Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 01/22/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank
Fishing has slowed on Montana’s Lower Madison River. Tuesday was an icy mess making fishing impossible but temps are rising. Still would expect some floating ice for the remainder of this week. Next week is looking good with some sunny days in the 30s.
Nymphing is the way to go right now. With the cold temps fished have moved into the slow deep runs sitting low in the water. Try fishing a small red worm followed by a small dark Perdigon or a classic Zebra Midge. Add some split shot above your top fly to make sure you're getting down to the fish quick.
Conditions are difficult to predict this time of year as it can be calm, here in Bozeman and ripping windy out there. One tool we use isNOAA's Norris Hill weather station. If its's really blowing there, its likley blowing pretty good out on the lower as well - but that isn't always the case as that station is located at the top of Norris Pass. It's worth checking out though so that you can come up with a plan B if it turns out to be too windy once you hit Black's Ford.
Click to enlarge
Flows
1180 CFS
On 2025-1-22
Red San Juan Worm
Black Zebra Midge
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Olive Micro May
Montana fly fishing trips on the lower Madison River with the Bozeman fly fishing guides of Fins and Feathers are terrific experiences for both advanced and novice anglers. We have been guiding anglers fishing the lower Madison River for over two decades.
Early season highlights for the experienced angler fishing near Bozeman include afternoon dry fly fishing and all-day nymph fishing. Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch in late April or the Brown Drake hatch in mid-June.
Novice and first-time anglers do well on the lower Madison River in early summer and fall when fish activity is at its best.
- $695 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
- Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
- Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
- Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
- Meet In Bozeman
- Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More
Lower Madison River Fishing
The lower Madison River has diverse wild-trout habitats from Ennis Lake to Three Forks. Beartrap Canyon has raging whitewater through boulder fields and narrow gorges. The river flows through a rugged valley before joining with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers. Fish species include Rainbow, Westslope Cutthroat, and Brown Trout. Both novice and advanced anglers can find ample opportunities to fish.
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.