Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 01/19/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is currently a great option. Access has been good with little snow on the ground, and the river has remained open and fishable. Wind has been the biggest variable day to day, but when it backs off, fishing has been best from late morning into the afternoon.
Nymphing has been producing the most consistent results. Crayfish-style patterns such as zirdles and zonkers have been good flies to lead with, followed by smaller nymphs like zebra midges, baetis-style patterns, pheasant tails, or perdigons. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X has been a reliable setup and allows you to fish enough weight to stay down.
Streamer fishing has also been worth mixing in, especially during the afternoon when conditions line up. Smaller baitfish and sculpin-style patterns have been moving fish in deeper water. A shorter leader of 5–6 feet of heavier fluorocarbon keeps streamer rigs simple and effective.
Dry fly activity has been limited, but midges and the occasional blue-winged olive have shown up on calmer days. If you see fish rising, having a small emerger or parachute dry in sizes 18–20 can be worthwhile.
Overall, the Lower Madison River is in great shape right now. Picking days with manageable wind and focusing on the middle of the day has been the best approach for consistent fishing.
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.
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...
Learn MoreMontana 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...
Learn MoreFish We Catch
Post Date: 01/27/2020
Some of the fish species in Montana that we catch....
Learn MoreLower Madison River Fly Fishing Area Map
Lower Madison Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
The Best Lower Madison River Fly Fishing Sections for Floating Anglers
Post Date: 03/22/2024
Floating the lower Madison River between the mouth of the Beartrap Canyon and it's confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers offers a productive and diverse Montana fly fishing experience....
Read Article
Category: The Best Fly Fishing
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Post Date: 04/26/2025
Expect ever-changing conditions, unpredictable weather, and some incredible dry fly fishing during the Mother's Day caddis hatch when it all comes together, just right for the anglers fly fishing in...
Read Article