FLIGHT OF THE TERRESTRIAL
August 2022
UPDATED 8/22/2022
Hoot Owl Restrictions are being implemented on the Lower Madison from the confluence of the Jefferson River up to the Ennis Lake Dam.
This week on the Madison River has been hot and sunny, we’ve experienced very little rain in the valley the whole month of August. Given our lack of precipitation there has been an increase in flows due to Hebgen Dam releasing more water. The flow in Cameron is now up to 1,460 CFS. The increase in flow has helped keep the river oxygenated and manage water temperatures. The water temperature in Ennis has been fluctuating between 62 and 70 degrees the past few days. The Madison is still on Hoot Owl from 8 Mile Ford fishing access all the way through the river until the Missouri RIver headwaters. This means there is no fishing after 2 PM through this section of river. That being said, there are still some good opportunities for afternoon fishing above 8 Mile.
Along with the hot water temperatures, there are very few aquatic insects hatching throughout the river. Lack of aquatic bugs is expected this time of year. There is still plenty of dry fly fishing to be had, late August on the river is known for its terrestrial bugs like hoppers and ants. We’ve seen smaller fish slamming the hoppers with the occasional stud slowly rising and gulping the fly. If hopper and ant fishing isn’t your style, streamers with a bead off the back hook have been working well for bigger more aggressive fish. We ask that all Madison River anglers be respectful handling fish this time of year, trout are very sensitive in warm water.
Dry Flies: Thunder Thighs Hopper Pink #10, Pink Water Walker, Yellow Water Walker, Purple Haze #12, Stubby Chubby Ant, Cinnamon Fly Ant, Sweet Grass Hopper #12, Morrish Hopper Tan #10, Rainy's Hopper, Hi Vis Foam Hopper #14, Parachute Flying Ant #14.
Nymphs: Purple Psycho Prince #16, Hustler CDC #14, Purple Duracell #14, Red Copper John, Formally Known as Prince Jig #18, Lightning Bug Silver #14, Peacock Perdigon #16.
Streamers: Black Trevor Sculpin, Mini Loop Olive, Olive and White Dungeon, White Screamer #4, Black Silk Kitty, Smoke Sparkle Minnow #4.
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.
- MRFC Guide "Big Fish" Finn Histon
