MAY 2024

UPDATED 5/16/2024

Mid May is always a transitional period here in the Madison valley and this year is no different. Warmer weather in the past few days along with a significant amount of rain have added some flow and color to the river, with the flow in Cameron rising from about 1300 cfs last weekend to 1900 as I write this report. Cooler weather is coming in the week ahead which could cause the river to drop and clear, so keep an eye on the gauges or give us a call for an up-to-date report. 

Bug wise we’ve seen good numbers of BWOs, March Browns morning and midday, and caddis in the afternoon and evening. Currently, the most effective tactic is nymphing with large dark flies like a Pat's Rubber Legs, Mega Prince, and worms of all colors. Streamer fishing has also been solid, so throw your black, olive or yellow Dungeons, Smoke Sparkle minnows, or big dark Buggers.

As always our shop in downtown Ennis is stocked to the brim with flies so don't be afraid to swing by and check them out for yourself. Also feel free to swing by the shop for a more indepth and up to date fishing report or general fishing advice. Just a reminder as well it is now barbless hooks only from Varney bridge to the Lake so pinch those barbs. Enjoy the warm weather this weekend and be safe out there!

Hot Flies:

Streamers: Mini Dungeon Olive, Mayer’s Hot Head Mini Leech Olive (#14), Squirrely Little Bugger Black (#8), Jig Slum Lord Black, Slump Buster Black (#6), BH Wooly Bugger Peacock (#8).

Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddis Olive (#16 - #18), Johnson's Mimic May BWO (#18), Mini Hot Mayfly Black (#18), Mini Hot Mayfly Olive (#18),Tilt Wing Dun BWO (#18), Parachute Adams (#16), Comparadun BWO (#18),

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubber Legs Black (#6 - #8), Pat’s Rubber Legs Coffee (#6 - #8), Hogan S&M Nymph Olive (#16), Spanish Perdigon Rodrigues Black (#16), Jig CDC Prince (#14), Jig Tungsten Pink Worm (#16), Jig San Juan Worm Wine (#14), Jig Pink Egg (#16), Hot Bead Pink Egg (#16).

- MTS Guide Julio "The Whole Story" Matteo