Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 12/18/2024
Posted by: Toby Swank
The weather forecast is looking great for fishing the Lower Madison River this week! These warm temps and cloudy afternoons create opportunity to see some fish coming to the surface for midges. For the most part nymph fishing will be the most consistent option through the winter.
A red San Juan worm followed by a flashy Perdigon or Zebra Midge have been our go to set ups. Focus your fishing on the slow deep runs, the deep holes in the middle next to the weed beds have been holding good numbers of fish. Add some split shot about a foot above your lead fly to make sure you're getting down quickly.
If you see some heads poking out for dry flies a Peacock Cluster size 16-20 on a 9’ 4X leader should trick a few fish. This time of year swinging some small leeches and streamers can be productive as well.
Conditions are difficult to predict this time of year as it can be calm, here in Bozeman and ripping windy out there. One tool we use is NOAA's Norris Hill weather station. If its's really blowing there, its likley blowing pretty good out on the lower as well - but that isn't always the case as that station is located at the top of Norris Pass. It's worth checking out though so that you can come up with a plan B if it turns out to be too windy once you hit Black's Ford.
Click to enlarge
Flows
1360 CFS
On 2024-12-18
Red San Juan Worm
Black Zebra Midge
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Natrual Sculpzilla
Montana fly fishing trips on the lower Madison River with the Bozeman fly fishing guides of Fins and Feathers are terrific experiences for both advanced and novice anglers. We have been guiding anglers fishing the lower Madison River for over two decades.
Early season highlights for the experienced angler fishing near Bozeman include afternoon dry fly fishing and all-day nymph fishing. Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch in late April or the Brown Drake hatch in mid-June.
Novice and first-time anglers do well on the lower Madison River in early summer and fall when fish activity is at its best.
- $695 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
- Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
- Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
- Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
- Meet In Bozeman
- Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More
Lower Madison River Fishing
The lower Madison River has diverse wild-trout habitats from Ennis Lake to Three Forks. Beartrap Canyon has raging whitewater through boulder fields and narrow gorges. The river flows through a rugged valley before joining with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers. Fish species include Rainbow, Westslope Cutthroat, and Brown Trout. Both novice and advanced anglers can find ample opportunities to fish.
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.