FISHING -- A new U.S. Geological Survey monitoring station on the heavily-fished Madison River at the Varney Bridge south of Ennis, Mont., will be a great help for anglers.

The first monitoring device on that section of river in 40 years will provide hourly information on the stream's flow and water temperature.

The gauge is listed on the Montana USGS website as Madison River at Cameron, MT.

Joe Dilschneider of Montana Trout Stalkers in Ennis says the gauge set up last month will help anglers and guides coming from Bozeman see conditions of the river before making the trip.

The gauge will operate between March and October, and deactivated during winter because of heavy ice.