Fishing Season: Year Round

Madison River - WY

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

40

North Fork Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Madison inside Yellowstone is in prime fall-run condition right now. Water is low, clear, and cold, and both Hebgen Lake browns and rainbows are pushing into the system in strong numbers.

Directions open in app

Map of Madison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

North Fork Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 10/22/26

The weather looks great with cool evening temps that will definitely make the fish happy.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/22/26

Streamers and nymphs have been the ticket. Baetis (BWO) mayflies are beginning to show up, especially with cloudy or cooler weather. Nymph rigs with: Pheasant Tails Zebra Midges Small stonefly patterns Hot-spot jig patterns have been effective.

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
Sparkle Dun N/A 8-14
Wade's N. Fork Special N/A 8-14
Sex Dungeon N/A 4-8
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.

3.99

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