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

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

61

John Way's Tip of the Week

Some days it is fall some days summer. The fish are just as confused. Tiny BWO nymphs have been doing well along with standard rubber leg stuff.

Directions open in app

Map of Madison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Firehole Ranch
Madison Valley Ranch
The Tackle Shop Outfitters
Long Outfitting
Fins & Feathers
Bitterroot Fly Company

5-Day Outlook as of 9/15/25

On and off fall like weather for the next 10 days.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/15/25

Nymph fishing with a rubber leg and a BWO nymph will get the job done. Still some fish eating hoppers and ants in the afternoon.

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):
Travis Para Ant Tan 14
Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper Tan 14
Flying Ant red 14
Bead Head Barr Emerger olive 16
Perdigon Black 16
Micro chubby peacock 12
Fly Formerly Known As Prince Peacock 14
Vernille San Juan Worm Red 10
Cone head sculpin olive 6
Rubber leg stonefly black 10

Travis Para Ant

The parachute Para Ant makes prospecting easier too.

2.99

Item #936P

Buy Now

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:

Hopper, ant, BWO

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