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Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Date: 09/04/2026
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Upper Madison River is fishing well and has only gotten better with the cooler weather this week. The river is clear, water temperatures have dropped, and fish have been feeding well throughout the day instead of just during the morning. 

Hoppers are still bringing fish to the surface, and ants have been especially effective when the dry fly fishing gets a little more technical. Nymphing with rubberlegs and spanish bullets in blacks or olives has been effective throughout th buckets.

The biggest thing to plan around this weekend is the wind. Gusty afternoons will make dry fly fishing more difficult, so it's worth getting on the water early before it starts blowing.

Additional Resources:

September Fishing

Stream Flows

View stream flow graph on USGS

Recommended Flies

				  Tan Sweetgrass Hopper

Sweetgrass Hopper

				  A natural Grasshopper imitation that catches large Madison River trout.

Dave's Hopper

				  Tan Morrish Hopper dry fly

Tan Morrish Hopper

				  Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys

Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys

				  Rubberlegs coffee black

Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs

				  Blowtorch UV Purple

Purple Blowtorch

				  Tan Spanish Bullet

Spanish Bullet Tan

				  Montana fly fishing staple for many conditions when imitating Mayflies.

Gold Lightning Bug

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.


Additional Madison River Fly Fishing Resources


Madison River Fly Fishing Trips

Post Date: 03/27/2025

Montana fly fishing trips on the upper Madison River with Fins and Feathers Guide Service are available year-round to anglers of all skill levels....

Learn More

Montana River Shuttles

Post Date: 03/29/2025

River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...

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Montana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries

Post Date: 03/29/2025

Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...

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Upper Madison Fly Fishing Area Map



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