Current Conditions:
It is really starting to feel like fall on the Upper Madison. Some of the cottonwoods are already starting to change colors, so it is also looking like fall. The Upper has been a consistent producer for us lately and is one of the best games around at the moment. There is no one dominant food source, so the trout have been pretty opportunistic. Some days, larger options like sculpin patterns and rubber legs can still produce, but don’t miss out on trying small baetis emergers. The skinny riffles hold some surprisingly large fish this time of year. Dry fly fishing has been hit or miss, but smaller flies have been more effective, especially winged ants.
The Month Ahead:
As the fall progresses and pressure drops off, fishing can be very good on the Upper Madison. Egg patterns later in the fall can produce, but otherwise a lot of the same bugs that worked in the summer will produce down under; make sure to have some smaller baetis nymphs like RS2s. On cloudy days, fish will also rise to thick baetis hatches, especially up by Quake Lake.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Upper Madison will cool down in the late fall as temps drop and the wind becomes tougher. Between the lakes and up in the Yellowstone National Park, it will remain good while targeting lake-run browns
Visit Our Shop for These Top Upper Madison Flies Right Now:
Perdigons in sizes 16-22
Juju Baetis in sizes 16-22
Zebra Midges in sizes 16-22
Olive Zonker in size 6
Three Dollar Dip in sizes 14-20 in brown
Any variation of a Dungeon in darker colors in sizes 4-10
Black and brown Zurdles in size 8-12
BH Pheasant Tail in size 14-20
BH Prince in size 12-16
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