Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 11/06/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is a great option for a day on the water. Water clarity is good throughout the river, and mild afternoons are keeping trout active in several productive stretches.
Nymphing continues to be the best way to find fish. Patterns like zirdles, small crayfish imitations, and worms are reliable lead flies, while zebra midges, perdigons, and pill poppers make solid droppers. A 9-foot leader in 3X or 4X fluorocarbon is a good all-around setup, though shortening it slightly can help in deeper or faster water.
Streamer fishing has been productive when the clouds hang around or the wind dies down. Sparkle minnows, goldies, and smaller baitfish or sculpin patterns in olive or tan are turning fish in deeper runs and along structure. A shorter 5–6 foot leader in 1X or 0X fluorocarbon helps control these larger flies.
There are still a few dry-fly windows on calm afternoons when blue-winged olives and midges start to appear. A small parachute or emerger pattern in size 18–20 can be effective during these short surface opportunities.
The Lower Madison is a great November option for anglers looking for steady action close to Bozeman. Nymphing remains the most consistent tactic, streamers are producing quality fish under the right conditions, and light dry-fly activity adds a welcome mix to the late-season fishing.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fishing in October
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Gold Lightning Bug
BWO Hi-Vis Parachute
BWO Sparkle Dun
Olive and Orange Zirdle
Copper Zonker
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Tan Clouser
Red Copper John
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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