Madison River
Dam: 1,100 cfs
Kirby: 1,130 cfs
Temperatures in the Madison Valley climbed above 32 degrees over the last couple of days, and there has been relatively no wind south of Lyon’s Bridge. I went down to Raynold’s Pass for an hour an a half hoping to get in on some dry fly action, but I think it was pretty much done by the time I arrived (around 1:30 p.m.). With only a couple random heads up in the slicks, it seemed like nymphing was going to be the best option, and it did not disappoint. I started with a #18 BH Olive Hares Ear trailing a #18 $3 dip and never took it off–Lots of Rainbows in the 12-17 inch range with a couple of browns thrown in the mix. This time of year seems to be more about finding the fish then it is about specific fly patterns, so look for slower, deeper water and you should get into them. Other patterns that should not be overlooked include #18 black and red zebra midges, #10-14 golden stones, #18 baetis nymphs, and #8-10 Pat’s Rubberlegs in brown, black, and Tan/Brown. If you are looking for dry fly action, I would be on the river around noon and have a few #18-20 Griffiths gnats and #18 black stillborne midges in your box and you should be just fine.
