Every once in a while, you get one of those years where almost everything just seems to fall into place and makes fishing great. This just might be one of those years on the Madison. In the past week, PPL has bumped flows out of Hebgen. Yesterday, they dropped back down again, but are still higher than previous levels. The fish are loving the extra water.
The Lower is still pretty much a write-off, unless you are willing to hike back into Bear Trap several miles. I have talked to several guys in the store that I work in who have been back there in the past week and they said it was pretty good. Bring hoppers, caddis attractor dries.
The Upper is fishing quite well. Fish are targeting dries all day. The main hatches are caddis, scattered mayflies and the Spruce Moths are just starting. But why fish anything but a large grasshopper when you can? This year has the makings of an epic hopper year. Big fish are coming after these bugs already, and it is only going to get better and better. If you feel like it, hang a dropper off the back. The standard prince, hare’s ears, and lightning bugs are working great. Keep an eye out for ants flying around too. When the conditions become perfect we are going to have some great ant flights this summer.
All the indications are that the Madison is going to be kicking ass for some time to come.
Tags: River - Madison
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