From fly fishing reports and forecasts to news about what's going on in the area, our newsletter will let you know what to expect this year. If you'd like to receive our newsletter via email, you can be added to our mailing list.

SPRING 2011 NEWSLETTER

Fishing Report 2011

We are still digging out from all the winter snow, but our thoughts are of opening day on the Madison River which occurs on the 21st of May. There is still over 70 inches of snow on the mountain which means lots of water this summer for the Madison River and Hebgen Lake. This should make the fish very happy and make for super fishing for all of us this summer. So find those waders and fly rods - dust them off - change those leaders - clean off those lines - lube those reels - tie up some of your best fly patterns - and book a trip to The Old Kirby Place.

May - Brings on the opening of both The Old Kirby Place and the Madison River below Quake Lake, along with the emergence of the much anticipated Mothers Day caddis. The big Stoneflies head for the shores and are getting ready for their mating flights giving us the chance to throw big bugs for big hungry fish.

June - This is the time on the river when we get a short period of run off and the fishing is best in the clear water right along the shore. Wade fishing is great as long as we stay close to the shore and maybe even stay dry while walking the banks. Boat fishing is always good. The fish are looking for the big Stoneflies, midge patterns, a few caddis, BWO patterns, and the tried and true San Juan worm. With most of the fishing being down and dirty, we may get the occasional Mayfly hatch on those overcast days and throw a dry or two. The lakes are fishing very well as they free from ice, and the Park opens up for fishing this month. This is the month when the valley wakes up from winter and all the trees and plants start budding, the pasture lands turn bright green, and our four legged friends start having their babies. We also start looking for the arrival of the salmon flies from down river.

July - Starts with the anticipation of the salmon fly hatch. All the talk around the valley and around the dinner table is–where are they? Have they gotten above Ennis yet? This is the most anticipated hatch on the Madison River and brings fishermen from all over the country. The most exciting thing you can do with a fly rod is see your big dry fly bring a 20” plus fish right off the bottom and explode to your line. Some fishermen chase this big bug from river to river all over the west. We also see lots of Yellow Sally’s and Golden Stones during this hatch. This month also kicks off the caddis hatch which lasts most of the summer.

August - This is when we can sit in the Caddis Shack during cocktail hour and see clouds of caddis so thick it looks like the trees are on fire. In August the fish are feeding on all sorts of bugs–big ones, small ones, dry ones, and wet ones. It is probably the most fun month for fishing with the sunrise around 5 a.m., sunset around 9:30 p.m., and fish rising all the way to dark. We often have dinner early so we can get back out and fish during the bewitching hours (8 p.m. till dark). This is the month of Gulper fishing on the lakes. Mayflies blanket the surface of the lake with fish rising all over the place and “gulping” them down.

September - The temps start falling, the leaves start turning, the days start shortening, and the weather is beautiful. For many, this is their favorite month. We change fishing tactics and switch to terrestrials and big streamers along with beatis early in the morning and on overcast days. Ants bring on big hits along the banks all day long. The Browns are starting to move up river as they look for spawning beds.

Come up and visit us this summer–we welcome you to the Madison River and The Old Kirby Place.<

Calendar of Events for 2011

Links to previous newsletters:

Spring 2010 Newsletter
Spring 2009 Newsletter
Fall 2008 Newsletter
Spring 2008 Newsletter
Winter 2007 Newsletter
Spring 2007 Newsletter
Winter 2006 Newsletter
Spring 2006 Newsletter
Spring 2005 Newsletter