September 23, 2023 Lower Madison Fishing Report
Date: 09/23/2023
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The weather arrived late the night before last with heavy rains and plummeting temperatures across Southwest Montana. The lower Madison River is typically not significantly affected by rain in terms of water clarity and it is good shape right now throughout the drainage.
Nymph rigs have been the most productive setup the past few days with a large Sculpin or Crayfish and a smaller nymph "dropped" off the bend or eye with about 18" of tippet. Whitefish are very active right now and beginning to spawn, so small Sowbug or Scud patterns are starting to produce as the dropper fly. Small Mayfly patterns are also a good way to go right now, with our guides preferring Little Green Machines and Lightning Bugs the last couple of days. We have been finding some very nice Rainbows that are actively feeding at the heads of the buckets and along the depth changes in fast water.
We offer full and half-day guided Montana fly-fishing trips on the lower Madison River throughout the year. Book a guided Bozeman fly-fishing trip via e-mail or simply click here to get started.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Olive Tailwater Tiny
Olive Clouser Crayfish
Gray Little Green Machine
Olive and Orange Zirdle
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.