Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 08/05/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison is fishing best during the early morning hours, with Hoot Owl Restrictions in effect from Warm Springs to the Jefferson confluence. This means all fishing must cease by 2 p.m. a necessary measure, as afternoon water temperatures are consistently rising above safe levels for trout.
Hopper season is in full swing, and hopper-dropper setups with a foam terrestrial on top are getting the most looks. Trout are starting to key in on hoppers along grassy cutbanks, and even the mid-river seams are producing the occasional rise. A small perdigon dropped 12 to 16 inches below the dry adds solid subsurface coverage. While most eats are still coming below the surface, we’re seeing more trout willing to move for a well placed hopper or chubby.
Nymphing with crayfish, PMD attractors, and perdigons. Running a zirdle or small clouser as your lead fly, trailed with a PMD jig or a flashy perdigon, has been the most consistent way to stay tight to fish before temps climb too high.
Though not completely off-limits, the Lower Madison is essentially a morning fishery, especially for those looking to land fish without stressing the system. Afternoon sessions are discouraged both by regulation and effectiveness. For ideal conditions and a better shot at quality fish, it may be wise to consider fishing the Upper Madison River or reserving the Lower Madison for cooler fall months.
Traffic on the Lower is high this time of year with floaters and recreation.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fly Fishing in August
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in August
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Blaze Infernogon
Purple Chubby Chernobyl
Tan Clouser
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Spanish Bullet Tan
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Dave's Hopper
Dead Drift Crayfish
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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