Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 02/09/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River has continued to fish well and has been one of the more dependable choices in the area. Wind is the one factor that has made the day to day fishing inconsistent.
Fishing has centered around the middle of the day. Late morning into the afternoon has been the most productive stretch, while early hours have been quiet and not worth forcing.
Subsurface fishing has driven most of the success. Fish have been holding deeper and responding best to straightforward, weighted nymph rigs. zebra midges, small mayfly nymphs, and lightning bugs have all been producing. Staying down and maintaining a clean drift has mattered more than rotating through patterns.
Streamer fishing has played a minor role. Crayfish patterns have moved a few fish during calmer periods, but it has not been consistent enough to build a plan around.
Dry fly fishing has been limited. Midges have appeared at times, but surface activity has been brief and scattered.
Overall, the Lower Madison River has offered reliable fishing with a simple, subsurface-focused approach. Paying attention to the wind and fishing during the middle of the day has aligned best with how the river is fishing right now.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fly Fishing In Winter
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Pheasant Tail
Tan Clouser
Gold Lightning Bug
King Prince
Red Copper John
Orange Psycho Prince Jig
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Copper Zonker
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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