May 11, 2023 Lower Madison Fishing Report
Date: 05/11/2023
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Mother's Day Caddis have finally shown themselves on the lower Madison and the water conditions are hanging in there with steady flows for a couple of days (don't expect that to last)! Overcast days and evening sessions are great experiences on the hatch along the lower Madison River.
A large Peacock or Dun Elk Hair Caddis dry (size 12 or 14) will find plenty of fish when they are rising in the faster seams around the weed beds and banks. Its is worth hiking up into the Beartrap Canyon, the lower portion of the canyon can fish very well during the mid-day emergences. A small dropper is always a good idea when you are in the middle of a lot of "splashy" rises - I like to have a Peacock and Partridge soft hackle trail the big dry and it's often worth letting these swing through the bottom of the drift.
Abundant insect activity will keep fish feeding and get them more active throughout the day on nymphs as well. Various Caddis Pupa patterns fished below a large prince nymph, rubber leg, or San Juan work in red or pink are good ideas to add to the nymph rig when you don't see fish rising.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Pat's Rubberleg
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.