Moths and Ants!

Date
Tuesday, 16 Aug, 2016
Water Clarity
Clear
Angler Traffic
Low
Fish Caught
20 fish or more
Report
Fishing turned out to be super fun with my friend Julia. We did Palisades to McAtee bridge to stay in front of the windy point traffic and behind the Ruby Creek crowd. I had her start with a half downed hopper and a flying ant. We never took 'em off. Whether they were eating the half downed for a moth or a hopper, I don't know.  Since there weren't too many pine tree's around and they started eating it more regularly in the afternoon, it makes me think that they were eating the half downed hopper as a moth in the morning and a hopper in the afternoon. Red flying ant caught fish all day. Saw smaller black naturals but felt no need to switch. Fished dries, stayed out of the crowds, beautiful day--wonderful float. Thanks Julia
 
Start Time:
8:30 AM
End Time:
2:30 AM
Flies
Dries
Name
Size
Details
Half Downed Hopper
14
16
for both moths and hoppers
Flying Ants16Ate them consistently all day
Fishing Water Report
 (5)
The Madison River is arguably one of the best trout fishing rivers in all of southwest Montana, if not the entire world! It’s certainly the most talked over, written up and frequented ... morein the state of Montana – which is considered by some the capital of fly fishing. Anglers will find plenty of great access sites to wade or float along the Madison’s banks and reservoirs (including Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake). Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream.

The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. Within the Park, fishing rules apply: no live bait and catch and release only. Once outside the Park the river meanders past working ranches, stately conifer forests and cottonwood lined banks, interrupted by riffles and quiet runs that contain large rainbow and trophy brown trout. Flowing alongside Yellowstone’s West entrance road, the river enters Hebgen Lake, created by Hebgen dam, until it reaches Quake Lake, a bit downstream from the dam. At this point the river is commonly called either the Upper Madison or the Lower Madison, although in fact, they are one and the same.

Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake
Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. For the next 53 miles, often referred to as the 50 Mile Riffle, the cold river runs north and the fish jump high. Annual runs of spawning trout make their way from Hebgen Lake, rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall. Known the world over for its “hard fighting” trout, it’s not unusual to pull a 25” brown from these upper waters. In deference to the purists and fly-fishing enthusiasts, it’s wading only from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge. Boats may be used to access the river, but if you’re going to fish, your feet must be on the riverbed. Fortunately, the Hebgen Dam releases water throughout the year, leveling its flows and relieving it of spring runoff issues and summer shrinkage.

Lower Madison – Ennis Lakes to Three Forks
A short section of the river between Ennis Dam and the power station maintains relatively low water levels and provides wonderful opportunities for wading. Past the power station the river regains its muscle and for 7 miles winds through Bear Trap Canyon. Hiking trails offer the only entry, great for those that like to walk and seek the solitude of a designated wilderness area. Floating is permitted but requires a lengthy shuttle and the ability to work through Class III-IV whitewater. Once out of the canyon the river flows in shallow riffles until it reaches Three Forks and joins the Missouri. From Warm Springs to Greycliff, the river is easily accessible for drifters and wading.
Reporting Outfitter
 (10)
What do you think of when you hear "Montana?" Small towns? Cowboys? Cows? BIG TROUT?! The answer is D, "All of the above"! Montana is still the place it was 80 years ago, where a man's ... morehandshake means something and big trout thrive. Located in the "Trout Mecca" of Southwestern Montana, our location and our guide's experience allow us to guide on a number of world class rivers; the Madison, Jefferson, Ruby and Yellowstone rivers are arguably the best trout streams in the lower 48.

Whether you have never held a fishing pole in your life or if you've been fishing since you could walk, the versatile, select guides we employee at MFFT all live on, and spend all they're free time on, these select rivers. They know how satisfy ALL of our clients, from novice to pro.

But Montana is so much more than just a trout haven. With picturesque mountains, abundant wildlife and under a million people, you actually have to try to not enjoy our beautiful state. As longtime client and friend Don Patton once wrote me after a trip, "fish count is only one criteria, there are many more markers for success. We hit them all." Here at MFFT we strive to give our clients much more than just a fishing trip, we want to share our passion for fishing and our love of Montana with all of our guests and new friends.

Charles P. Graham

Owner-Montana Fly Fishing Trips

Montana Fishing Outfitter#10349
Reported Trip
 (1)
  • Transportation to the river and back from Ennis, Mt.
  • Access to top of the line fishing equipment
  • Wonderful stream side lunch for full day trips
  • Drinks and snacks for 1/2 day trips
  • Floating, wading or a combination of the two with a professional, experienced and enthusiastic MFFT fishing guide!
When it comes to fly fishing, the Madison River is on the top of most people's list and its hard to beat the fun and excitement you'll have with the team at Montana Fly Fishing Trips. ... moreWith thousands of floats under our belts on the Madison River alone, Montana Fly Fishing Trips has the experience and know-how to not only increase your chances of success but also to make your fly fishing adventure an unforgettable experience.

There's a reason Montana Fly Fishing Trips has chosen to make Ennis, Montana and the Madison River it's home. With 3,000 - 4,500 fish per mile, unbelievable scenic views, and fresh air, the Madison River is an anglers dream. Appropriately nicknamed "the fifty mile riffle" because of its consistent depth and speed, the Madison is ideal for float fishing as you can just follow your drift for about as long as you want. However, there are also a few stretches more easily fished by foot and designated wade fishing only and that can be a lot of fun! With abundant aquatic insects, as well as a robust baitfish population, this is a VERY healthy river. Floating, wading, dries, nymphs, streamers--whatever your pleasure, the Madison River and Montana Fly Fishing Trips is sure to please!

Great instruction, incredible fishing, beautiful scenery. It really doesn't get much better than this. Book today with Montana Fly Fishing Trips and see for yourself!!
Destination:
Report Location
Start Access Site
Find out about the latest conditions with the Madison River Fishing Report.
Fishing Water Reports:
Elevation:
5,662 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing, Camping, Hunting, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing
Boat Services:
Ramp
Picnic Site:
Fire Ring
Sanitation & Water:
Drinking Water, Toilet
End Access Site
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Madison River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
6 acres
Elevation:
5,449 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing, Hunting
Boat Services:
Ramp
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
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