Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons
Hip Waders or Chest Waders? Choosing the right gear for fly fishing can make all the difference in…
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Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat |
| March | Midges, Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-22, #16-20 | Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat, BWO Emerger |
| April | Blue Winged Olive, Midges | Midday | #16-20, #18-22 | BWO Emerger, RS2, Zebra Midge |
| May | Caddis, Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #14-16, #16-20 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, BWO Emerger |
| June | Salmonflies, Golden Stoneflies, Caddis | Midday - Evening | #6-10, #10-14, #14-16 | Rogue Foam Stonefly, Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| July | Golden stoneflies, Pale Morning Duns, Terrestrials | Midday | #10-14, #16-20, #10-16 | Rogue Foam Stonefly, PMD Sparkle Dun, Dave's Hopper |
| August | Tricos, Terrestrials | Early Morning, Midday | #18-24, #10-16 | Trico Spinner, Dave's Hopper, Chernobyl Ant |
| September | Tricos, Terrestrials | Early Morning, Midday | #18-24, #10-16 | Trico Spinner, Foam Beetle, Chernobyl Ant |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, RS2 |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge |
While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out.
The Madison River, West Yellowstone offers a myriad of fishing spots renowned amongst fly fishing enthusiasts. Notably, the best spots to indulge in this leisure activity include:
The Upper Madison: Stretches from Quake Lake to Ennis Lake. Popular locations are Raynolds Pass, Lyons Bridge, and Warm Springs.
The Lower Madison: Begins at Ennis Lake and ends at Three Forks of the Missouri. Bear Trap Canyon is a prime fly fishing area here.
The Channels Section: Located below the Ennis Bridge. Known for consistent fly hatches and excellent fish populations.
Each location presents diverse features suitable for different levels of fly fishing expertise, and all are renowned for their abundance of trout. Whether a novice or seasoned angler, the Madison River offers unmatched fly fishing opportunities.
Famous for its trout, the Madison River in West Yellowstone provides an exceptional fly fishing experience. Here are the best access points:
Also, consider the following locations where there’s no bridge access:
The Madison River – West Yellowstone has a rich history dating back thousands of years, known for its incredible beauty and bountiful wildlife. Hunters, gatherers, and other natives once thrived by its shores before European explorers discovered it around the 18th century. As one of the three rivers feeding into the Missouri, it played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The river was eventually named after James Madison, the fourth US President, by Meriwether Lewis. In the following years:
Today, the Madison River continues to remain a cherished testament to America’s expansive natural beauty.
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