Lower Madison Fly Fishing Reports
May 23, 2023 Lower Madison Fishing Report
Date: 05/23/2023
Current Conditions
The river is very high right now as we are neck deep in the second week of "true runoff"! However, this is the best local option when it comes to the larger rivers. Nymph near the bank, along the weed beds and buckets with plenty of weight! This is the time to fish those Crayfish Patterns and trail them with a Caddis Pupa or Stonefly Nymph (San Juan's too)!
Mother's Day Caddis are out (along with a handful of March Browns and small Stoneflies) right now but the flows have come WAY up since a couple of days ago. Expect to see some off-color water conditions and difficult wading at this point. However, there are enough bugs out to bring fish to the surface at different points during the day.
Flows
USGS CFS Data is not available for this date.
Streamflow
Click to enlarge
Bozeman Fly Fishing Full-Day Guided Trip
Full day guided fly-fishing float trips in the Bozeman area are our standard offering and offer the best opportunity to experience the regional fly-fishing opportunities that attract anglers from around the world.
- Typical Full Day Trips Are 6-8 Hours in Duration, Multiple Day Bookings are Available (ex: book 3 days and fish the Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin each)
- 1-2 Anglers Maximum Per Guide/Boat
- Full Day Trips Available on Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson rivers
- Drive Time Is Typically 30-60 Minutes Each Way
- Fishing Licenses and Gratuities Are Not Included
- Use of gear, flies, and terminal tackle is included
- Waders and Boots are provided during inclement weather
- Deli lunches are included (we recommend bringing your own lunches if you have strict dietary limitations such as gluten-free, vegan, or food allergies)
Specialty Guide Trips
If you are looking for a unique Montana fly-fishing experience, check out some of our specialty options for your guided Bozeman fly-fishing experience. Join us for Missouri River fly-fishing guide trips, early morning summer starts, Carp fly-fishing, and more in 2023.
Learn MoreFins & Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting fly-anglers across Montana since 2000. We sold our fly shop (Fins & Feathers of Bozeman at 4-Corners) to our friends at Yellow Dog Fly Fishing in late 2022. Our guide service remains the same and continues to be outfitted by Toby Swank, Montana Outfitter #9603.
For Shuttles on the Lower Madison Contact:
Bob's Shuttles: (406) 595-0587
Space Shuttle: (406) 518-1799
The lower Madison River is considered to be the Madison River from below Ennis Lake, downstream to the headwaters of the Missouri River. This section of the Madison flows through the Beartrap Wilderness Area in a narrow gorge characterized by some serious whitewater and difficult access. Once the river leaves the Beartrap Canyon, the river dramatically changes character, becoming wider with a seemingly gentle flow all the way to Three Forks, where it joins the Jefferson River and Gallatin River to form the Missouri River.