The Madison River
I have been a friend of the magnificent Madison River for now over 26 years! Challenging and inspiring, it is a beautiful river with a diverse personality. As it winds its way northward from its origin in Yellowstone Park, we find water types from raging rapids to very slow and tranquil riffles. The Madison River, outside the park, offers over 75 miles of fishable trout water before it meets its confluence with the Missouri River near Three Forks. And in between those areas, experience the fast riffle section from the Pine Butte area to Varney Bridge. Visualize the crystal clear water gurgling and sliding over thousands of head sized boulders. And see the sunlight reflecting back from the tops of these waves as your watercraft slides through some of the most magnificent scenery in the west! The Madison Range and the Gravely Range define the top edge of the valley from east to west. The valley floor is open and spacious, an expansive view of grass and plains, frequented by antelope, mule deer, and sometimes elk. Ground squirrels and marmots and the occasional badger add to this pristine flavor.
Now then, bring your focus back to the waves and riffles of the river. You are watching a size #12 Royal Trude and a size #16 Matthews X Caddis with a tailing shuck (both dry flies) bobbing over the top of the riffle, forward and to the left side of the boat. You notice how the waves of the moving water almost toss the flies off the tops of the crest, and you notice how high and dry and natural the drifting flies look. Your guide has dutifully explained and demonstrated how the fly line should be cast and how the flies must float. Suddenly, the Royal Trude is gone, and the fly line tightens! You responsively lift your fly rod, you feel the throbbing surge of a powerful fish! And there he is, an 18 inch Rainbow bursts into the air, shaking and glistening in the sunlight. He makes a power run upstream, and your guide fiercely back rows the boat or jumps out of the boat and holds position so that you may take advantage of the fish. You apply power to the rod and regain line on your reel, straining tackle and your 5X leader to the extent of almost breaking! The trout again leaps, then speeds toward the boat, then toward the riverbank, leaps again, then you gain line on your reel and soon the trout is near the boat. You position your rod high with pressure on the fish, and as his head and gill section come right out of the water, you are able to slide the fish across the top of the water and into the waiting net!
The trout is quickly unpinned, admired, photographed, and then released. You are trembling with delight and awe! Your adrenaline is still running high, and you are amazed by the beauty and power of your quarry. You smile inward and out! You have succeeded in bringing to the surface and hooking a wild Rainbow trout. You have masterfully gained advantage of the fish through proper use of your rod and reel, and the trout has been safely returned to the water. You step out of the casting yoke in front of your boat seat, you sit down and take a break. One thing you will know is true; you will remember this experience!
This is the Madison River in all of its elegance-beautiful, pristine, and challenging. You now know that you can master the dry fly; you feel secure in your newly gained skill and knowledge. You now understand the Madison River because it and you have completed your angling experience! You will feel a sense of ownership of the river, a desire to claim this as your own. And, whether you sense it or not, to some extent this river will also claim you!
The sun is now directly overhead, and the warmth is gratifying in the absence of mugginess and humidity. Your guide has gained the bank, is out of the boat, and is pulling the anchor and boat to safe and secure moorage. Coolers are carried to the softer grass, portable tables and chairs suddenly appear and are erected, lunches of fresh croissants, with turkey and Swiss cheese are consumed along with a great fruit salad. Soft drinks, iced tea, or water are refreshing additives. Then, comes those famous “black-bottom cupcakes” (those who have floated with us before, always tell us to be sure not to forget these!!) You enjoy it all, and if you and yours require a special diet, please just let us know.
You continue on downstream, casting to creases, slicks, and the gentle riffles. Other trout appear and frequently take the floating flies. The afternoon sinks into longer shadows, the river looks softer, and gentler, and your state of being mimics the river. Words are soft, smiles are genuine, and thoughts are warm with fondness- for the river, your fishing partner, and your guide. Somehow, someday, sometime- you know you will return.
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