Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 07/13/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is now under hoot owl restrictions from Warm Springs Fishing Access Site to the Headwaters. That means fishing is closed from 2:00 p.m. until midnight each day, so plan on being off the water well before the afternoon heat sets in.
The good news is the morning fishing has been solid. From about 6:00 a.m. until 11:30, fish have been feeding well before water temperatures begin to climb. If you're looking to fish the Lower, that's the window to take advantage of.
A dry-dropper has been the easiest way to cover water. A tan or olive chubby chernobyl with a rainbow warrior spanish bullet or PMD-style perdigon underneath has been producing fish consistently, and there are still enough caddis around to bring a few fish to the surface. If the dry isn't getting much attention, don't change flies right away. Add a little weight and keep the nymph in the deeper buckets.
The Lower can still provide a good morning of fishing, but it's time to let the river rest once temperatures start climbing. There are plenty of colder rivers around Bozeman that are better afternoon options right now.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- The Best Bozeman Fly Fishing in July
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
PMD Jigster
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Dead Drift Crayfish
PMD Comparadun
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Tan Clouser
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.
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