Madison River
Dam: 1,100 cfs
Kirby: 1,160 cfs
Varney: 1,320 cfs
We’ve had a few off days, but the Upper Madison has been fishing well for the most part. Colder evening temps have brought the river back into the mid fifties, and fish seem to be getting a little more active throughout the day. The wade section continues to fish well with caddis larva, midges, and baetis nymphs, and we’ve had some decent reports from guys throwing smaller hoppers and ants in the afternoon. The float section has been nymphing well, but the hopper/ant bite is still day to day (like its been all summer). Trailing a small beadhead behind zonkers or various bunny fur (preferably those that ride hook up) is a good choice as well. We’ve had a few “eh” days on the big stuff, but streamer fishing has generally been very good throughout the upper river. Olive seems to be the color, but we’ve also been mixing it up with some whites, tans, and grays as well. If you’re lucky enough to have some cloud cover though…keep it olive or black.
