Eaton Outfitters, flyfishing the Madison River in Montana with lodging and quality guides

Winter 2008-2009: Flow out of Hebgen Dam is 900 cfs; out of Ennis Lake Dam, 1200 cfs. These are great levels for wade fishing the Madison. Currently, the whole river is open to fishing, but March 1 thru the 3rd Saturday in May the section from Quake Lake to McAtee will be closed for the rainbow to spawn.

Concentrate on nymphs at this time. All the classics are working in small sizes #16-18. Prince nymphs, Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, Olive Serendipity and Soft Hare’s Ears. Midge patterns are also working well; use Griffiths Gnats or Brassies in sizes #18-22. Also use an egg pattern as one of your flies. Another good combo is a Brown Girdle bug with any of the patterns above as a dropper.

Fish the deeper runs and holes using a two-fly rig with weight under an indicator. Tippet size should be 4x & 5x and don’t give up too easy in the holes you fish. If you are careful, the fish will not spook that easy and you can probably get a few from many of the holes you fish.

For additional information, call us at 1-800-755-FISH (3474)