May 23rd, 2024

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Fishing Report

We can't wait for mornings like this!

Photo by John Juracek.



The Madison is colored up from Hebgen Dam all the way down to Ennis. Through the wade section there is a foot or less of visibility and is a really nice green color. While there's not much of a dry fly bite going on nymphing has been very good this week. #8 Coffee Rubberlegs and #12 San Juan Worms in red or pink have been staples for us lately. Following behind the big flies we have been using #18 Spanish Bullets, #16 Montana Bullets and #18 Crystal Dips. The streamer bite should ramp up over the next couple weeks and a lot of fun can be had plopping flies like a #4 JJ Special Sparkle Minnow in some bank side pockets.

Hebgen Lake is staying in it's own little groove. The warmer days have seen some midge hatches but still not much to report for a surface bite. #12 Chironomid Bombers and Ice Cream Cones have continued to be good choices along with #8 Seal Buggers if you're looking for a more active retrieve. The wind was the real enemy this past week for those looking to fish the lake, so we have our fingers and toes crossed for some calmer forecasts coming up.

The Firehole is in good shape and the weather looks like it should make for some great Baetis fishing on the opening weekend. There is a long shot for some Pmd's in the afternoon and swinging some small streamers like a #8 Super Squirrel can be a good idea as well. For dries we like #18 Baetis Black Wing Cripples and Upright Baetis. I'm sure a lot of you will be looking to swing your favorite soft hackles and I think it's safe to say #16 Hare's Ear Spider and #17 Peacock and Starlings will fool quite a few fish this opener.

Flies of the Week

Hot Spot Soft Hackle

We’ve become big fans of Euro-style flies over the past few seasons, due to their simplicity, durability, and effectiveness. We are also huge soft hackle aficionados as most of you know by now, so it didn’t take long before we started using some of the Euro nymph attributes in our soft hackles. This Hot Spot Soft Hackle has become a real favorite of ours lately, especially on the Firehole, where trout just seem to love swinging wet flies. The combination of the hot spot and a flashy body seems to really trigger an aggressive response, especially in the early season during high water. It’s worth using during fall runner season on the Madison, too, especially if tied in larger sizes.

If you are interested in tying the Hot Spot Soft Hackle, click here to check out our How To video.

Klinkhammer Baetis

Bucky designed these simple little flies as a highly visible option for fishing hatches of tiny Baetis and midges. We carry these everywhere we go from fall through spring!

If you are interested in tying the Klinkhammer, click here to check out our How To video.

Fulling Mill Nymph Hook

The Fulling Mill Barbless Nymph Hook has been designed with a 15 percent longer point to ensure a great hook hold. The narrow gape and long shank makes this hook the ideal choice for tying stoneflies, caddis and prince nymphs. We like for muddlers and squirrel leech patterns too.

Mallard Wing Soft Hackle Feathers

These are the feathers we use for our Baetis and pmd soft hackles. Perfect medium dun color with a variety of sizes per pack.

BRF Go-To Compartment Box

A 12 compartment waterproof box with foam in the lid. Foam holds up to 225 flies.

Regal Hook Head & Bronze Pocket Base

The Hook Jaw by Regal Vise was designed for you in mind! The brand-new jaw is for the perfectionist tyer that loves those small, intricate patterns. The cut-out, hook-style design allows for greater access to tie down at the bend of the shank without needing to reposition your hook. Of course, you can position your hook in class Regal-fashion; however, Regal added more material to the tip of these jaws so you can keep the hook point in the jaws itself! No more snagging! This new jaw will make tying a breeze without sacrificing any of that Regal Vise Bulldog Bite.

Fishpond Shallow Magpad Fly Puck

The Shallow MagPad Fly Puck is designed to provide a handy storage solution for your flies without taking up too much space. The magnetic bottom ensures that your flies stay in place, while the reduced depth allows for easier access and retrieval. Its top and bottom inset channels also make it easy to pair and stack multiple pucks, allowing for convenient and organized storage. Made with durable TPU material, this compact container is reusable and can hold flies of various sizes, as well as split shot, rigging accessories, tippet, and other on-river essentials.

Ben Clark getting ready to land a nice trout.

Photo by Josh Almond.