The Upper Madison's is fishing good, especially with these nice December days. Flows however are low, its running less than 1000cfs with water temps around 31 degrees near Cameron. The upper is going to fish very similar to our other local fisheries. During the winter, fish during the warmest parts of the day, think deep, slow moving water. Fish tend to stack up in deeper buckets and don't move great distances to eat. With winter conditions take it slow and be cautious when on the river. A wading stick is a great way to check ice and keep you on your feet. Dress in layers and wear gloves but remember to remove gloves when handling fish. Putting a bug in their face is the way to go. Double nymph rigs with a pats and a midge, rainbow warrior, $3 dip, worm, or perdigon in black or red are our go to winter bugs. If you see any sippers, they are probably eating a midge. Tie on a griffiths, midge cluster or even an RS2.
Dries:
stubby chubby, Tilt-wing BWO, purple haze, buzzball, stimulator, film critic BWO
Nymphs:
Perdigons, Green Machine's, zebra midge, $3 dip, shop vac, wire worm, frenchie, split-case BWO
Streamers:
Dungeons, Sparkle Minnows, sculpzilla, Boogie Man, Double Screamer, rusty trombone
