Fishing Season: Year Round

Madison River - WY

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

40

North Fork Anglers's Tip of the Week

The river is open for fishing early this year. Look for bigger fish to be pushing upstream on their way to spawn. I would be nymphing with bigger stonefly nymphs, egg patterns, and various jigged attractor nymphs.

Directions open in app

Map of Madison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Fork Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 5/4/26

We're in an unsettled weather pattern so make sure to dress accordingly and definitely have bear spray.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/4/26

Nymphing and streamers.

Local Species Available Year Round

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    Brown

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    Rainbow and Mountain Whitefish

North Fork Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Tungsten Jig Bugger N/A 14-18
Fly Formerly Known As Prince N/A 8-16
Fly Formerly Known As Prince N/A 16-22
Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ N/A 16-20
Wade's N. Fork Special N/A 8-14
Sex Dungeon N/A 4-8
Sparkle Dun N/A 8-14
Indicator Parachute - BWO N/A 6-10
Woolly Bugger white, purple, black, brown, olive or white 4-10
Peanut Envy Tan 2-6

Tungsten Jig Bugger

Bounce this tungsten streamer jig along the bottom and hold on.

2.99

Item #9R77

Buy Now

North Fork Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Madison River

The Madison,Gibbon and Firehole Rivers are located on the West side of Yellowstone National Park. Take East Gate to Canyon to Norris to Madison Junction on the Lower Loop road from Cody, WY. It is faster.

Nearest Airport:

West Yellowstone, MT

Hatches:

Stoneflies Caddis PMDs BWOs Midges

Best Time to Fish:

Sunrise to sunset

Best Stretch:

Best Access:

Lots of turnouts on the road from Madison Junction to W. Yellowstone