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

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

The water temperature nice and cool now and fishing has been OK. Fishing has been better when we have some cloudy conditions. Terrestrials are still working and nymphing has been really good. Hopper dropper will be a great way to catch fish.

Directions open in app

Map of Madison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Fins & Feathers
Bitterroot Fly Company

5-Day Outlook as of 9/24/26

A little bit warmer than is has been for a few days but the temperatures cool significantly by the weekend. Fishing has been good but might get better with the cool and cloudy conditions.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/24/26

Dry - dropper is the most consistent way to catch fish. Perdigons and BWO nymphs are working best. Caddis nymphs and little yellow sallies will work well too. Fish have been rising to Ants and hoppers when the conditions are right. Streamer fishing should pick up in no time.

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

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Jan's Trout Crayfish Tan 8-10
Adam’s Purple Parachute Purple 18
Birchell’s Hatching Midge Black 16
Lightning Bug Silver, Gold 16-18
Sparkle Dun Olive 18
Vernille San Juan Worm Red 8-10
Perdigons yellow 16
Sculpzilla Natural 6-8
Double Gonga Tan/Yellow 6-8

Jan's Trout Crayfish

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

2.99

Item #0K17

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Yellow Dog Flyfishing'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:

Hoppers, Ants, BWO's, October Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

early morning

Best Stretch:

Ennis Dam to Blacks Ford

Best Access:

Ennis Dam, Beartrap Canyon trailhead