Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 11/21/2024
Posted by: Toby Swank
Nymph fishing has been solid for anglers fishing the lower Madison River the last several weeks - in between the real cold days. San Juan Worm variations followed by a small Baetis or midge nymph is a great setup to start with these days. Sparse crayfish patterns followed by a small perdigon is a setup we typically lean on when fish activity is "slower than expected" and will find some of the more selective fish feeding subsurface.
The best water to fish right now is the deep runs and mid-river buckets between Warm Springs FAS and Cherry Creek. Access is easy from both sides of the river - essential on windy days to help get that wind behind the angler's off-casting shoulder.
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 its's really blowing there, its likley 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.
Click to enlarge
Flows
USGS CFS Data is not available for this date.
Red San Juan Worm
Tan Clouser
Pink Lite Brite Perdigon
Olive Tailwater Tiny
Montana fly fishing trips on the lower Madison River with the Bozeman fly fishing guides of Fins and Feathers are terrific experiences for both advanced and novice anglers. We have been guiding anglers fishing the lower Madison River for over two decades.
Early season highlights for the experienced angler fishing near Bozeman include afternoon dry fly fishing and all-day nymph fishing. Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch in late April or the Brown Drake hatch in mid-June.
Novice and first-time anglers do well on the lower Madison River in early summer and fall when fish activity is at its best.
- $695 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
- Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
- Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
- Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
- Meet In Bozeman
- Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More
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.