Everyone familiar with the Madison valley knows it is no stranger to gale force winds. At some point it becomes no fun for even the most ardent fly fisher when the line fails to turn over, line starts pooling, flys come at your face with the speed of a bullet, and your leader resembles a bird’s nest more than something to catch fish with. When your time on the water is limited however, the question arises about what to do on these days when the wind blows like a banshee. I usually have three locations I head for depending on wind direction.
Fly Fishing at the Palisades
For winds out of the west I consider the palisades. Winds come across the ridge of the palisades and with the river nestled right up to its rocks there is a fair chance that I’ll find some spots that get me out of the wind or at least into some fishable wind speeds. Make sure to check water flows and consider a wading staff.
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Getting Wind Cover Below Ennis Dam
For anything but a south wind I really enjoy the area below Ennis dam. The south end of the bear trap canyon is narrow enough that many wind situations won’t be a problem. This is no secret, so be prepared to find other anglers down there. Luckily you can hike deep into the bear trap to get away from people. There are two major parking areas. Head down to just above the powerhouse and walk up. The Madison River down here is strewn with pocket water, riffles and boulders that resemble trout motels. Caution, in at least 2 areas there are wires overhanging the river. Keep your cast clear and watch your back cast along the road. It’s easy to hit the embankment and if you’re fishing from shore, a roll cast or very high back cast is helpful. I like to move when I fish and hiking and wading up this stretch usually takes me about 3 to 4 hours. You’ll find caution signs along this stretch as water levels below the dam can change rapidly and without warning. I believe sirens and lights are in place, but I’ve never seen them in action.
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Burgers and Browns at Bear Trap Canyon
The third location takes you North of Ennis, Montana towards Norris. Norris consists of just a few houses, a post office and of course….a bar, that for many years has been owned by Steve and Carmen. Carmen cooks a mean chicken and Steve usually has jokes to tell. Mark the spot for a beer and a shot of something after getting off the water. In Norris hang a right towards Bozeman. To your right you’ll notice the Norris Hot Springs, also known as Water of the Gods. Mark this spot as an alternative on your way back. Starting at 7pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday you’ll find some great music from bluegrass to folk and country. Folks are friendly. You can rent a towel and order locally grown food, burgers and drinks. The hot springs resemble more like a swimming pool. It is wood lined with benches along the sides. Bring your swim shorts and enjoy the soothing and relaxing magic of the Water of the Gods hot springs.
Where to fish:
With two post-fishing locations in your pocket you can confidently proceed to the North end of bear trap canyon. You’ll pass Warm Springs take out and eventually the road will bend right and cross the river toward Bozeman. On the right hand side you’ll see a sign for the Bear Trap Canyon fishing access. The dirt road will take you back up-river on the other side of where highway 287 just came down. Take the road to the end where you’ll find a parking area and of course a convenient restroom. You’ll suit up here and hike up the river about a mile or so. Eventually you’ll get to where you can see the weed beds. There is grass leading right up to the river so access is pretty easy. Cast a grizzly bugger or a girdle bug across those weed beds and strip them pretty quick. There are monsters in these weeds and occasionally you’re lucky enough to catch a brown of your dreams. This area is a little more susceptible to wind, but still a far cry from getting blown about on the upper river.
Vegetation along the north end of the bear trap canyon sustained some damage during a fire just prior to the 4th of July a couple of years ago, but it is still a beautiful area. It’s easily fishable and convenient to move around in summer through fall.
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Have another location you go to when it's windy? Let us know!