Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 05/19/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is back in prime spring form with March Browns, BWO, and caddis out about when the weather cooperates. River conditions are excellent with off-color sections around the creek mouths as a result of the rains, more so than runoff.
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. However, there have been fish rising out there to mayfly and caddis, and it's worth targeting them when you find rising fish, as they have been cooperative.
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
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Dead Drift Crayfish
Tan Clouser
Copper Zonker
Hot Pink San Juan Worm
Frenchie
Ginger Sparkle Pupa
Peacock Elk Hair Caddis
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
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Category: Lower Madison River Fishing Information
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