Current Conditions:
The Lower Madison near Bozeman and Big Sky has been dropping recently and is fishing very well. While the water is still high enough to push fish onto the banks, 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 Salmonflys are getting ready to pop on the Lower, 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.
The Lower has been a consistent producer recently and should hold form throughout the mid-June. The Lower tends to get better and better until water temps finally get too warm at the end of June. Flows can fluctuate but generally the clarity is almost always fishable right through runoff. One day the fishing can be lights out and the next day just OK, especially if flows are bumped. Fly selection is pretty basic – mostly nymphing with crayfish, streamers or worms up top trailed by either caddis, march brown or baetis emergers.
The Month Ahead:
The Lower Madison will continue to fish well for another 3 weeks or so until water temperatures reach 70 degrees and recreational floaters take over the river. Nymphing with stoneflies, crayfish, and small beadheads will continue to be the mainstay on the Lower.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Lower Madison River near Bozeman will be a good option until late June or early July and then will get too warm to be a reasonable option for fishing. After early July it will return to a fishable water temperature in late August or early September as longer nights cool the water.
Visit Our Shop for These Top Lower Madison Flies Right Now:
Chubbys in black and tan and size 10
Yellow Stimulators in sizes 12-14
Super Pupa caddis in size 12
Clouser crayfish in size 10
Zebra Midge in sizes 14-22
White Zonker in size 6
Brown, olive, black, or tan Zurdle in size 8-12
Para Adams in size 12-22
Pat's Rubberlegs in coffee/black in size 6-10
BH Pheasant Tail in size 12-16
Beaded SJ Worms in size 10
BH Prince in size 12-16
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