Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 04/20/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is a good option right now. The recent stretch of colder weather has backed off some of the bug activity, but fish are still feeding and the river is fishing well.
Fish are holding in the deeper runs and buckets, and that’s still where most of the consistency is coming from. They’re not moving a ton, so it’s worth slowing down and working through those spots instead of covering too much water.
Nymphing has been the most consistent approach. Flashy perdigon-style flies have been doing most of the work. Lite brites in olive, black and butano, hares ear blowtorch, sunburst perdigon, and rainbow warrior perdigons have all been producing. Running them under a crayfish pattern like a clouser cray, dead drift cray, or zirdle with a bit of added weight has been key. If you’re not occasionally ticking bottom, add weight before changing flies.
Dry fly activity has slowed with the colder nights. There are still a few bugs around, but it’s not something to build a day around right now.
The Lower is still fishing well. Stay on the deeper water, keep it simple, and fish your rig at the right depth.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
-Lower Madison River Fly Fishing In Spring
- Fly Fishing Bozeman in April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Yellow Saly Bullet
Amber Jiggy Caddis Pupa
Tan Clouser
Iron Sally
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Gold Lightning Bug
Dead Drift Crayfish
Pheasant Tail
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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