Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 07/01/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River has been stable, and even with a slight bump in flows, it has still been fishing well.
The cooler weather over the weekend slowed the bug activity a bit, but PMDs, yellow sallies, and caddis are still around. As temperatures warm through the afternoon, fish have been looking up again and the dry-dropper bite has remained steady.
A size 10-12 chubby chernobyl has been a great lead fly, with a size 16 lite brite perdigon, spanish bullet, or small PMD jig fished underneath. Most of the fish have been coming from the deeper buckets and riffles, so don't be afraid to add a little weight if needed before changing flies.
Straight nymphing has also been productive, especially during the mornings before the bugs get active. Smaller attractor nymphs paired with a zirdle or crayfish attractor have continued to produce consistent action.
The Lower is settling into a solid summer pattern. The bigger hatches aren't as heavy as they were a couple of weeks ago, but there's still plenty of dry fly opportunity, and the dry-dropper fishing has been tough to beat.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To June
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Dead Drift Crayfish
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Tan Clouser
PMD Jigster
PMD Comparadun
Yellow Saly Bullet
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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