8/29 The fishing restrictions on the Lower Madison have finally changed a little bit. The river is now open all day from Ennis lake down to the Warm Springs boat ramp and still closed from 2 PM until midnight from Warm Springs downstream. This means that those willing to hike up into Bear Trap canyon can fish all day but most float trips still need to be finished by 2. The folks out there are typically finding slow fishing until the water and air temps rise to a compfortable level. Find Decent nymphing, however, moss in all water columns will cause snags often. Reliable dry fishing at times on ants, beetles, caddis and tiny general attractors. Some streamer fishing, keep it small though....the water is very low and clear so fishing the banks is out unless you can slide small patterns in the crannies and go unnoticed doing so. Most of the eager fish have been those small, scrappy bow's and browns but a few larger fish are in there. Have fun if you go out, fish responsibly and remember that this section of river was \"out of the question\" two weeks ago before cooler nightime temperatures this past week. The fish are certainly still getting adjusted and need to be handled (if at all) with care.Recommended Fly Patterns
Nymphs:
Prince nymph,Black copper john,Zebra midge,Olive/coffee rubberlegs,DB Hares ear stone,San Juan worm,Streamers:
Clouser crayfish, big horn bugger, JJ special, brown bugger, zirdle,zonkers.Dries: cigarette fly
griffiths gnat, red butt midge,h&l variant,royal wullf,Hot butt caddis, parachute adams.Lower Madison River Flows
Below Ennis Lake:
Average Flow: 1520 cfs
Current Flow: 1140 cfs