March is one of those months that’s hard to put a finger on…is it early spring or late winter? Is it going to rain, snow or be warm enough for a round of golf? Conditions change by the day, sometimes by the hour leaving us to ponder our next move. It’s a month of transition and one that is anything but predictable – until it comes to fishing.

Without any question, March is one of the finest, or at least most productive, fishing months of the year of those who don’t mind working with or around the conditions. Our preference is for calm, overcast days…almost a surefire recipe for good midge hatches and rising fish – whether it’s the Madison, Missouri or Yellowstone. The reality is however that most days, at least the warm ones that spark the urge to fish, are windy, really windy and often sunny. Sure, we could try to pick and choose the days that the weather seems just right but we don’t – we pick our days, those that fit the schedule, and just go. 

Last Friday, we were on the Madison above Ennis. What a place – no matter how many days I’ve spent on this river, it continues and will always continue to blow me away from every perspective – the scenery, the water, the fish – one could not ask for anything more. And to top it off, no  boats… just another reason to go in March. This place will be a zoo in a few months.

The hope was for rising fish yet with wind and sun, it wasn’t in the cards. So we nymphed – stoneflies and midges were the ticket though any number of other things would likely have worked…it’s March – the fish are often hungry, flexible and forgiving…not always the case throughout much of the year. Basically, we can get away with stuff now that just won’t cut it down the road.  Several months from now, I’ll be thinking back on these March days.