Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 09/25/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is fishing well. Cooler nights and steady daytime temps have kept the river in good shape, and fish have been active through much of the day. Fishing has been best from mid-morning into the afternoon. River pressure has slowed down compared to last month.
Nymphing has been the most productive. Running a larger lead fly like a pats rubber leg with a smaller dropper has been working through the main seams and buckets. Small midge patterns fished below those bigger flies are moving plenty of fish. Using 3x fluorocarbon to the top fly and 4x to the dropper has been a good setup, and fish don’t seem too tippet-shy right now.
Dry fly fishing has slowed down, but anglers are still seeing the occasional rise in the softer water. Small mayflies are around, though not in heavy numbers. Prospecting with ants or beetles along the banks in the afternoons can still bring a few fish up. Dry-dropper rigs are also worth fishing in shallower runs and edges when the sun is higher.
Streamer fishing is starting to turn on with the cooler weather. Browns are beginning to move, and streamers are getting more looks than they did earlier in the month. Sculpin patterns, mini dungeons, and sparkle minnows in flashy, natural, and darker tones have been good choices.
Overall, the Upper Madison continues to be a solid choice for anglers fly fishing Bozeman this fall. Nymphing will bring steady numbers, dries can still find a few fish in the right water, and streamers are becoming more of a player each week.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fishing in September
- Ennis Fly Fishing in September
- A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Sparkle Minnow
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Orange Psycho Prince Jig
Gold Lightning Bug
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
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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