THE STORYTELLER MAKES NO CHOICE

August 2022 
UPDATED 8/15/2022 

Hoot Owl Restrictions are being implemented on the Lower Madison from the confluence of the Jefferson River up to the Ennis Lake Dam. The Upper Madison is on Hoot Owl restrictions from Eight Mile Ford down to Ennis Lake.

It’s another beautiful Monday morning here in Ennis, Montana! Today marks the official start of the world-renowned week known only as Trout Rodeo! Word on the street is that Burnt Tree Brewing is hosting some of the finest musicians in the land this Thursday. A $10 suggested minimum cover charge will be required at the door. All proceeds from the show will go to Can’d Aid. Saddle up and mosey on down to come hangout with the MRFC and Trout Stalkers crew! 

Now let’s talk trout angling. Flows at Cameron have been keeping a steady consistency of 1200 CFS over the course of the last week. Water temperatures have been fluctuating from 60° at night into 70° in the afternoon. As always, land your fish quickly and keep them in the water to minimize their stress. It’s shaping up to be another hot week here on the Madison, wear some sunscreen and drink that water!

Generally speaking, aquatic hatches tend to diminish in the latter half of summer. Nocturnal Stones are still present and accounted for, but their quantities are few and far between. Terrestrial hatches are beginning to arrive in an abundance. This is a great time of year to tie on your favorite hopper or ant pattern. If you’re finding that fish aren’t keying in on your terrestrial, tie on a streamer with a nymph trailer and get ready for that BOOM! 

Streamers: Mini Dungeon White and Black, Trevor Sculpin Black and Olive, Sculpinator Brown, Lil Kim Silver, Mini Peanut Envy Black, Silk Kitty Tan.

Dry Flies: Thunder Thighs Yellow and Pink, Sweetgrass Tan, Panty Dropper Tan, Anty Raid Glass Blk/Red, Stubby Chubby UV Tan.

Nymphs: Hustler CDC Dark, Hogan TB S&M Brown,Lil Spanker Pheasant Tail, TBH Prince, Lightning Bug Gold and Silver, Pat’s Rubber Legs Black and Olive, Rain Drop Pearl.

Looking for some fly tying material to create these patterns? Check out our fly tying collection online or stop by the shop! As temperatures warm up, continue to practice your best fish handling techniques. Avoid fish pictures for the gram whenever possible so that we can continue to have healthy fish populations for years to come.

- MTS Guide Danny Eiden