River Description

• Madison River near Ennis: Stable winter flows averaging 850-1300 cfs across key gages (Cameron at 872 cfs, below Ennis Lake at 1310 cfs), slightly below to above seasonal norms; gage heights 2-4 ft support safe wading in riffles.
• Cold water temps 34-38°F slow trout metabolism but hold fish tight to structure; technical nymphing river with deep runs and seams ideal for precise drifts.
• Waning crescent moon (22% illumination) means low overnight light, pushing fish into shallower wintering lies; high fishing potential for resident browns and rainbows despite short days.

3-Day Forecast

• Feb 13: High 48°F, lows near 20°F, SSW winds 5-10 mph easing; partly cloudy with rising barometer improves visibility for sighting fish in shallows.
• Feb 14: Warming to 52°F, light W winds 8 mph, mostly sunny; temp bump triggers subtle midge activity on calmer waters.
• Feb 15: Cooling to 45°F, increasing NW winds 15 mph, 20% chance light snow; wind may dirty tailouts but focus fishing on sheltered bends.

Fishing Outlook

• Fair conditions overall; cold water (33-38°F) limits surface action but stable flows and moderate highs (45-52°F) keep nymphing consistent in 3-6 ft depths.
• Low lunar illumination reduces dawn/dusk bites, yet yesterday's wind drop and today's humidity (50%) stabilize hatches for selective feeders.
• Big browns active on streamers in low light; rainbows responsive to small nymphs amid yesterday's no-rain stability.

Recommendations

• Flies & Techniques:
  • Zebra midges (#18-22) or wonder nymphs (#16-20) under indicators for riffle seams; dead-drift euro-style at 2-3 ft depth targets lethargic trout.
  • Sowbugs (#14-16) or scud patterns bounced along rocky bottoms; add split shot for cold-water sink rates.
  • Mini streamers like black wooly buggers (#8-10) on sink-tip lines; swing low and slow through undercut banks for trophy browns.
• Best Times & Tips:
  • 10am-3pm windows when sun warms shallows and wind calms; avoid moonset (2:42pm today) as fish spook easily.
  • Wading safe at current gage heights but test ice edges; watch for wind gusts up to 15 mph tomorrow.
  • Target Madison below Ennis Lake for warmer 38°F water and higher flows (1310 cfs).
• Gear Notes: 4-5 wt rods with 9 ft leaders; bring sink-tip lines for streamers, extra split shot, and polarized glasses for glare off snowbanks.

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