The following report is by The Tackle Shop in Ennis, MT:
The River
Well things are really happening around here right now. If you are in town fishing you know how good it has been. Hungry fish, cold water and nice weather has made this spring really good . As long as the weather continues to be stable we should see good fishing. That is the rule of spring. Good weather good fishing. The Madison is currently at 965 CFS at Kirby and 1150 CFS at Varney. Temps have been hitting that magic 50 degree number in the afternoon. The first person to guess where this photo was taken wins the hat of your choice.
Hatches
If your looking to fish now we are seeing some BWO mayflies around. While you will not see a good hatch of these on sunny days the fish know they are there. Fish the nymph form in the sun and look for risers on cloudy days. We have been getting some on skwala stone flies as well. Fish the foam dry all day and a few nice fish will take a swipe at it. Midges are river wide and will make some fish look up.
Spawning
Yup the rainbows are spawning and you can find redds anywhere in the river. Most of the time it is side channels and shallow riffles. You will know as the gravel will be clean of any moss and dirt and almost shine. If you encounter this please just move along and let the fish do their thing. The future generations of fish depend on it. There are lots of eggs in the soup and the fish will eat them. Fish a small pink or orange egg pattern. Pink is the color of spring. We like fishing eggs. Worms are also good. Why not fish both together. Bacon and eggs for the spring win. If you want more traditional nymphs try stone fly stuff, BWO nymphs like micro may, green machines and psyco mays. Also throw some midge stuff. Zebra in several colors. We like olive and black.
Streamers
Yup it is that time of year. We have been getting them on the big stuff. Our best has been the sparkle minnow family. I like the silver best . Fish them you will have fun and catch some fish. Sculpins in olive and black will also get it done.
Lots of great fishing happening now on the Madison River. We love spring. We tell out of state guests all the time April and October and are full every August. Oh well more for the rest of us. Stop by the store for the best bugs in town and the friendliest advice around.
