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

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

56

Fins and Feathers-Bozeman's Tip of the Week

Hoot owl has been lifted and the lower madison is fishing well. On warmer sunny days the hopper fishing should be pretty good. throwing a dropper on will likley produce some more fish as well. Nymphing is also going to work well with crawfish and worms followed by mayfly nymphs and perdigons. on the colder rainy days there has been a very good amount of BWOs and midges hatching off and you can often find large pods of rising fish.

Directions open in app

Map of Madison River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Fins & Feathers
Montana Hunting and Fishing Adventures

5-Day Outlook as of 9/27/22

the weather is looking good for hopper fishing the next few days then it gets a little colder later in the week. the colder days could be some good streamer days and some possible really good small dry fly action.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/27/22

Dry dropper rigs on hot sunny days and nymphing or streamers on the colder days keeping an eye open for rising fish.

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

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

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    Mountain Whitefish

Fins and Feathers-Bozeman's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Jan's Trout Crayfish N/A 8-10
Letort Hopper Pink 16-18
Blue Winged Olive Natural 14
Lightning Bug Silver, Gold 16-18
Perdigons yellow 16
Magic Midge Yellow 14-18
Vernille San Juan Worm Red 8-10

Jan's Trout Crayfish

On stillwater or the trout stream, you'll get terrific results with our crayfish fly patterns.

2.99

Item #0K17

Buy Now

Fins and Feathers-Bozeman's Recommended Gear

Description: About Madison River

The Lower Madison offers great fishing close to Bozeman with some large fish regularly taken. Bear Trap Canyon section is a rugged wilderness area with more of a freestone feel. as the river comes out of the Trap it flows through a more agricultural landscape and provides miles of great fishing for brown and Rainbow trout.

Nearest Airport:

Gallatin Field Airport (BZN), Bozeman, Montana

Hatches:

BWOs and midges

Best Time to Fish:

morning

Best Stretch:

Ennis Dam to Blacks Ford

Best Access:

Ennis Dam, Beartrap Canyon trailhead