Lower Madison Reports
Monday, May 21st
We’ve been hearing some mixed reports from the Lower Madison lately, but in general it’s been pretty good. Evidently something has been sending down the occasional plug of dirty water. People will tell us the visibility is horrible and then the next report we get is that it’s great. We don’t think it
Tuesday, May 15th
Sable flows are keeping the river in good snap and nympihing has been solid on crayfish and worm patterns. There are still Caddis around but we are also seeing more small stones like Yellow Sallies and the odd golden stone. My program today was a mega price followed by a qknight Kramer or lightning bug. Smaller nymph rigs would wor tool and there were chanced
Tuesday, May 15th
Flows have been pretty stable at around 2200 the last few days and the river is in good shape. Nymphing during the day with crayfish, worms, and lightning bugs is working well. Dry fly fishing has been best late in the evening, with caddis and smaller stoneflies.
Sunday, May 13th
The Lower Madison is still the best option close to Bozeman if you want to fish a river. We had plenty of good reports on yesterday’s fishing and the flows have stayed pretty level since then. The fish are still eating crayfish and San Juan’s with the emphasis on the mud bugs. The caddis have definitely slowed down
Friday, May 11th
The lower is still fishing well. Flows are pretty steady for the moment but it’s not a bad idea to check before you head out this time of year. Nymphing with crayfish, worms, lightning bugs and caddis pupa are all catching fish. Fish are still looking up for caddis, but it has been best in the late evening.
Tuesday, May 8th
The fishing on the lower has been good with stable flows and good clarity for now. I camped and fished in Beartrap the last couple of days and did well nymphing with caddis pupae and crayfish during the day, and caddis dries and emergers in the evening. The caddis were out most of the day, but the fishing on the surface was best at dusk.
Monday, May 7th
Caddis fishing remains strong on the Lower Madison. We had several reports of good fishing from yesterday. Saturday was a little cooler so the bugs weren’t as thick. With the warm temperatures that are on the way this week the fishing should remain stellar. The dry fly fishing will probably be best in the evenings if it stays
Saturday, May 5th
Caddis were out thick again yesterday on the Lower Madison. We got a couple of reports that they had been thick during the day but not many fish up. I went out after work last night to see if they would get on them in the evening. When Bob and I got down there the bugs were pretty thick and it was
Friday, May 4th
The Lower Madison gave up some pretty good caddis fishing yesterday afternoon. Bob said he got there around one, hiked up the trail head, and pretty much caught fish until the wind kicked up around 4. It sounds like with the cooler temperatures the hatch has been happening a bit earlier in the day. Tuesday night there wasn’t much going
Thursday, May 3rd
The lower is still the best looking option around town right now. Flows have been pretty stable and clarity hasn’t been an issue. Dead drifting your standard crayfish, sculpins, worms or caddis pupas will find some fish. Keep an eye out for caddis and Baetis, and depending on the weather/wind you might find some fish eating on the surface.
