May 2025

UPDATED 5/15/2025

As of early last week, the flows on the Upper Madison have started to rise and the initial stages of runoff have begun. However, with the cooler weather we have been having the flows have started to drop a touch and some clarity has come back. As of yesterday, there was about a foot or so of visibility in town but with some more rain coming in the forecast I would expect the visibility to decrease over the next few days. Flows in Cameron are currently running at 1600 CFS and 988 CFS at Kirby Ranch. For the anglers looking to get out on the river over the next few days I would recommend venturing to the upper reaches of the river. Fishing the upper wade stretch ($3 Bridge, Reynolds, Pine Butte, etc..) has been most productive as you will find decent water clarity up there as you will be above most of the tributaries that are pumping in the river system.

Per usual with high water fishing, nymphs and streamers will be your best bet. Most fish will be holding tight to the bank so make sure to fish any of the soft water right off the riverbank. Nymphing with girdle bugs, worms and princes on a short and heavy nymph rig can be very productive during this time. Short and heavy rigs will lead to less snags and allow you to fish tighter to the bank where most of the fish are holding.  Streamer fishing can also provide some great results. Don’t be afraid to break out the 7wt and some big streamers as now can be a great time to hunt some larger fish. Black or olive tends to be most productive as they provide a nice silhouette in the dirty water but don’t hesitate to throw yellow or white either as every day is a little different. With river conditions changing constantly over the next few weeks, feel free to give us a call at the shop for more up to date reports on river conditions.

Hot Flies:

Streamers: Sparkle Minnow Sculpin, Sculpzilla, Lil Kim, Hot Head Mini Leech Olive, Mini Dungeon White, Woolly Bugger Black.

Dry Flies: Missing Link Caddis, Purple Haze, Chubby Chernobyl.

Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs Black, Olive, Brown, Zebra Midge Red, Juju Baetis Red, Wonder Nymph BWO, Lightning Bug Gold, Lil Bit Craven Black, Partridge Soft Hackle Pheasant.

- MRFC Guide John Kelley