Dry Fly Fever
AUGUST 2024
UPDATED 8/15/2024
Much needed rainfall has brought cooler temperatures to the Madison Valley. This recent temperature change has caused Montana FWP to lift Hoot Owl restrictions between Ennis FAS to Ennis Lake. As of today, there are no Hoot Owl restrictions anywhere on the Upper Madison. Hoot Owl restrictions are still in effect from the Madison River Footbridge at Northwestern Energy powerhouse to the confluence of the Jefferson River. There is a full fishing closure in effect from the Ennis Dam to the powerhouse. Hoot Owl restrictions are also still being implemented from Hebgen Reservoir upstream to the Yellowstone National Park boundary.
Late August on the Madison River is known for its terrestrial bugs such as hoppers and ants. The dry fly fishing has been most productive when the sun is on the water, targeting both the middle seams as well as the banks. Smaller fish have been eating hoppers and hi-vis ants with the occasional stud coming up to play. Don’t let the small ones lull you.. When the dry fly fishing slows down, streamers with a small bead nymph trailer have been producing fish. There are plenty of great days to still be had on the Upper Madison!
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: Thunder Grass Hopper Mcknight Goldenrod, CFO Mini Ant Brown, Edible Emerger Olive, Missing Link Caddis, Dornan's Water Walker Royal, Dornan's Water Walker Pink.
Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs Olive, 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.
- MRFC Guide Danny Eiden
