Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 02/17/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Still pretty cold and snowy this week on the Lower Madison River. However going into the weekend and the start of next week it's looking much better with days calling for temps in the forties. The next handful of days the river will be icy but once we get a few of those warm days under our belts the ice should lift and fishing will be solid.
Nymph fishing will be the most effective way to get some fish to hand. We are sticking with a red Worm or small Balanced Leech as our lead fly followed by a dark Perdigon, Zebra Midge, or Micro May. Make sure to focus on deep slow moving water and add some split shot to make sure you get down quickly. Later in the week the warm afternoons could stir up some dry fly action so keep an eye out.
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.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Black Zebra Midge
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Gray Sprout Midge
Lower Madison River Fishing Trips
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.