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

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

34

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

The nymphing will keep you busy throughout the day. Keep an eye out for rising fish. Midges have been hatching with the warmer weather and if it is relatively calm and cloudy fish might be looking up.

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 3/18/25

Some moisture in the forecast this week. Temperatures are pleasant by the end of the week. Could make for good fishing.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/18/25

Nymphing is the most consistent way to catch fish as of now. When you spot fish rising a midge dry will work great. A worm and a Zebra Midge will work great all winter. Yellow Sallies and crayfish patterns have been gaining traction.

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
Griffith's Gnat Peacock 18
Birchell's Hatching Midge Black 16
Lightning Bug Silver, Gold 16-18
Perdigons yellow 16
Sculpzilla Natural 6-8
Hopper Tan 10
Vernille San Juan Worm Red 8-10
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:

Midges

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

Best Stretch:

Ennis Dam to Blacks Ford

Best Access:

Ennis Dam, Beartrap Canyon trailhead