SEPTEMBER 2023

UPDATED 9/14/2023

Fall is starting to set in here in the Madison Valley. Afternoon rain storms, cooler nights, and crisp, cool air have been a refreshing change from the summer heat. Hebgen Lake is amazingly still at 93% full. Water temps are fluctuating between 55 - 65 degrees. Temperatures for the rest of this week look beautiful. Highs in the mid to upper 70s with some sunny skies.

Fishing has been solid these last few weeks. Dry fly fishing in the heat of the day with hoppers and ants is still a good option. The sun still needs to be out for the best hopper fishing. Until the water warms up, hopper dropper rigs have been productive. 

Streamers have been decently productive. I have found my best streamer fishing during the afternoon rain storms. Smaller sculpin patterns trailing #16 and #18 nymphs have been my go to. 

Nymphing will be the most productive majority of the time. Worms, small rubber legs, and a variety of smaller nymphs in the #16-#18 range. Flows are stable around 1200 CFS at Varney Bridge.

Hot Flies:

Streamers: Olive Mini Dungeon, Black Dungeon, Black Silk Kitty, Olive Mini Loop, Lil Kim, Black Screamer, Olive Trevor, Sparring Partner white/gold.

Dry Flies: Thunder Thighs Yellow, Juicy Hopper Tan, Thunder Grass Hopper Mcnight, Cinnamon Fly Ant, Missing Link Honey Ant, Royal Chubby, Water Walker Pink.

Nymphs: Prince Size 14-16, PMD Size 14-16, Black Rubber Leg Size 6-8, Pheasant Tail Size 14-16.

Try to avoid fish pictures when you can out there. Everybody loves a great trout photo, but not as much as you think they do. We're in the midst of our annual Fly SALE. Checkout our SALE flies here for killer deals on your favorite patterns. If you're interested in what the river looks like here in town, give the live cam a gander below!

- MTS Guide Borden Porter