Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 09/04/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is fishing well through the mornings and into midday. Cooler nights have helped keep fish active early, but the hoot-owl restriction is still in place. Anglers must be off the water by 2 p.m., so the best plan is to start early and wrap up before the afternoon heat sets in.
Hopper-dropper rigs remain the top option. Fish are still willing to eat hoppers along the banks, and dropping a small nymph like a lightning bug or pheasant tail below the dry is picking up trout holding just under the surface. Covering water and keeping drifts natural has been the key.
Nymphing with crayfish patterns has also been productive. Trout are hugging the bottom during the warmer parts of the day, and a zirdle or zonker is hard for them to pass up. Pairing that with a smaller attractor nymph works well in deeper runs and around structure where fish settle in once the sun gets up.
Hatch activity is minimal right now. A few caddis and midges may be around, but nothing consistent. That’s typical for this stretch of the season, so focusing on terrestrials and subsurface rigs will give you the best results.
Overall, water clarity is good and conditions are steady. The Lower Madison is producing solid fishing if you hit it in the morning.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fly Fishing in September
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide to September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Sparkle Minnow
White Circus Peanut
Spanish Bullet Tan
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Dead Drift Crayfish
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Purple Chubby Chernobyl
Tan Clouser
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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