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

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

55

John Way's Tip of the Week

Hoppers and ants still on the menu especially on days when we have full sun.

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 8/19/26

We had a few rainy and overcast days which cooled everything off but slowed the dry fly bite. Look for warm afternoons for hoppers and ants.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/19/26

Dry dropper fishing has been really good.

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):
Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper yellow 12
Foam Park Hopper Tan 14
Adams Parachute Dry Fly grey 14
Fly Formerly Known As Prince peacock 12
Bead Head Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear Nymph grey 16
Headlight Caddis tan 14
Arricks Ant red 16
Para Ant red 16
Chubby tan 10
Spanish bullet black 16

Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper

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Item #02B6

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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:

Stone fly, PMD, hoppers, ants

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