Southwestern Montana

The Madison River between Hebgen and Quake Lake is now open for human activity. The river here is clear, stable and in good wading condition.   With good PMD and caddis activity with big stoneflies coming on, this is a location for some good but crowded fly fishing. Below Quake Lake in the no boat section fishing and downstream PMD and caddis activity means having their life cycle patterns in that fly box along with big stonefly patterns. Damsel fly and speckled dun activity continues in sheltered Hebgen Lake bays. Present nymph patterns around submerged vegetation. Dry adult patterns will also work during wind free and overcast times so watch for plentiful rises. The Gallatin River, cold and clear, has really shaped up with PMDs, giant and golden stones, yellow sallies, PMD, and caddis bringing good top water fishing. There can be discolored water below the Taylor Fork confluence after rainstorms.