Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 08/13/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is fishing well, with hopper season in full swing. Fish are spread across pocket water, riffles, and mid-river runs, and larger foam patterns such as the thunder thigh and water walker in tan, pink, or yellow are drawing steady attention by late morning. Terrestrial action builds as the day warms, and running a flashy perdigon 2–3 feet beneath a hopper remains a productive way to reach fish holding mid-river.
Spruce moths, ants, and smaller terrestrials are also present, particularly along shaded banks and near timbered edges. In the clearer water above the valley, 4X to the lead fly with 5X fluorocarbon to the dropper is needed as fish are seeing many drift boats throughout the day.
Nymphing continues to be consistent. rubberlegs, smaller stonefly patterns, PMD-style perdigons, and classic attractor nymphs fished under an indicator are producing, especially through riffle drop-offs and pocket seams where fish are feeding in the current.
Streamer fishing is worth the effort in deeper runs and braided channels outside Ennis. Olive and white articulated patterns are the top producers, especially during overcast afternoons or when fished through shaded water.
Hoot-owl restrictions are in effect from Ennis
Lake upstream to 8 Mile Ford, closing fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight.
Yellowstone National Park waters above Hebgen Lake remain closed due to warm
temperatures and low flows. Early starts, careful section selection, and
focusing on cooler morning hours will give anglers the best shot at making the
most of the current conditions.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fishing in August
- A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in August
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Blaze Infernogon
PMD Jigster
Red Copper John
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Giant Orange Rogue Foam Stone
Golden Morrish Hopper
Olive Inferno Gons
Poxyback Golden Microstone
Upper Madison River Fishing
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.
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