The Lower Madison has been holding steady and is fishing very well. The fish are starting to move back into many of the mid-river buckets and weed beds as well. Streamer fishing has been very hit or miss, while nymphing has been much more consistent. The salmonflies are active on the Lower right now, so a black stonefly nymph is a good choice. Crayfish patterns along with worms are also a good option, per usual. Smaller nymphs like Lightning Bug’s, Prince’s, and Yellow Sally’s will become more important as the water continues to drop and clear.
If you are Bear Trap Canyon junkie, this is a great window for fishing in the canyon as many of the biggest trout in that section are along the banks gorging on stonefly nymphs. Fish a short, stout leader and pack you water-haul cast and good wading boots.
Many of our Montana fly fishing guides are finding success on the Lower Madison right now dragging large nymphs or dead-drifting streamers. With the higher flows you will need to use stouter tippets and probably larger flies. Dark colored streamers and nymphs are the ticket for success right now. As the daytime high temps slowly increase expect Cherry Creek and Bear Trap Creek to add some color to the river, but because outflows from the dam are still above average, fishing should still be consistent.
This is the time of the year on Lower Madison that big brown trout start to move to the banks to chase stonefly nymphs. If you are willing to hike into Bear Trap Canyon you could be rewarded with some big brown trout. Use short and stout leaders and focus on drop-offs and shelves and structure near the banks. If you are headed into Beartrap Canyon, be sure to read our blog on Fishing Big Canyon Waters.
Flies for the Lower Madison River Right Now:
Bloom's Hi-Vis Caddis in sizes 12-16
CDC Caddis in sizes 12-16
Parachute Purple Haze in sizes 12-18
Buzzball in sizes 14-18
Lightning Bugs in sizes 16-18
Firebead and hot bead SJ wormies in sizes 10-14
Zebra Midges in red or black in sizes 18-22
Sawyer PTs in sizes 18-22
Clouser crayfish in size 8-12
Pheasant Tails in sizes 16-20
Little Spankers in sizes 18-20
Pat's Rubberlegs in sizes 12-14
Sparkle Minnows in bright colors in sizes 2-6
Home Invaders in purple or olive in sizes 2-6
The Month Ahead:
Look for the Lower Madison to slowly decrease in fishing action as water temps gradually rise.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Lower Madison can fish great up into the early summer when the temperatures finally shut things down in late June or early July. As we move into the early summer, expect consistent hatches of PMD’s, yellow sallies, caddis, golden stones and a few salmon flies.