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The Madison River
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Articles |
One
Year Ago - 10/14/00
- To Teach A Kid
Two Years Ago - 10/18/99
- Poisoning The Water
Three Years Ago -
10/20/98 - Whirling Disease
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The Madison starts in on the west side of Yellowstone National Park and travels north to Three Forks. The fishing on this river, especially while in the Park is great. However, anglers commonly pass it up as they speed by on their way to some more distant waterway. Don't speed past it. Stop and wet a line. (This section is along side the road from West Yellowstone to Madison Junction. You should watch for a small access road called Riverside Drive.)
Once this river leaves the Park it begins to course its way through a series of lakes and canyons. Again this is some prime water to fish. Nymphing the pools, near Quake lake has become a favorite pastime for several visitors to my shop. They keep inviting me to go and they guarantee twenty- inchers. But, I figure I have them here near my home and quake Lake is a few hours from my place. Then again one thing is certain, if these guys say your gonna get into some fish you better believe them. They do know their stuff.
As the Madison enters the valley in which the town of Ennis lies, the river takes on a new look. For the next thirty miles or so the river is one gigantic riffle. Nothing really changes for that distance and to fish it.... well, just wade in and start tossin' a fly. Felt soled waders are a must. (I think I've said that in every story I've ever written about fishing the West... so go get some or better yet stop by and I'll cut you a deal on some felt soled hip waders.)
Fly patterns are easy to predict for the visiting angler. Nymphs, usually size #14, are most always eaten. Midges, #20, in May work well. Parachute flies or even hi-visibility flies (they have a hot orange or pink parachute) are used with great success and since much of this water is riffle you can see them as they bob down the waterway. Terrestrials, especially ants, are what I use when on this water. Other anglers who frequent the Madison will swear by #12 stimulators and other attractor patterns (red humpies). These are very easy to see and do take fish with much success. Naturally there are hatches of caddis and mayflies so be prepared to throw a few of these flies as needed. Many of the "old time" guides fish flies in the #4-6 range. They believe big flies get big fish and they may have a point.
As far as what else may be needed on the Madison ... bring a lunch. You will most likely be a great distance from any store that can supply your hunger with sustenance. Oh yeah... if you come to this river in August... fish dead center and in the middle of the river.
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Features
From The Bench:
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The Doc's Rx:
 Thoughts of a Chicken Rancher. Doc tells it like it is.
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