MRO Guide Noah Norwood landing a caddis eater on the Upper Madison
Madison River Outfitters says “Get out there and throw a caddis!”
Montana
Hebgen: Fishing on the lake has been getting better every day. Anglers are catching fish in both the Madison and Grayling arms. Nymphing under an indicator is your best bet but look for gulpers cruising the flats eating callibaetis and chironomids on calm days as well.
Flies: #8 Black or Olive Simi Seal Leech, #6 Flash-a-Bugger, #6 Olive or Black Hot Bead Leech, #8 Thin Mint, #18 BBQ Baetis, #14-16 Turkey Callibaetis, #12 O.S. Buzzer, #20 Low Water Baetis, #16 Purple Missing Link
Flows:
Inflow to Hebgen Lake: 745 cfs
Hebgen Lake Outflow: 1007 cfs
Kirby Flows: 1220 cfs
** Flows as of 8 am July 15th, 2023 **
Upper Madison: Nymphing a two fly set up will be your most productive method right now, but fish are actively feeding on caddis(!), PMD’s, Yellow Sallies, and small chubbies. Salmonflies & Goldens are starting to wind down, however, fish may still be keen to eat one. Swinging soft hackles can be a deadly technique during a caddis hatch as well.
Flies: #16-18 Redneck, #16-18 Guide Dip, #10-12 Sili Legs, #16-18 PMD Loop-Wing, #14 Olive Hot Spot, #16 Pink or Tan Chili-Dog, #16 Diving Caddis Olive #8 Water Walker Salmonfly, #8 Chili-Dog Salmonfly #6 Olive Slump-Buster, #4 Olive/White Barely Legal
YNP
The Yellowstone river and its tributaries are open!
Flows:
Madison near West Yellowstone: 438 cfs
Yellowstone below Yellowstone Lake : 3500 cfs
Gibbon: 143 cfs
Gallatin near Big Sky: 695 cfs
** Flows as of 8 am July 15th 2023 **
Gallatin: The Gallatin is seeing a multitude of hatches, and is low and clear in the park section. The Taylor Fork up to the park section is looking much better than the rest of the river. Look out for fish rising on Caddis, PMD’s, and BWO’s. Salmon flies have also been seen in the lower reaches of the park section.
Flies: #16-18 Shop Vac, #16-18 Green Lightning Bug, #16-18 Black Krystal Dip, #18 ICU Midge, #18 Split Case PMD, #8 Water Walker Salmonfly, #8 Chili-Dog Salmonfly, #18 Parachute Adams, #18 Tilt Wing BWO, #16 Rocky Mtn Mint PMD, #18 Baetis Cripple
Madison/Firehole/Gibbon: The Firehole is already too warm to ethically fish. The Madison is following close behind. If you you do choose to fish the Madison, try to get off the water by 11am/12pm. The Gibbon is still cool and fishing well. Try dries in the mornings and soft hackles during the mid-day lull.
Flies: #8-10 Partridge and Orange, #8-10 Partridge and Pheasant Tail, #14 Prince Nymph, #16-18 Frenchie, #14 Diving Caddis, #18-20 Parachute BWO, #18-20 Griffith’s Gnat, #16 Rocky Mtn Mint PMD, #16 Royal Stimulator, #14 Larimer’s Yellow Sally
Yellowstone/NE Corner: The Yellowstone is low and clear enough to begin fishing well. Hunt around for rising cutties when you see bugs flying. The Lamar is fishing great as well. Look for fish rising on Sallies, PMD’s and Drakes. Pink, purple, and red chubbies will also fish well.
Flies: #18-20 Parachute BWO, #18-20 Sprout Baetis, #16 Rocky Mtn Mint PMD, #16 Butch Sally, #16 Tilt Wing PMD, #6 Black Hot Bead Leech, #6 Olive Slump-Buster, #6 Olive/Black Crystal Bugger
We are still booking float, & walk/wade trips for the 2023 season. Give us a call if you have any questions or are looking to book a guided trip.
Feature photo caption: MRO Guide Jake Schilling’s client, Margaret, showing off a stud brown
