Fly Fishing Montana's Madison River, Sept. 2024

[@chuckgyeski4607]

Awesome fishing out there 👍🏼 thanks for sharing I can’t wait to get back out there 🎣

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Chuck! That’s cool you’ve been there and experienced the great fishing. Glad you enjoyed the video. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@snookmcdermott6894]

Thanks for another great video Scott Keep them coming and stay safe

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

You’re welcome Snook and my pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@douglasrandall6737]

Great follow up to the first one. Thanks for these.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Ha! Thanks Doug, thought you’d enjoy it.

[@anthonyb1661]

Scott, you and Ryan trying to net that 16” brown mid way through the video was hysterical! Sometimes they just won’t go in. Looked like you had an awesome trip in some pretty swift Madison water. Especially when you walk 25 yards down stream and they shake it on you. A great trip and thanks for sharing.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Anthony! Great moments like that just MAKE the trip. We had so much fun with each other, on stream and off, guys razzing each other and cheering for each other. So much better sharing with good friends. Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@EdwardLawton-jm1gt]

What a legendary river to be able to fish. I hope you had a great time!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@EdwardLawton-jm1gt Hi Ed! Yes, we did, will maybe try out West again next year. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@uni_shadow164]

Scott, Great footage and fellowship! You got some pretty good sized fish. I gotta get to Montanna...Well done buddy. Rain in TN for next few days and we need it in time for delayed harvest stocking in October!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thank you Dave! Yes, we had a great time together. Rain here too, but not enough, desperately need a lot more, especially for our Fall stockings also. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@toddwilcox142]

Hey brother, looks like you guys got into some pretty nice ones in this video. My oh my… that water is fast. I know the camera downplays it. I’m sure it’s much harder to wade, than the video reflects. Beautiful scenery. Thank you for sharing.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Brother Todd! Yes, bigger fish on the Madison but much tougher to wade. Hopefully next time we’ll have you along. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jeromedwojak918]

Wonderful video Scott, enjoyed the action on the water, even if there were a lot of dinks! Still some nice fish tgrown in there! Alwys enjoy your content and look forward to those catches you experience there at the stream. Looks like you had a great time in Montana!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Jerome! Thank you very much! An excellent vacation, I hope you get a chance to to visit and fish Montana sometime. Appreciate you watching and all your support.

[@jeromedwojak918]

​@@pawoodsnwater7551Scott, do you think of trying streamers to see if they would attract the bigger fish In the Madison?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@jeromedwojak918 Ha! I actually did one evening, caught a few small guys down near Ennis, but had a huge hit bug broke me off.

[@scottlowe3355]

I missed the first one some how! I have to go back and watch that. That net job at 31 min was hilarious. When they got below you, that water seemed so fast I wasn’t sure you could pull them back. Looks like you all had a great time. Thanks for the great video!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@scottlowe3355 Hi Scott! As many times as I watch that net job scene, I still crack up every time 😂. Yes, incredibly fast water but I stuck with 5x tippet most of the time, the Seaguar Red Label Flouro in 4lb. test, good stuff 👍🏻. I think you’ll like the Gallatin River video too, some funny moments in there also. Thanks Scott for watching and commenting.

[@gregtarris9057]

Wow love to see you in new locations. There are some many rivers and streams out there to explore. Use to go out there for years since my best friend lives in Idaho and my wife has family in Montana. Did not fish the Madison much since it was always crowded with float boats and didn't find the water appealing given the wading ! Did like the Gallatin. So picturesque. About 1 hours West is the Beaverhead. During the day float boats regularly put the fish down. I have seen it happen. Come 6PM and the river is yours. Welcome back.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Yes, you described it pretty accurately. I was very familiar with the Missouri River back in the 80s and 90s, my dad lived in Great Falls for 22 years and had a cabin up on the river. I think I’d cry 😢 to see what it’s like today compared to then. But life brings changes, both good and bad.

[@foxchaser21]

yo scotty, wow what a video my friend. that madison river is something else for nymphing, holy smokes. beautiful fish in there. nothing beats nymphing a fast an furious river full of fish. i think im gonna plan a trip out there sometime. alright, thanx for sharing a remarkable trip to that place.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Mike! Big and beautiful and very fast, very dangerous wading! Wish we would’ve gotten into more bigger fish but almost everyone we spoke to we’re having a similar experience, and that’s fine. Next time we’ll be more prepared. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jimyenser6558]

I stayed on the Madison in Cameron, SE of Ennis. After the first day, i bought my first wading staff at the fly shop just up the road. Great fishing but most difficult wading ive done without felt. Great stuff here Scott!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Jim! Cameron! Home to the Blue Moon Bar and Grill, great food and people there 👍🏻. I forgot my wading staff, bad move on my part. Next time I won’t forget. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@michaelzobrist8846]

Hi Scott, haven’t seen you post anything in a while so I went back and watched your Montana on the Madison River. That’s a great video. I hope you’re doing well. Take care.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Michael! Thank you for your concern, yes, I am well, just in my hunting mode, doing a bunch of pheasant hunting and getting some good clips, will be the next video out then I’ll get back on the water. Appreciate you watching and all your support.

[@michaelammerman2732]

Thanks for both videos of your trip to Montana! Watching your videos is just like fishing the streams as if the viewer was doing the fishing! May I ask : What size tippet were you using? The water is so, so clear!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Michael! Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed them both. For nymphing, I started with 4x Flouro but then went down to 5x. For dries, I was using 5x and 6x Flouro. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@chiptitus7398]

Awesome videos, Scott! Great views! Those fish on the Madison had some pretty colors. Someday, I'll get out there. That would be really cool. You are truly a blessed person.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Chip! I truly hope you get out there someday. God is good! Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@Fishin-Ipps]

Man, looks like you guys had a great trip! Hard to beat the colors and fight on a Madison rainbow. 😊Thanks for posting, Scott! - Chris

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

You’re welcome Chris and my pleasure! Yes, we did have a blast, glad I went with my buddies. Tough choice between a Madison rainbow and a Delaware rainbow, either way , it’s a win/win 👍🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@erikb8827]

Great video Scott!!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thank you Erik! Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@georgenaugle7827]

Great video. Fast water full of trout. Wow!! Did you fall in at all? My old butt couldn't handle that fast water. Keep these awesome videos coming. You never got another G Loomis NRX + fly rod. I bought one and love it. Now if I could get more use out of it!!

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi George! Actually, I did have a small “trip” fall one day, just got one arm wet, but I did have many close “come to Jesus” calls that reminded me to be extra careful. I still love the NRX+ rods, just love more the T&T rods, that’s why I chose the Avantt 10ft/4wt this time. They very close in comfort and performance, but the T&T have a nicer finish. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@alanstrober6296]

Nice brown ! I was on the Madison in late April and caught a ton of big fish. Very few dinks. Fished mostly large stonefly nymphs.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Alan! Bigger patterns weren’t producing, maybe it’s a September thing, only hatches we’re micro caddis size 20-22. Corey from Old Dominion had great results in July, but that was then. It’s ok, be better prepared next time. At least we experienced a couple of the Madison’s big boys. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@alexargyros7186]

You've probably already answered this question on numerous occasions, but, in general, do you use weighted nymphs, or do you rely just on your split shot to get the flies down?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Alex! That’s ok, glad to clarify. I use both weighted and non-weighted nymphs, both with and without splitshots, it’s always depending on depth and flow of the water. I generally want to be barely bouncing on the bottom and I do expect to occasionally get hung up on bottom. Hope this helps.

[@richsmidtke119]

Rumble young man rumble another great video Scott thanks I appreciate you and God bless

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thank you Richard, glad you enjoyed it. Hope you have a fun Fall. Be safe and God bless you! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@BIGJ3748]

Thanks Scott, enjoyed the video.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

You’re welcome Big J, my pleasure! Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@paharding]

Great video. Thank you. What type and size nymphs were you using? Which is better wade fishing in your opinion the Madison or Gallatin?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Thank you brother! I was using more traditional nymphs sizes 16-18, but I did use perdigons and Czech nymphs also same sizes. Not many bugs were hatching that time of the year. The Gallatin is easier to wade but the Madison has bigger fish. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@gregtarris9057]

What size tippet were you using? Tough bringing in fish to the net against that current.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hey Greg! Totally agree, those wild fish know how to use that current to their advantage. I was mostly using 5x tippet. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@YuhSir-p9z]

When I went fishing the upper Madison by ennis we caught so many and it was amazing even got on some biggens 19-22 inches

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Oh yes, I believe you! Next time we’ll try maybe a different month, but something made it tougher for us in September. Ha! I might just suck too! 😂 I’m sure we’ll get into more big boys there one day. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@YuhSir-p9z]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 oh yeah it was good but i also caught the least Amount of the group 😂

[@YuhSir-p9z]

@@pawoodsnwater7551we went at the end of June and I went back a few weeks ago and we’re going back up there for fall break so hopefully we get on some good ones

[@michaelzobrist8846]

Hi Scott, what a nice video I’m both streams or should I say rivers in the fast water on the Madison? What tip material were you using? I can’t imagine using anything under four.X I love Montana and I love Yellowstone in Wyoming I have fish the Madison in upper Yellowstone. I’m glad you and your buddies. Had a nice safe. Wonderful trip. Looks like lots of fun. Take care be well.👍

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Michael! Yes, absolutely beautiful, both streams! I was using the Seaguar Red Label 5x Flouro until I ran out, then I got a spool of Cortland Premium Flouro 5x, both did very well. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@alexargyros7186]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 Is that 4lb. Seaguar Red Label?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@alexargyros7186 Hi Alex! Yes, I use the4lb for 5x and the 6lb for 4x, the diameter is one thousandth thicker but I’ve never had any issues with it, 6x-8x I use the Cortland Premium Flouro tippet material. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@davidpolk8676]

Hi Scott. Where did you stay in Ennis. I thought I might have seen you. Love the videos. Keep them coming

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi again David! We stayed in the El Western cabins right on 287 in Ennis, very nice accommodations, but next time, if we’re just fishing the upper Madison, I think we’d probably choose a Vrbo or another place closer up river and get food to cook ourselves for breakfast and dinner and not have to worry about our meals, not what I usually like to do but restaurants are not convenient up there.

[@davidpolk8676]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 Scott have you ever stayed at rainbow lodge across the street. ?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@davidpolk8676 No, but I know they manage the access to that spring creek there.

[@tonykojundic6692]

Always love your videos, but why so hung up on size?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hello Tony! Thank you very much! Honestly, if I’m putting out all the time and money for a great fishing vacation, I’ve fished Montana heavily in the 80s and 90s, and several times in the past 20 years, I’m very familiar with my usual experiences or results and I don’t mind catching smaller (6”-10”) fish in smaller water from around PA, but catching a ton them out in Montana is not as much fun. Overall, it’s ok, better than catching nothing. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@davidpolk8676]

@@tonykojundic6692 I think you tend to get the bigger fish in late June early July. Just seems like they are more active with more bugs out there

[@michaelcapurso]

Hey Scott, I always add two inches to your estimates - LOL. I heard the Madison is one long fast riff. I know you fished the Neversink Unique area. For me that is the most treacherous wading I have encountered, was the Madison worse?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Ha! Hey Michael! I am guilty I think of under-sizing but I’d rather be conservative than over estimate, ha! Oh my, the Madison is way more dangerous than the Neversink, it is incredibly fast. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@mylesreilly5912]

Don't give that man a net again haaaaa, supper stuff, great crack.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Myles! Ha! That was a hilarious crazy net job 😂. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mylesreilly5912]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 Brilliant 😂

[@Rnh240]

The fact is, no river in the West could sustain the pressure the Madison gets and hope to remain consistent. Everyone wants this place (yeah, I live here) to be dumb trout doing backflips for dry flies all summer long but this just isn’t that place. The fishing would be better if it ever had a chance to recover but late August/early September are about the most worn out fish you could find anywhere.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

I feel your pain brother, believe me! But absolutely no western streams get the pressure we have on our streams back East. You think that’s pressure, there’s so much untouched or minimally pressured water on the Madison for fish to find refuge. Our Central PA big and little streams get so much pressure year round, it’s ridiculous, plus central PA is the hub of competitive fly fishing angling. But our streams are doing very well in spite of that. Even with tons of drift boats out West, but they’re mostly for short visiting anglers that drift over way more water and fish than what an area holds, even the drift boats hit the same seams, pockets, runs and pools that every other boat is hitting. Pollution and disease organisms are more of a threat than angling pressure. There’s so many rainbows within the Yellowstone Park system, officials there want people to KILL rainbows to try and bring back native cutthroat populations on some streams. I’m very very doubtful that’s going to work. Be super thankful you have what you have in MT, it is truly the mecca of trout waters. One great thing I noticed on the Madison was it had a very healthy supply of all age classes of fish, at least where we fished, and the Gallatin too was just polluted with fish. Enjoy your great fishing and public access now as much as you can, in my opinion, public access closings will hurt you way more than increased angling, especially in MT, because MT’s economy vitally depends on tourism for revenue and jobs. The future still looks bright…… for now. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Rnh240]

I grew up fishing central PA and I’m here to tell you it’s actually worse here. You (for the most part) have to walk in PA. You have to want it. There isn’t anyone to ferry you down the river and show the same fly and shitty presentation to every fish in the river all day every day. It’s worse than it looks when you just wade around for a couple days.

[@CarlosDeCeia]

Dinks count too

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Good morning Carlos! Yes, dinks are trout too, and they count. But you gotta admit, the bigger trout are a little more fun. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@davidpolk8676]

Hey Scott. What wait rod are u throwing

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi David! Some days I was using my Sage X 10ft/5wt and some days my T&T Avantt 10ft/4wt, both performed well but on the windier days the 5wt was appreciated 👍🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@paharding]

@@pawoodsnwater7551 We’re those Euro nymphing rods?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

@@paharding No, they’re both fast action regular combo rods, I use them both for nymphing and dry fly fishing. I love both rods!

[@randymatson5710]

Pretty sure those heavy flows no one can her you yell across the river.

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

You are correct Randy! We were all just trying to let each other know how we were doing. Heavy flows, heavy riffles, heavy water noise, guess goes hand in hand. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@steveg8322]

Forceps anyone?

[@pawoodsnwater7551]

Hi Steve! Yes, I use forceps, but only when the fish swallows a fly and they’re necessary. Using forceps when the fly is easily reachable, or when not necessary can bugger up the tippet or tear apart the fly. But if you’re that comfortable using them all the time, go for it! Thanks for watching and commenting.