Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 01/05/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Lower Madison River is fishing well right now and has been a reasonable winter option when you pick your timing carefully. There’s no snow along the river, and ice has been limited so far. Wind has been the biggest factor day to day, and fishing has come together best from late morning into the afternoon once things warm a bit.
Fishing below the surface has been the most reliable way to find fish. Crayfish-style nymphs, zirdles, and smaller stonefly patterns have been good choices as lead flies, with zebra midges, pheasant tails, or small perdigons following behind. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X has worked well. Getting enough weight on to stay down has mattered more than changing flies.
Fish have been holding in deeper water where the current is easier for them to sit in during colder conditions. Spending time fishing those sections carefully has been more effective than moving around a lot. Shallow water hasn’t shown much activity lately.
Streamer fishing has been harder to manage with the wind and hasn’t been as consistent as nymphing. It can still be mixed in when conditions allow, but it hasn’t been necessary to have a good day.
Dry-fly activity has been very limited. Midges are around, but surface action has been short and inconsistent.
Overall, the Lower Madison River is still a workable winter option. A later start, a simple nymph setup, and a focus on deeper water have been the best way to approach the river right now.
Helpful Articles (click to read):
- Lower Madison River Fly Fishing In Winter
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red Copper John
Tan Clouser
Gold Lightning Bug
King Prince
Orange Psycho Prince Jig
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Pheasant Tail
Copper Zonker
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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