SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY
JULY 2024
UPDATED 7/25/2024
The heat wave rolls on here in the Valley with daytime highs reaching 90-95 degrees for the better part of the last few weeks. Although generous flows from Hebgen Dam have kept most of the river nice and cold, some areas are seeing high 60’s - Low 70’s in the afternoon. With the high water temperatures, Montana FWP has placed several fishing restrictions on the Madison. A full fishing closure is in effect from the outlet of Ennis Lake Dam downstream to the NorthWestern Energy footbridge.“Hoot Owl” restrictions are in place from the footbridge to the confluence in Three Forks. Hoot owl restrictions are also in effect for the upper Madison River from the inlet of Hebgen reservoir upstream to the Yellowstone National Park Boundary, as well as the section from Ennis Fishing Access Site downstream to Ennis Lake.
All that being said, fishing remains solid particularly in the morning here on the upper. The nocturnal stones seem to be in full swing and we still have tons of caddis around. An early morning nymph or streamer bite moves into good dry/dropper fishing mid morning. A Mini Loop Sculpin or Dolly Lama with a small bead head nymph trailer is tough to beat early in the morning, and I’ll switch to a #12 royal or tan Chubby with that same #16 Prince, Lightning Bug or Rainbow Warrior dropper as the morning warms up.
As always our shop in downtown Ennis is stocked to the brim with flies so don't be afraid to swing by and check them out for yourself. Also feel free to swing by the shop for a more in-depth and up to date fishing report or general fishing advice. Just a reminder as well it is now barbless hooks only from Varney bridge to the Lake so pinch those barbs. Enjoy the warm weather this weekend and be safe out there!
Streamers: Dolly Lama, Lil Kim, Screamer, Trevor, Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Sir Sticks A Lot.
Dry Flies: Hi Tie Sally, Edible Emerger Olive, Missing Link Caddis, Dornan's Water Walker Royal, Dornan's Water Walker Pink.
Nymphs: Yellow Spots, TBH Jiggy Duracell Brown, Jig Formerly Known as Prince, Olsen's Hare's Ear Blowtorch, #4 Rubber Leg Black, #16 Gold Lightning Bug, Chartreuse French Dip, CDC Hustler.
- MTS Guide Bob Hogue
