Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 08/21/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River hasn't changed much and still isn't one of the better options around Bozeman. Warm water, daily pulse flows out of Ennis Dam, and heavy recreational traffic have kept fishing slow. The stretch from Madison Dam to the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse remains closed, and the river below the powerhouse is under hoot owl restrictions, with fishing ending at 2 p.m.
If you're going to fish the Lower, be on the water at first light. A hopper with a hare's ear blowtorch or pmd style perdigon 2–3 feet below it has been a good place to start.
The best fishing is over within the first few hours of the morning. After that, the water warms up, the float traffic builds, and there are better places to spend the rest of the day.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Report | August 2026 Montana Conditions
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Yellow Sally Stimi
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
PMD Jigster
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Dead Drift Crayfish
PMD Comparadun
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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