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Lower Madison River Fishing Report

Date: 05/15/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Lower Madison River is back on the drop, approaching 2000 cfs and fishing well as of today and yesterday. Sure, there's been some "weather" but it's nice to have a good option for a day of fly fishing near Bozeman this time of year.

It’s worth paying close attention to flows this time of year as conditions and the fishing “quality” change quickly with sudden increases. Expect dirty water around the mouths of the tributaries like Cherry and Elk Creek following heavy rains, this time of year. Dam releases have been increasing and are expected to continue rising with the rains forecasted for the rest of the week.

Nymphing is the best bet with crayfish, stonefly, and san juan worm setups under a strike indicator with added weight.

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 is NOAA's Norris Hill weather station. If it's really blowing there, it's likely 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.

Helpful Articles (click to read):

Lower Madison River Fly Fishing in May

Guide to Fly Fishing the Lower Madison River

Bozeman Fly Fishing in May

    Stream Flows

    Lower Madison River Fishing Report Streamflow

    Flows

    Recommended Flies

    				  Dead Drift Crayfish Haddon Brn

    Dead Drift Crayfish

    				  Tan clouser crayfish

    Tan Clouser

    				  Copperzonker

    Copper Zonker

    				  GB San Juan F Lpink

    Hot Pink San Juan Worm

    				  Frenchie nymph pattern for flyfishing Montana on the Gallatin River

    Frenchie

    				  Ginger Emergent Sparkle Pupa

    Ginger Sparkle Pupa

    				  Flies Freshwater Caddis Dries Elk Hair Caddis Peacock jpg

    Peacock Elk Hair Caddis

    				  The Royal Wulff is a classic Montana fly fishing attractor dry fly.

    Royal Wulff

    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.


    Additional Resources


    Montana River Shuttles

    Post Date: 03/29/2025

    River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...

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    Montana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries

    Post Date: 03/29/2025

    Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...

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    Fish We Catch

    Post Date: 01/27/2020

    Some of the fish species in Montana that we catch....

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    Lower Madison River Fly Fishing Area Map



    Lower Madison Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog


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