Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 04/16/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Pretty cold the next few days with snow in the forecast on the Lower Madison River. However Blue Wing Olives are out in good numbers as well as Midges and this cloudy weather could make for some great dry fly fishing. The Nymph fishing has also been very solid lately as well as a decent streamer bite.
For out nymph rigs a Worm has been the ticket as the lead fly. Below that small Perdigons in olive or black, Zebra Midges, Sow Bugs, and Lighting Bugs have all been getting some love. Anglers have been picking up a lot of fish on edges of weed beds, behind boulders, and the deeper buckets.
The dry fly fishing should be great the next few days. Try fishing an olive Sparkle Dun or a Parachute Adams for your Blue Wing Olive pattern. Fish could also be eating Midges some go to patterns are Peacock Clusters or Giffiths Gnats. The Midge patterns can be very hard to see so we will often fish a two fly rig with the larger more visible Blue Wing in the front.
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.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fly Fishing in April
- Guide to Fly Fishing the Lower Madison River
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Dead Drift Crayfish
Tan Clouser
Hot Pink San Juan Worm
Pink Lite Brite Perdigon
Olive Mini Dungeon
White Peanut Envy
Black Zebra Midge
BWO Hi-Vis Parachute
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
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 MoreMontana 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 MoreFish We Catch
Post Date: 01/27/2020
Some of the fish species in Montana that we catch....
Learn MoreLower Madison River Fly Fishing Area Map
Lower Madison Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Lower Madison River Fishing Information
The Best Lower Madison River Fly Fishing Sections for Floating Anglers
Post Date: 03/22/2024
Floating the lower Madison River between the mouth of the Beartrap Canyon and it's confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers offers a productive and diverse Montana fly fishing experience....
Read Article
