Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 05/09/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River continues to be fishing well once flow stabilizes following dam releases like it has the last two days. It's getting higher out there, so nymphing is doing best - even though there are plenty of bugs around.
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 coming up, and this last bump, coupled with the rain on Monday, added more color to the river than we had been seeing. This should mellow out quickly if the flow stabilizes and we get a couple of days of nice weather.
Nymphing has been the most consistent method. Crayfish patterns, San Juan worms, and smaller mayfly nymphs produce good results, particularly in slower seams and near structure like buckets and weed beds. .
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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