The Majestic Madison

Whether you like fishing with dry flies, streamers, or nymphs—wading or floating—the Madison River provides exceptional fly fishing and a spectacular landscape.

This article gives a bit of the Madison River’s history, describes its unique contributions to wild trout population management, and overviews the river’s abundance and resilience. It also outlines Madison River fishing, introducing the different sections and offering specific recommendations regarding access, times of year, and fly fishing methods. Check out the Upper Madison River Fishing Guide for a month by month breakdown of hatches, flies, and techniques.

Fishes of the Madison

Before the early 1900s, different fish swam in the Madison than you’ll find today. Back then, mountain whitefish, cutthroat trout, and arctic grayling dominated the river. Introductions of rainbow trout from the West Coast and brown trout from Europe in the late 1800s forever altered the fishery. While mountain whitefish are still common in the Madison, cutthroat trout are rarely found outside of Yellowstone National Park, and arctic grayling have been gone since the 1930s. Browns and rainbows now populate the entire Madison River in staggering numbers.

Even back in the 1950s, anglers flocked here to experience Madison River fishing for both the quantity and size of the fish. Fly fishing on the Madison River has been popular for generations due to the river’s continued excellence as a fertile and consistent trout fishery. The river has weathered its share of catastrophes, however, and shaped trout fisheries management around the world.

Madison River Dams and Lakes

The Madison Dam was constructed in 1901 at the upstream end of Bear Trap Canyon. A version of this dam remains, generating hydroelectric power and creating Ennis Lake. Hebgen dam was built in 1914, about 50 miles upstream, to store water and regulate flows. The resulting impoundment, Hebgen Lake, sits just a few miles outside of Yellowstone National Park. The third dam, however, had nothing to do with human intervention.

In 1959, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake cut loose thirty miles underground beneath Hebgen Lake. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in the Lower 48 States. Massive rockslides cascaded down the walls of Madison Canyon, just upstream of Hebgen Lake, killing 28 people and blocking the Madison River. The fallen debris created a dam, which transformed Madison Canyon into Quake Lake. The Army Corps of Engineers cut two channels in the rockslide to stabilize the river flow and prevent flooding. They also shored up the earthen dam, which has remained ever since, along with the lake above it.

The Epicenter of Wild Trout

Though an enduring and prolific fishery, the Madison’s weathered significant ups and downs. In the 1960s, trout numbers dwindled, threatening Ennis’s tourism economy, which depended on Madison River fishing. The Montana Department of Fish and Wildlife (now called Fish, Wildlife, and Parks or FWP) responded by releasing increasing numbers of hatchery raised trout into the river.

In 1966, a young biologist named Dick Vincent joined FWP. Vincent pioneered electrofishing, a technique still widely used to sample fish populations. His research showed that despite all the stocking, fish numbers continued to fall. Vincent hypothesized that stocking trout on rivers where they could successfully reproduce on their own decreased the quality of the fishery.

In 1974, with trout numbers on the Madison at an all-time low, FWP decided to test Vincent’s theory and cease all stocking of the river. Trout populations soared and average fish sizes eclipsed anything locals had ever seen. Vincent’s research on the Madison River changed trout fishery management across the globe, establishing solid evidence that adding stocked fish to a healthy system harms the overall trout population.

A Lazarus Story

Removing stocked fish allowed the Madison to flourish beyond expectations. By the 1980s anglers flocked here to experience fly fishing on Madison River. By the mid 1990s, however, trout populations were once again in peril. Whirling Disease, a parasitic infection that affects juvenile trout and salmon, decimated the fishery. According to Montana FWP, whirling disease “killed up to 90% of young rainbow trout between 1991 and 1997” in the Madison. Biologists predicted a near-complete annihilation of rainbow trout.

Once again, the river defied all odds. Within a decade, the rainbow population significantly rebounded. Though the spores that cause whirling disease haven’t diminished, rainbows in the river have adapted some resistance to the disease. The 10% of juveniles that survived the mid-90’s massacre “appear to have significant genetic resistance to whirling disease.” Once again, the river proved its resilience, and Madison River fishing is as good today as it has ever been.

Madison River Fly Fishing Hatch Highlights

Section-by-Section Guide to Fly Fishing On the Madison River

Yellowstone National Park to Hebgen Lake

The Madison originates in Yellowstone, where the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers meld. From the park boundary to the mouth of Hebgen lake, you’ll find a relatively small, gentle, meandering stream with numerous oxbows and bends.

U.S. Highway 191 follows the river, and various gravel roads lead to the banks. Boats are prohibited on this section, leaving it free and clear for wade anglers. Walk up or downstream from an access point to find some solitude, but don’t expect the river to yourself.

This stretch can get quite warm in mid-summer due to thermal geysers in the headwaters and slow flows. In the fall, however, when water temperatures drop and fish move up from Hebgen Lake to prepare for spawning, it’s a dynamite fishery. October and early November are prime. Most anglers us multiple nymph rigs, usually an egg pattern followed by a baetis nymph. Stripping or swinging streamers can produce big fish this time of year, though you probably won’t catch as many as you will on nymphs.

Hebgen Dam to Quake Lake

This stretch—“between the lakes” to locals—is short but full of fish. All 1.5 miles are road accessible via Hwy 287 and Ghost Village Road, so expect crowds. While boats are allowed, there is no ramp at the upper end, so this area is best fished on foot. It’s classic trout water and easy to read; if an area looks like it should hold fish, it does.

Nymphing is the dominant and most productive method here, though the area does see hatches of stoneflies, caddis, drakes, baetis, and midges as well as summer terrestrials. The consistent fishing pressure and ample underwater food, however, keep the fish subsurface most of the time. If you luck into a good hatch, It’ll be memorable.

Though it holds plenty of resident trout, this stretch is most productive in spring and fall when fish migrate up from Quake Lake to prepare for spawning. During spring runoff, the pools just below Hebgen Dam can be some of the only clear water on the Madison. Trout pack into the unstained water, so if you get a good hole, you’ll find excellent fishing (try stonefly nymphs and San Juan worms).

Quake Lake to Lyon’s Bridge

Just below Quake Lake, the Madison shifts gears. The first mile or so races through the rocky remnants of the 1959 landslide. This area, known as “The Slide,” doesn’t look like prototypical trout water. It’s actually a testing ground for serious whitewater kayakers, but calm pockets hide among the frothing rapids, and those pockets hold lots of fish.

By the time the Upper Madison reaches Raynold’s Pass, it begins to slow. From Raynold’s Pass to Lyon’s Bridge you will find some of the greatest wade fishing water in Montana. Bring a wading staff and be careful. Footing can be treacherous, and the current is swift. While the entire section allows boats, they can only be used for transportation; anglers must exit before fishing. Inexperienced rowers should not attempt to float here.

Insect activity on this section can be prolific; even warmish winter days can elicit blanket midge hatches that bring pods of trout to the surface. Midges, baetis, skwalas, caddis, salmonflies, stoneflies, drakes, PMDs, yellow sallies, and all manner of terrestrials make seasonal appearances, but nymphing deep runs and boulder seams will produce the most fish. A double nymph rig with a small streamer (like a zonker, JJ special, or Bow River bugger) followed by a small beadhead (like a serendipity or micro perdigon) will usually do the trick in higher water. As water levels drop through the season, switch to two small nymphs (mayfly, caddis, or midge).

Expect heavy congestion in this section, especially between Raynold’s Pass and Three Dollar Bridge. To find quieter water, walk downstream from Three Dollar Bridge until the crowds start to thin.

Lyon’s Bridge to Ennis

Sometimes called “the 50 mile riffle,” this stretch can appear relatively featureless to unfamiliar anglers. That lack of obvious character can cause frustration, but rest assured this riffle is full of trout. Spend a few days fly fishing on the Madison River with one of our experienced guides, and you’ll see just how many fish nondescript water can hold.

This entire stretch allows fishing from boats, so most anglers drift this water. Similar to the section above, you’ll find incredible insect density—midges, baetis, skwalas, caddis, salmonflies, stoneflies, drakes, PMDs, yellow sallies, and terrestrials all produce trout at different times. For a specific month by month breakdown of hatches and patterns consult the Upper Madison River Fishing Guide.

A double nymph rig is the most common and probably most effective setup, usually with something large (a stonefly nymph, large caddis nymph, or small streamer) above something small (serendipity, perdigon, pheasant tail, or small caddis). This is also exceptional dry fly and streamer water. Fishing from a moving drift boat allows anglers to cover a huge expanse and show flies to thousands of fish (literally) but presentation is key. Guides are highly recommended if you want to experience what this part of the Upper Madison has to offer.

Ennis to Ennis Lake

This section, known as “The Channels,” can be difficult to fish but holds very large trout at times. Here, the river spreads into a wide delta with numerous braids. It’s a bit of a maze, where you can get delightfully lost on the right day. Low gradient and shallow water make for relatively easy wading, but finding fish can be challenging for anglers who don’t know the water.

The channels aren’t known for dry fly fishing, but certain hatches, like Mother’s Day caddis salmonflies, and PMDs can offer exceptional surface action. Nymphing is the primary method, but dry droppers are a good option from June through September. You’ll find the highest fish numbers here in spring or early summer and again in the fall. Mid to late summer, this stretch can get too warm to ethically fish for trout.

Similar to the water between Quake Lake and Lyon’s Bridge, fishing from boats is prohibited here. You can float this section, but you’ll have to exit the boat before casting. There is no boat ramp below the Valley Garden Access, so you’ll also have to row across part of Ennis lake to reach the nearest take out. Check the wind forecast before you go! The numerous braids and channels can also confuse unfamiliar rowers. We recommend wading from Ennis Bridge or Valley Garden, or hiring a guide to take you down in a boat, at least the first time.

The Takeout

Fly fishing on the Madison River tops most anglers’ bucket lists for good reason. The river’s unique history, prolific bug life, size and density of trout, and variety of fly fishing options make it stand out, even in Montana—a state with no shortage of trout water.

Hiring an experienced Fins and Feathers fly fishing guide will dramatically shorten your learning curve when targeting this river’s famously fickle fish. Anglers who don’t know the river often struggle to read the water. The quantity and variety of subsurface biomass can be confounding and sometimes requires fishing dozens of different flies in a single day to stay on the bite.

Our experienced staff of Madison River fly fishing guides would love to take you for a day of Madison River fishing and show you why this water has been so hallowed for generations.

Enjoy guided day trip options from our home base in Bozeman or stay in Ennis to focus exclusively on fly fishing the Madison River with our team of talented guides. Reservations can be placed online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.

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