MADISON RIVER IN YELLOWSTONE BLOWN OUT

FLOODED MEADOWS PUT TROUT IN THE GRASS
many dangerous sections beckon anglers


<- Barns #1 Lake




-- You may be able to catch fish in the Madison River in Yellowstone Park on opening day, but you will have to be very selective about where you fish. The river is running bank to bank in most sections and the meadows at 7-mile bridge, and above Mt. Haynes are flooded. The river channel at National Park Meadows is just below flood stage, and the Barns Holes look like a lake.


<- 9-mile bend



-- Predictions for continued warming and afternoon thundershowers mean that fishing will be more difficult on opening weekend. One stretch of water that has not colored too badly is the area from "Grasshopper Bank" through the secction along the old road to the fire interpretation area. The broad channel here seemed almost placid, and rising fish were seen on the snags next to the road. The eagles nesting next to the road also had fish for lunch.
-- This time of year the river is 'big water' for sure. There are sections in National Park Meadows, below 7-mile bridge, and around the meadows at 9-mile hole that show distinct and slow moving streams within the river. The savvy angler will use large, or giant dark nymphs in these sections - and be justly rewarded. Don't use your 4-weight.


<- 7-mile Meadows