Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime: April 15 - October 15)

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

John Way's Tip of the Week

Good fall fishing. Streamer guys are getting it done with smaller sparkle streamers. Nymph fishing still strong and try a hopper and dropper in the afternoon.

Directions open in app

Map of Madison River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Firehole Ranch
Madison Valley Ranch
The Tackle Shop Outfitters
Long Outfitting
Fins & Feathers
Montana Hunting and Fishing Adventures

5-Day Outlook as of 10/13/22

Another week of great fall weather. Get out and enjoy it while it lasts.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/13/22

A small sparkle streamer with a nymph trailer on a slow strip has been hooking some good fish.

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

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

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    Mountain Whitefish

John Way's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Zonker copper 8
Trash Can Streamer Natural 6
Foam Park Hopper Tan 10
Chuck and Duck Sculpin olive 2
Rubber legs Black 10
Chubby Pink 10
Bead Head Soft Hackle Caddis Pupa Fly orange 14
Travis Para Ant red 16
Lightning bug Silver 14
CDC Prince Peacock 14

Zonker

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Item #0616

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John Way's Recommended Gear

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.

Nearest Airport:

Gallatin Field Airport (BZN), Bozeman, Montana

Hatches:

Streamer, hoppers, ants, blue winged olives, October Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

Mid day

Best Stretch:

Reynolds Pass or 3 Dollar Bridge for Wade fisherman. Varney to Ennis for float fisherman.

Best Access:

3 Dollar Bridge and Valley Garden