September 29, 2023 Upper Madison Fishing Report
Date: 09/29/2023
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The weather has settled, barely, over the last couple of days and fishing has started to pick up with the wind laying down. Increasing cloud cover is in the forecast, which should help to get the fish to be more active throughout the day.
The best results have been using tandem nymph rigs, about 4' under a strike indicator in the middle sections of the Madison River - in between Pailsades and Varney fishing access sites. We have been using small Perdigon-style jig nymphs with a small Mayfly imitation as the dropper, tied off the eye of the Perdigon with about 18" of 5X tippet. The better fish we are finding have been very close to the mid-river boulders, so sometimes we have to add some additional weight to get through those heavy currents. In general, these sections of the Upper Madison have been inconsistent, this week and we are starting to focus on the waters closer to Ennis
The sections of Madison River closer to Ennis are starting to fish more consistently for the wade-angler working the deeper buckets and seams with longer nymph rigs under an indicator. We have been fishing streamers from the boat and then stopping to get out and work the deeper pools around corners and mid-river buckets with the nymph-rigs. The streamer fishing has been inconsistent, but we have been getting some fish to eat a variety of patterns, fished on a floating line.
We offer Madison River guided fly-fishing trips throughout the year to anglers of all skill levels. Learn more about our guided fly-fishing options, you can place a reservation online or via e-mail. Reach out to our Bozeman fly fishing guide service using our Contact Form with questions regarding fly fishing the Madison River.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Gray Little Green Machine
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Brown/Yellow Barely Legal
Olive Swim Coach
Upper Madison River Fishing
The Madison River is widely regarded as the premier Montana fly-fishing river. It originates in Yellowstone National Park at the point where the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers meet. The river flows northwards and merges with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to eventually form the Missouri River near Three Forks, Montana.
The upper Madison River is the stretch between the outlet of Quake Lake and the mouth of Ennis Lake. The river is an incredibly productive and unique blue-ribbon trout fishery with wild Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brown Trout populations.
The Fins and Feathers "Upper Madison River Fishing Guide" features a comprehensive overview of the river stretches and seasonal highlights with Madison River fishing tips from our Bozeman fly fishing guide staff.