Sign Up For Our Email Newsletter - "The Digital Fly Swatter"

* indicates required
trout-icon trout-icon trout-icon trout-icon

Lower Madison River Fishing Report

Date: 06/22/2026
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Lower Madison River is still fishing well, although the bigger hatch activity has started to slow down compared to a week ago.

A size 10-12 chubby chernobyl in just about any color other than blue has been a good starting point. Behind it, a flashy size 16 lite brite perdigon or tan spanish bullet has been picking up most of the fish. It's a simple setup that covers a lot of water and continues to produce.

Indicator nymphing will still catch fish, but more anglers are leaving the bobber in the boat and spending the day fishing dry-droppers instead.

The Lower is in a good summer rhythm right now. The hatches aren't quite as heavy as they were, but there are still plenty of fish willing to eat if you cover water and stay mobile.

Helpful Articles (click to read):

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To June

    Stream Flows

    Lower Madison River Fishing Report Streamflow

    Flows

    Recommended Flies

    				  Rainbow spanish bullet

    Rainbow Spanish Bullet

    				  Olive and Orange Zirdle 1

    Olive and Orange Zirdle

    				  Dead Drift Crayfish Haddon Brn

    Dead Drift Crayfish

    				  Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys

    Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys

    				  Tan clouser crayfish

    Tan Clouser

    				  A Montana must have when fly fishing the PMD hatch in Bozeman, Montana.

    PMD Jigster

    				  PMD Comparadun flies float high and are easy for anglers fishing in Montana.

    PMD Comparadun

    				  Yellow sally bullet

    Yellow Saly Bullet

    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 More

    Montana 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 More

    Fish We Catch

    Post Date: 05/27/2026

    Some of the fish species in Montana that we catch....

    Learn More

    Lower Madison River Fly Fishing Area Map



    Lower Madison Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog


    Ask Us A Question

    Sign Up For Our Email Newsletter - "The Digital Fly Swatter"

    * indicates required