Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 09/26/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is fishing great. Conditions haven’t changed much lately, and anglers can expect consistent action through most of the river. Fishing has been best from late morning through the afternoon, and cooler days have kept things comfortable on the water.
Nymphing continues to be the most reliable option. Flies that imitate crayfish and worms have been working well, with patterns like zirdles, zonkers, and wire worms followed by small perdigons, a blowtorch, a hare’s ear, lightning bug, or a rainbow warrior. Running 3x to the lead fly and 4x or 5x to the bottom fly is still a good setup.
Dry fly fishing has remained slow. A few small baetis and tiny mayflies are around, but hatches haven’t been strong enough to create consistent surface activity. The bigger BWO push we’re waiting for hasn’t shown yet.
Streamer fishing has been decent in the mornings. sparkle minnows, mini dungeons, and baby gongas in olive, black, and yellow have been worth fishing. These are fishing best in the deeper drops and buckets, with a few fish willing to chase in shallow water.
Terrestrials are still getting a few looks in shallow water. Prospecting with hoppers or beetles in one to two feet of water during the afternoon can still pick off a fish or two.
For anglers fly fishing Bozeman, nymphs are the most consistent choice, streamers are in play during low light, and terrestrials remain worth trying through the afternoon.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fly Fishing in September
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide to September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Copper Zonker
Olive Mini Dungeon
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Red Copper John
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Sparkle Minnow
Gold Lightning Bug
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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