August 13th – 19th | Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on August 19, 2018 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Flows are pretty consistent with last week’s report, we’re sitting at 1,160 c.f.s. below Hebgen Lake, 1,230 c.f.s. at Kirby and 1,240 c.f.s. down at Varney. We’re looking forward to the predicted cooler air temps over the next couple of days to put the fires down and keep the fish happy.

The hopper bite has been pretty darn good in the afternoons. Ants and some attractor patterns have also been fishing well. Our top recommended dry flies are Mongo Hoppers, Panty Dropper Hoppers, Yeti Hoppers, Bloom’s Stealth Ant, Delektable Flying Ants, Delektable Secret Stones in smaller sizes, Delektable Chubbyness’ and Purple Hazes.

 

The nymphs have been fishing well; especially earlier in the mornings before the terrestrials start moving around. Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Delektable Hammerheads, Formerly Known as Princes, Lightning bugs, Serendipities and Pat’s Rubberlegs have all been getting some nice fish out there.

Streamers are picking up some nice fish especially earlier and later in the day, and trailing a little nymph behind a big meaty fly is a good call during the heat of the day. We’ve had success on Copper bodied Zonker, Olive Trevor’s, Sheila’s Sculpins, Delektable Screamers, Conehead JR’s and Zuddlers.

 

It’s been an awesome August thus far for the fishing on the Upper Madison so if you have the chance you better take advantage! Stay tuned for more reports and be sure to stop in or call the shop with any questions or fishing stories!

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August 15th | Big Hole Fishing Report

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Beartooth Flyfishing

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August 6th – 12th | Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on August 12, 2018 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Firstly, a big thanks to all the firefighters throughout the west and in our back yard for doing all they can to keep us safe! The Monument and Wigwam Fires are nearby and we are watching closely. Now for the fishing, the river is flowing at 1,160 c.f.s. below Hebgen, 1,240 at Kirby and 1,270 down at Varney Bridge.

The streamer fishing is as good as it’s been in weeks. We’re seeing a lot more fish moving for big flies and committing to eating. Mini Loops, Trevor’s Sculpins, Circus Peanuts, Zonkers and Delektable Screamers would be our top picks.

Dry flies have continued to be the preferred technique for most folks with hoppers leading the charge. We’re still getting some action on Purple Crazes and Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis in the evening but terrestrials have been more consistent throughout the day. You have a good chance of getting a few fish on flies like Delektable Slammers, Delektable Chubbyness, Delektable Secret Stones, Dornan’s Water Walkers, Yeti Hoppers, Delektable Flying Ants and Dave’s Hoppers.

The Bead-Head bite is about as consistent as you’d expect from the Upper Madison but maybe a bit overlooked by the killer dry fly action. Delektable Hammerheads, Delektable Big and Lil’ Spankers, Electric Caddis, Lightning Bugs, Shop Vacs, Copper Johns and Pat’s Rubberlegs are all good choices.

Call us at 406-682-7525 or stop in the shop for any additional tips or info on fishing the Upper Madison and as always, keep an eye out for more up to date reports in the future.

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August 9th | Missouri River Fishing Report

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Beartooth Flyfishing

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July 30th – August 5th | Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on August 5, 2018 by Beartooth Flyfishing

The Upper Madison River is flowing just over 1,200 cubic feet per second below Hebgen Lake, about 1,330 at the Kirby Ranch and down at Varney Bridge she’s moving at roughly 1,450 c.f.s. and the fishing has continued to prove that the Madison River is tough to beat.

We’ve received lots of different reports from our friends and guides as far as fly selections go but one thing remains very consistent, fish are looking up for dry flies. Whether it’s a Grasshopper, Spruce Moth, Ant, Caddis or attractor pattern, fish are eating on top. Some of our favorites are Delektable Chubbyness in smaller sizes, Delektable Flying Ants, Delektable Halos, Delektable Twisted Babies, Bloom’s Stealth Ant, Fat Franks, Morrish Hoppers, and Fat Alberts.

The nymph fishing has also been pretty productive; lots of folks have been running dry-dropper rigs because the dry fly bite has been so hot. Some of the top bugs have been Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Delektable Prince Brandons, Hare’s Ears, smaller Pat’s Rubberlegs, Lightning bugs and Caddis Pupa.

Streamer fishing is starting to pick up pretty well, especially earlier in the day. Fish are pretty well spread out in the river so if you’re not finding them on the banks don’t be afraid to fish out in the middle. Delektable Screamers, Sundell’s Bad Boy, Bow River Buggers, Sheila’s Sculpin and Sculpzillas are all good options out there.

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