The Lower Madison is on. Well, sort of on. The mild winter we are having has meant the Lower Madison has remained a good option almost every day this winter, when the wind cooperates. As February goes on, hatches of midges on the Lower Madison typically pick up, and the trout respond accordingly by increasing the amount of time during the day they feed. Dry fly anglers may find some fish rising if the wind stays calm, but even experienced anglers know that even the strong midge hatches on the Lower Madison do not always translate to great surface fishing.
Nymphing is the best option, but slow stripping streamers can also produce. For nymphs, something big on top is still a good idea and options include a sculpin, crayfish, Pat's Rubber Legs or San Juan worms. Smaller patterns as a dropper include midges, small pink Lightning Bugs, CDC baetis nymphs, Pheasant Tails, and egg patterns. Some dry fly action on midges can also be an option on mild days, especially closer to Bear Trap.
The Month Ahead:
If you just want to float to make sure that your boat still floats...the Lower Madison is the best local option. Even if you don't want to float, the Lower Madison for the next several weeks is going to serve up some decent midge hatches. The kicker for that will be how strong the wind blows. Trout on the Lower Madison River feed well in February and early March, but the primary window of feeding time is mid day to early afternoon.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
We are starting to knock on the door of spring on the Lower Madison River and with that will come the area's first hatches of Blue Winged Olives later in March and strong caddis in April. We expect the Lower Madison to have a great early season.