Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 07/24/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is fishing best in the mornings right now. Water is warm, and hoot owl restrictions are in effect from Warm Springs to the confluence with the Jefferson, no fishing after 2 p.m.
Early windows, from first light through mid-morning have been the most productive. Fish are feeding, but you’ve got to be out there before the heat sets in.
Dry dropper rigs are still your best setup. A foam attractor with a short dropper about 12 to 16 inches below, off the hook bend of the lead fly has been getting the job done. Most takes are happening subsurface. Crayfish patterns, small perdigons, and caddis nymphs are solid options. Especially when drifted through mid-river seams and the deeper slots along weed beds, but we have still been seeing a few fish willing to rise out of buckets on chubbies and hoppers.
As the sun climbs, switching to a two-fly nymph rig can help. Zirdles or larger stonefly patterns followed by something smaller like a pheasant tail or rainbow warrior perdigon have been consistent. Focus on shaded water and slower pockets where fish can conserve energy. It’s technical fishing but still worth your time if you work for it.
Streamer bites are short but possible, especially in low light or during a passing cloud. Stick to smaller sculpin-style patterns and fish them near structure early before the river gets busy.
Traffic on the Lower is high this time of year with floaters and recreation. That means picking your spots matters, look for quieter water and work it thoroughly. A stealthy approach and good presentation go a long way.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fly Fishing in July
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Spanish Bullet Tan
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Tan Clouser
Olive Inferno Gons
Purple Chubby Chernobyl
Blaze Infernogon
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 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
Category: The Best Fly Fishing
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Post Date: 04/26/2025
Expect ever-changing conditions, unpredictable weather, and some incredible dry fly fishing during the Mother's Day caddis hatch when it all comes together, just right for the anglers fly fishing in...
Read Article