Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 09/10/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is fishing well right now, even with hoot owl restrictions still in place, closing the river at 2 p.m. The best action has been in the mornings when cooler nights bring water temps down and fish stay active longer into the day. For those looking to float or wade, it’s an excellent option to get in a few solid hours of fishing before the afternoon shut down.
Hopper-dropper rigs have been the most reliable setup from mid-morning through lunch. Trout are still responding to big dries, with water walkers, chubbys, and size 8–10 hoppers in shades tan, pink, and gold all working. Hanging a weightless zirdle or a beadhead attractor nymph 16–18 inches below the hopper has been picking up a few fish through the buckets that aren’t entirely interested in the dry. Productive water has been the mid-river buckets and deeper seams, though a few opportunistic fish are still showing along the banks early in the day.
Nymphing remains the steadiest approach overall. A crayfish or worm fished up front, paired with a smaller perdigon or flashy attractor nymph, has been effective in the deeper runs and pockets. The weeds can be tricky, so shorter rigs and precise drifts help keep flies in play. Trout have been eating size 16 lite brites, spanish bullets, czech bombs, copper johns, and lightning bugs with consistency. Fishing those clean buckets or runs that sweep along mid-channel structure has been especially productive.
Dry fly action is fairly limited right now, which is normal for early September on this stretch. Aside from a few midges or caddis, hatch activity has been sparse. Most success on top is still coming from terrestrials. That said, as the weather turns and clouds roll in, the first fall BWOs should start appearing, likely in the next week or two.
Streamer fishing has been variable but can be worthwhile with the right conditions. Low light, early mornings, and stormy skies are your best windows. Smaller baitfish and crayfish patterns like sparkle minnows, goldies, rusty trombones, and nancy p’s are all solid choices.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fly Fishing in September
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide to September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
Tan Clouser
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Gold Lightning Bug
Red Copper John
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Sparkle Minnow
Copper Zonker
Lower Madison River Fishing
Read the "Lower Madison River Fishing Guide" for a comprehensive introduction to fly fishing in Montana on the lower Madison River from the Bozeman fly fishing guides with Fins and Feathers.
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