Читать книгу Fly Fishing the Madison River - Craig Mathews - Страница 4

The Madison River below Hebgen Dam. John Juracek

If snowmelt comes at the “normal” time, after mid-June, this section of the river offers up some of the most predictable Blue-winged Olive emergences of the early season. The fishing is best on the lower river, just above Earthquake Lake, where trout can take the #20 to #22 emerging Baetis duns easier than in the rough-and-tumble water upstream. In early July, big Green Drakes as well as both Golden and Giant Stoneflies hatch. While these emergences happen over a few days, it is tough to plan a trip to fish them. If you are here, it is worth checking, as they always bring big trout to the surface.

Around July 4, the river clears of any snowmelt below its junction with Cabin Creek, and evening caddis begin to hatch. From then until October, several caddis species come off and bring good rises most evenings.

Midsummer brings terrestrials like ants, beetles, bees, and grasshoppers, along with spruce moths. Fishing imitations of these insects can be epic. From July through September, expect great fishing during the heat of the day with terrestrial patterns.

Anglers are advised to always carry bear spray in this area. Grizzly as well as black bears are often seen along the river, as are cow and calf moose. Stay clear of any cow moose with a calf. Be aware of all wild animals when fishing this section of the river.

Section 2: Earthquake Lake to Ennis Lake