Madison River | MT Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions

John Way's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name:	Colors:	Size(s):
Adams Parachute Dry Fly	grey	14
Flashback Baetis Nymph	peacock	16
George Daniels Sculpin Snack	olive	6
Red butt	peacock	16
Mini Loop	Olive	6
wooly bugger	black	8
Spanish bullet	black	16

Adams Parachute Dry Fly

The light-colored post on the classic Adams Parachute Dry Fly pattern ensures good visibility in a variety of conditions.

John Way's Recommended Gear

Best Leader:

Super Strong Plus Leaders
Best Tippet:

SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
Best Fly Fishing Rod:

6-Weight 9' Fly Rod
Best Floating Fly Line:

Trout Easy Mend WF Fly Line
Best Sinking Fly Line:

Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line

Description: About Madison River

The Upper Madison is know as the "Fifty Mile Rifle". It has some of the most classic trout water in the country and many anglers from all over the country have called it their favorite for years. With lots of Rainbow and Brown Trout and good fishing with nymphs, dries, and streamsrs, the Madison is a near perfect trout stream. The Madison River has great access for wade and float fisherman. There are two wade fishing only sections. The first from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge. The second from Ennis Bridge to Ennis Lake. The most popular float section is from Lyons Bridge to McAtee Bridge.

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

John Way's Tip of the Week

Directions open in app

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

5-Day Outlook as of 10/8/26

Techniques & Tips as of 10/8/26

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime: April 15 - October 15)

John Way's Recommended Fly Patterns

Adams Parachute Dry Fly

John Way's Recommended Gear

Best Leader:

Best Tippet:

Best Fly Fishing Rod:

Best Floating Fly Line:

Best Sinking Fly Line:

Description: About Madison River

Nearest Airport:

Hatches:

Best Time to Fish:

Best Stretch:

Best Access: