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

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

42

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

Nymphing has been good. Streamer fishing has been OK. Keep an eye out for fishing rising to Midges. Nymphing will be the best option through the winter.

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 12/3/25

Cold through the rest of the week with warmer temperatures expected next week. Fishing could be pretty darn good next week with the warmer temperatures.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/3/25

Nymphing is the most consistent way to catch fish with a double nymph rig. Perdigons and BWO nymphs are working best. Caddis nymphs and worms will work well too.

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
Perdigons yellow 16
Sculpzilla Natural 6-8
Sparkle Dun Olive 18
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:

BWO's, Midges

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

Ennis Dam to Blacks Ford

Best Access:

Ennis Dam, Beartrap Canyon trailhead