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

Madison River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

75

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

The water is quite warm. It is coming out of the dam at 70 degrees. Maybe worth fishing elsewhere until it cools down. They are also pulsing the flows so discharge has been varied between 2500 and 1150. If you. go out watch water temps and fish really early. Avoid fishing when temps exceed 68 degrees.

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 7/21/26

Very hot all week. The water will likely continue to warm. They are pulsing the water from the dam which can make fishing tough.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/21/26

Dry - dropper is the most consistent way to catch fish. Perdigons and PMD nymphs are working best. Caddis nymphs and little yellow sallies will work well too. Fish have been rising to PMD's and Caddis when the conditions are right.

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:

PMD's, Caddis, Little Yellow Sallies,

Best Time to Fish:

early morning

Best Stretch:

Ennis Dam to Blacks Ford

Best Access:

Ennis Dam, Beartrap Canyon trailhead