Current Conditions:
Caddis are bouncing around on the Lower for sure, but the wind has also been pretty consistent, which means the bugs haven't been able to stay on the water. Afternoons and evenings are best for the bugs. Expect the bugs to start moving around noon and grow in frequency as the water temp warms.
Before the hatch fish will most likely be feeding on subsurface caddis pupa and emerging adults, so you might see some splashy rises as fish chase subsurface insects. Once the hatch starts in earnest, look for fishing rising in the seams--both in the middle of the river and along the banks.
The Lower has been a consistent producer recently and should hold form throughout the spring. 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 will be a go to location for the entire spring. The best fishing is usually nymphing and maybe pulling streamers. If the river has just bumped up sometimes fishing is slower but if flows are stable it is usually a very good bet.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Lower will just keep producing until temperatures get too warm around late June.
Visit Our Shop for These Top Lower Madison Flies Right Now:
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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