trout-icon trout-icon trout-icon

Lower Madison River Fishing Report

Date: 07/24/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Lower Madison River is fishing best in the mornings right now. Water is warm, and hoot owl restrictions are in effect from Warm Springs to the confluence with the Jefferson, no fishing after 2 p.m. 

Early windows, from first light through mid-morning have been the most productive. Fish are feeding, but you’ve got to be out there before the heat sets in.

Dry dropper rigs are still your best setup. A foam attractor with a short dropper about 12 to 16 inches below, off the hook bend of the lead fly has been getting the job done. Most takes are happening subsurface. Crayfish patterns, small perdigons, and caddis nymphs are solid options. Especially when drifted through mid-river seams and the deeper slots along weed beds, but we have still been seeing a few fish willing to rise out of buckets on chubbies and hoppers.

As the sun climbs, switching to a two-fly nymph rig can help. Zirdles or larger stonefly patterns followed by something smaller like a pheasant tail or rainbow warrior perdigon have been consistent. Focus on shaded water and slower pockets where fish can conserve energy. It’s technical fishing but still worth your time if you work for it.

Streamer bites are short but possible, especially in low light or during a passing cloud. Stick to smaller sculpin-style patterns and fish them near structure early before the river gets busy.

Traffic on the Lower is high this time of year with floaters and recreation. That means picking your spots matters, look for quieter water and work it thoroughly. A stealthy approach and good presentation go a long way.

Helpful Articles (click to read):

Lower Madison River Fly Fishing in July

Bozeman Fly Fishing in July

    Stream Flows

    Lower Madison River Fishing Report Streamflow

    Flows

    Recommended Flies

    				  All around mayfly pattern for fly fishing Montana.

    Rainbow Warrior Jig

    				  Tan Spanish Bullet

    Spanish Bullet Tan

    				  Olive and Orange Zirdle 1

    Olive and Orange Zirdle

    				  Imitate grasshoppers when fly fishing Montana's rivers in late summer.

    Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper

    				  Tan clouser crayfish

    Tan Clouser

    				  Inferno Gons Olive

    Olive Inferno Gons

    				  Chubby chernobyl purple

    Purple Chubby Chernobyl

    				  Inferno Gons Blaze

    Blaze Infernogon

    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.


    Additional Resources


    Montana River Shuttles

    Post Date: 03/29/2025

    River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...

    Learn More

    Montana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries

    Post Date: 03/29/2025

    Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...

    Learn More

    Fish We Catch

    Post Date: 01/27/2020

    Some of the fish species in Montana that we catch....

    Learn More

    Lower Madison River Fly Fishing Area Map



    Lower Madison Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog


    Ask Us A Question