Warm weather forecasted for the weekend so expect Cherry Creek to continue to pump some mud into the Lower Madison. But above and even below Cherry Creek (flows are high enough out of Ennis Lake Dam off set some of the color from Cherry Creek) there is plenty of water to fish.
Expect to see plenty of caddis bouncing around this weekend. Try any of the flies below and don't be afraid to swing some caddis emergers as well.
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.
Whether caddis or BWOs this is the time of year the Lower Madison shines. Flows on the Lower Madison are slightly above average but have leveled out some and should provide some exciting Mother's Day caddis action. The bugs are here so get out if you can. 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. 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:
Flows on the Lower Madison will bump for sure as snowmelt runoff commences, however Ennis Lake Dam often keeps the river clear enough to fish. Mother's Day caddis will hatch all throughout May so be prepared to fish dry flies on any given day. But, the star of the show right now on the Lower Madison are stonefly nymphs and crayfish.
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.