Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 01/26/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River continues to be a good option right now and has been fishing decent. There has been very little snow, access has stayed open, and the river has remained fishable day to day. Wind has been the biggest challenge, but when it’s manageable, fishing has been best from late morning into the afternoon.
Nymphing has been the most reliable way to catch fish. Crayfish-style patterns like zirdles and zonkers have been good flies to start with, followed by smaller nymphs such as perdigons, pheasant tails, and zebra midges. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X has been a solid setup and allows you to fish enough weight without overcomplicating things. Spending time fishing slower water has been more effective than moving quickly.
Streamer fishing has been worth mixing in at times, especially during the afternoon. Smaller streamer patterns have moved fish in deeper water, though results have been less consistent than nymphing. A shorter leader of 5–6 feet of heavier fluorocarbon keeps streamer rigs simple and manageable.
Dry fly activity has been limited. Midges are present, but surface activity has been brief and easy to miss. If you see fish rising, a small emerger or parachute pattern can be effective during those short windows.
Overall, the Lower Madison River remains one of the more dependable choices right now. Picking calmer days, starting later, and focusing on subsurface fishing has been the best approach.
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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