Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 11/24/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison is a great option this week. The river is very low and clear, covering water and fishing around Ennis has been the best way to find fish. The water clarity is good and with fewer anglers on the river, you’ll find less pressure.
Nymphing is your go-to right now. Patterns like rubberlegs and smaller stoneflies are producing as lead flies, with zebra midges, little green machines, or classic attractor nymphs like prince nymphs and pheasant tails have been effective. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X is a dependable setup, and running 4X from the first fly to the dropper is a solid choice.
Streamer fishing has been solid during cloudy afternoons. Flies such as mini dungeons, goldies, and kreelixs have been getting fish when worked thoroughly through deeper runs or next to structure. A shorter 5–6 foot leader of heavier fluorocarbon (1X or 0X) gives better turnover and helps the fly track properly.
Dry-fly chances are more limited now but don’t rule them out. A few blue-winged olives and midges have been around on milder afternoons, and a few trout have been rising in softer pockets. Carry a size 16–18 parachute or emerger pattern if you spot rising fish.
All things considered, the Upper Madison is a strong late-season option. Plan to fish during the warmest part of the day, lean on your nymph rig for the bulk of your time, and keep a streamer rig ready for when the conditions line up.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fly Fishing In Fall
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In November
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Zebra Midge
Gold Lightning Bug
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Natrual Sculpzilla
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Spanish Bullet Tan
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Sparkle Minnow
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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