upper madison fishing report

863 CFS @ Kirby - The Upper Madison is fishing well right now. The flows are low for this time of year, but BWOs are out in good numbers and the March browns and caddis should be back this week with the warmer temperatures. Focus on fishing subsurface during the heat of the day, being sure to get your flies down quickly. Dry-fly fishing can be good in the evenings. 

Recommended Flies:

McCune's Sculpin, Tan #6
Green Machine, Chartreuse #16
Parachute BWO #18
Yuk Bug, Black #8
Zirdle, Natural #6

1120 CFS @ Kirby - The West Fork recently blew out, causing the Upper Madison to gain some color and size. Fishing below the West Fork could be difficult due to the runoff. Try heading upstream a ways, or even in between the lakes. These will likely be the best places to fish until the river starts to drop again. 

Recommended Flies:

Mega Prince #10

Delekta Worm Pink #12

SH Copper John #14

Pat's Rubberlegs, Black #6

Sparkle Minnow #16

987 CFS @ Kirby - Flows on the Upper Madison have stayed pretty steady over the past few weeks, and the fishing has been good subsurface. Stonefly nymphs, along with some caddis pupa, are your best bets on the nymph side of things, while stripping streamers will also produce some fish. 

Recommended Flies: 

Mega Prince #10

Delekta Worm Pink #12

SH Copper John #14

Chubby Sally #14

Sparkle Minnow #16

897 CFS @ Kirby - While the flows on the Upper Madison have stayed manageable, the West Fork is starting to put some color in the river making it dirty not far below. Above that, the fishing has been pretty good mostly nymphing or stripping streamers in and around the bigger rocks on a short line. Dry fly fishing has been tough for now.

Recommended Flies:

Mega Prince #10
Delekta Worm Pink #12
SH Copper John #14
Chubby Sally #14
Sparkle Minnow #16

886 CFS @ Kirby - The Upper is a great option for this time of year. The streamer bite has been strong, which is on-brand for the Madison in May. We've still been seeing some caddis out and about, along with March browns and BWOs, so be sure not to neglect the dry-fly action. Nymph-wise, stoneflies, BWOs, and caddis pupa have been the ticket. 

Recommended Flies: 

BH Serendipity, Red #16

Sure-Strike Sally #14-16

X Caddis, Tan #14

Chubby Sally #14

Sparkle Minnow #6

1160 CFS @ Kirby - Right now, the Upper Madison is a good option. It's been rising slowly the past week and has been fishing well. On the nymphing side, think small flies, such as caddis pupae and Lightning bugs. We've been seeing some March browns and caddis as well, with the dry-fly bite continuing to be somewhat hit-or-miss. Streamers are moving a good number of fish, but be sure to experiment with size and profile. In general, darker streamers with a bit of flash have been working the best.  

Recommended Flies:

G6 Caddis #16

Hot Belly Pheasant Tail, Pink #14

Iceberg Caddis UV Olive #16

3 Dollar Dip, Red #16

Sparkle Minnow, Black #14