The fall run Browns from Hebgen and some large Rainbows are heading up into the Madison River, making their way into Yellowstone.  While fishing is still not once-in-a-lifetime, there are more big fish and your chances of landing one certainly have increased.

The trout are attuned to large soft hackles, such as Partridge and Pheasant Tails and some Hare’s Ear soft hackles.  Go with a larger fly when the sun is off the water and a smaller when there is direct sunlight.  The large Browns are going after Streamers as well – be sure to stock your fly box accordingly.  Larger fish tend to go after the Streamers, so don’t be shocked if you bring in something over 20”.

A few evening Caddis are still around; if you can catch them coming off be prepared for a few hours of fun fishing.  On cloudy days (and, yes, they will come again) there have been large baetis mayfly hatches coming off.  Most of the fish you’ll see feeding here are smaller resident fish, but once and a while a big boy will make himself known.  Anyway, who is going to argue with a small Madison trout? 

Flows today (0600) are 399 cfs, with today’s average 415 cfs on the gage near West Yellowstone.

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Flies to Have in the Box

Dries:  baetis - BWO, Blue Dun, Olive Sparkle Dun, Comparadun, Fall baetis Sparkle Dun, Para-Adams; Caddis - EHC, X Caddis, Electric Caddis, EC Caddis, CDC Caddis, Spent Caddis - tan, olive, black; Trico; Midges – your favorites

Nymphs: PT; BHPT; BH Hares Ear, Copper John, olive; BH Prince; Lightning bugs, gold, silver, green/olive;  PMD Wonder nymph, Electric Yellow Micro Mayfly

Terrestrials: Hoppers, beetles, ants, bees

Streamers:  Woolly buggers, brown, yellow, olive, black; Sparkle buggers, same colors; Girdle bug; Zonkers, assorted; your favorites

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