June 2026

UPDATED 6/12/2026

Hebgen Lake was filled June 10th. Northwestern Energy
began releasing water that night and into the morning of the 11th.
Flows increased 570 cfs and are now 1020 cfs. Clarity on the river is still
great. Once the river levels out and stays a consistent flow for a few days,
expect the fishing to get better each day. No Salmonflies yet but they are on the
horizon.

The caddis hatch throughout the river has been great and
PMDs have started hatching too. Adults, pupae, and larva. However you like to
fish them. It’s happening. Elk Hair Caddis, Missing Link, and the Fin Fetcher
have been good on the surface. We just started carrying Oikawa’s CDC Caddis and
that has been an incredible new pattern for these Madison River trout. Lawson’s
Caddis Emerger and the Edible Emerger from RIO have been working well in the
film. Dry dropper fishing has been solid. Smaller chubby chernobyl with a jig
prince, jig pheasant tail, or jig pmd nymph 2-3 feet below has been a great
option.

Nymphers are sticking with the classics and having great
days out there. Size #4 - #8 Pat’s Rubber Legs in black, olive and coffee. Other
great options would be PMD nymphs, worms, lightning bugs, mega prince, mayfly
imitations, and a variety of different jig nymphs As mentioned earlier, any
caddis nymph is a great option throughout the entire river. Change your depth
before you change your imitation.

Streamer fishing has had its moments as well. As the flows
increase the next few days, streamer fishing can be a great option to target a
bigger fish. Leech patterns in olive and black trailing a caddis nymph has been
picking up some fish. Try using a floating line and more dead drift techniques
rather than long fast strips.

The weather looks warm and sunny for the next few days. Stop
by the shop to get an up-to-date river report. Have fun, find some good
trouble, and respect the resource.

Snowpack Link

Do you want to experience the Madison River from a drift boat? Learn more about aquatic insect life? Maybe you want to fine-tune your casting skills? Spend the day with one of our world-class guides on a Guided Fly Fishing Trip!

Hot Flies:

Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddis Olive, Finfetcher Caddis, Oikawa's Caddis Tan, Missing Link Caddis.

Streamers: Mini Dungeon Black & Olive, Dungeon Yellow, Woolly Bugger Black, Sparring Partner Brown Trout.

Nymphs: BH Pheasant Tail, Spanish Bullet French, Olsen's Hare's Ear Blowtorch, Pat's Rubber Legs Black, Three Dollar Dip Brown.

- MRFC Guide Danny Eiden