (which can be said always for fishing!).  Cooler Fall Temperatures have brought back Wader and Gore-Tex fashion, revived and fresh faces that had been drained from the heat and a “Old Man River” spirit of reflection and Peace have swept through the valley. How lucky are we to live and work in such a special place and have a fishing community that supports each other and tirelessly works on protecting this very treasured River and Valley for generations to come! A huge shout out to our all flyfishing friends, neighbors, and guests of our home! Thank you for all your support and love!

Some epic Dry Fly days have been spoken of between Ruby Creek and Ennis this week. We are seeing Hoppers, size #16 Caddis, and Ants. Keep an eagle eye on your flies as the bigger Trout have been coming up very subtly and if you’re not paying attention, you may lose out!! Additionally, the rumor on the River is Streamers are producing large trout, very large trout!! Streamflow’s have stayed at an even keel this week, 875cfs at Kirby and 1,050cfs at Cameron.

For the weeks ahead look to the banks and skies for BWOs, October Caddis and Ants (which are covering the banks getting the last of Summer’s harvest). If you’re in a pinch and can’t seem to get the action you deserve; Leeches and darker colored (claret, maroon, dark red) Worms may help you out!

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness Olive Brown, Royal, UV Cinnamon #12-#16; Royal Wulff Cripple #14-#16; BWO-Para Sipper #18-#20; Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Pink, UV Tan, Royal, UV Cinnamon, UV Rainbow #14-#18; Mirco Water Walker Pink #14; Purple Haze Cripple #16-#18; Delektable BWO Squeezer #18-#20; Q’s Loopy Cripple Stacker BWO #18; Delektable Twisted Sister Purple, Tan/Brown #12-#14; Purple Haze Split-Wing Parachute #14-#16; Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Holo Olive, Purple #16-#18; CFO FPA Copper/Black #16; and Hi-Vis Thunder Thighs Hopper Tan, Pink #10-#14.

Nymphs: Geppert’s Mega Emerger #16-#18; Geppert’s Master Emerger #16-#18; Delektable Curved Hook Ranch BWO #16-#18; BH Mo River Pheasant Tail #18-#20; Jig Hook Iron Lotus #16-#18; JuJu Baetis Flashback Purple #18-#20; Delektable Lil’ Spanker Purple, Silver, Red, Pheasant Tail, Blue #16-#20; Tungsten BH Jiggy Blow Torch #14-#18; Pat’s Mr. Rubberlegs Black, Olive/Brown #10-#12; Delektable TGBH Sure Strike Yellow/Peacock #16-#18; Delektable BH Prince Brandon #14-#18; RS2 Olive #18-#20; Delektable Mr. RubberLegs Brown Stone #10; Delektable Jig Head Spanker Holo Black, Holo Olive #18; and SBH Zebra Midge Black, Red #18-#20.

Streamers: Yo Dali Llama Olive/White #6; Trina Belly Dancer #6; Silky Kitty Olive, Black #6; Sundell’s Bad Boy Olive #6; Mini Loop Sculpin Olive, Natural #6; Coffee’s Sparkle Jig Smoke, Purple #1; Sculpzilla Olive/White, White, Black #4-#8; Shelia Sculpin #4; Delektable Single/Double/SS Olive/White, Black/Olive, Purple/Black, Black, White, Yellow #6; and BH Flashabugger Black #8.

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