Upper Madison Fly Fishing Reports
May 23, 2023 Upper Madison Fishing Report
Date: 05/23/2023
Current Conditions
The river is pretty much blown out right now with dirty water throughout its course and high flows really becoming an issue once you get below the West Fork. However, the river does tend to fish surprisingly well in the upper sections above the West Fork, even during the dirtiest of flows. Nymphing near the banks in slow water will find some fish (maybe a few willows too) on rubber legs, San Juan Worms, and even a few smaller nymphs too. Don't have high expectations and take your time exploring the pockets of water - you might just be surprised (and alone on the water).
Were offer full day guided fly-fishing trips on the Upper Madison using drift boats, servicing the entire river from Raynold's Pass to Ennis Lake. Learn more about our guided fly-fishing options or book now by clicking on any of the booking buttons throughout the site.
Flows
USGS CFS Data is not available for this date.
Streamflow
Click to enlarge
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 More
Half-Day Guided Trip
Looking for a quick introduction to fly fishing or only have a few hours to get out on the water with one of our fly fishing guides? A half-day float on the lower Madison is likely to be the perfect choice.
- Half-Day Trips Are 3-4 Hours in Duration
- 1-2 Anglers Maximum Per Guide/Boat
- Half-Day Float Trips On The Lower Madison River Only
- Ideal For Families With Small Children (6+ Years Old)
- Fishing Licenses,Lunches and Gratuities Are Not Included
- Tackle and Drinks are Included
- Waders and Boots are available during inclement weather
Fins & 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 Upper Madison Contact:
Rocket Shuttles: (406) 581-4626 or (406) 764-9886
Dorothy's Shuttle Service: (406) 682-4886
Driftaway Shuttles: (406) 682-3088
The upper Madison River is perhaps the most famous and highly regarded wild trout stream in the Western US. The river is formed in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole rivers, just outside of West Yellowstone, Montana. As the upper Madison River leaves Yellowstone National Park, it flows into Hebgen Lake and then works its way north through the Hebgen Dam and then Quake Lake. The stretch of river between Quake Lake and Ennis, Montana is known as the “50 Mile Riffle” and is typically the portion of the Madison River that people refer to as the "Upper Madison."