rod

Winter fishing is in full force here in Southwest Montana.  The past couple of weeks have seen temperatures climb into the 30's and 40's for highs making it feel like summer compared with the deep freeze of recent weeks.  All this warm weather has excited both the trout and the fishermen.  Hot spots have been on the Gallatin River, spring creeks, the upper and lower Madison, East Gallatin, Missouri and Bighorn. 

On the freestone rivers such as the Gallatin and Madison stonefly nymphs, wooly buggers, midge nymphs and dries, as well as smaller bead head nymphs are a good bet.  On the spring creeks and tailwaters scuds, sow bugs, midge larva and sparse nymphs such as Flashback Quill Nymphs, Sawyer Pheasant Tails and Wonder Nymphs are all good  choices.

So if you want a break from skiing or just need to get out of the house, grab your rod and hit the rivers.  This is winter fishing at it's best!

Chad Olsen

February 21st

Water:
Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Updated:
2/22/08

Stream Flow:
705 cfs BelowHebgen Lake; 768 cfs @ Kirby Ranch

River Conditions:
Water is low and clear

Hatches:
Midges

Dries:
Hi Vis Griffith's Gnate #16-#20, Adams Midge Cluster #16-#20, Parachute Adams #18-#20, Black & Gray CDC Hanging Midges #18-#20, Black & Gray CDC Midge Emergers #18-#20 and Red or Pearl Midge Winkers #18.

Nymphs:
Three Dollar Dips in Red, Olive or Pearl #14-18, Tungsten Copper John in Red or Copper #14-18, Micro Mayfly #14-#18, Might May Baetis #16-#18, Bubbleback Emerger #16-#18, Pink Lightning Bug #16-#18, Beerhead Baetis #16-#18, Shop Vac #14-#18, Black, Black/Tan or Brown/Orange Rubberlegs #6-#8, Hurless #8, Brown and Golden Epoxy Stones #8-#12, B.H. Black Beauty, Red & Black Zebra Midge #16-#18, Black & Gray B.H. Midge Emergers #18, Pink Scuds #14-#16 and Pink Soft Hackle Ray Charles #16.

Streamers:
Sheila Sculpin #6, Olive Woolhead Sculpins #4-6, Olive & Black Bow River Buggers #4-8, Olive or Copper Zonkers #4-#6, Lion King #6, Olive & Black Woolly Buggers #8-#10 and Tan & Olive Near Nuff Sculpins #6-#8.

Fishing Conditions & Comments:
The Upper is low and clear, but winter fishing with the recent warming trend has been excellent. Try the river between Hebgen and Quake Lakes, Raynolds Pass area, Lyons to Ruby or the Varney to Eight Mile stretches. Remember the river from Quake Lake to Varney Bridge will close to fishing from March 1st until the third Saturday in May, which is May 17th this year.

Look for fish midging in the mornings and evenings, especially on warm cloudy days. Fish are starting to chase some streamers, but dead drifting buggers and streamers is your best bet.




Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers · 29 Pioneer Way · Bozeman, MT 59718
Phone (406) 585-5321 · Fax (406) 585-5321 · Email Us

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