Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 05/29/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River has given in to runoff again after continuing to bump up throughout the week with the warmer weather. The West Fork has pushed a lot more water, and the river below has gotten high and dirty through much of the system, especially down through Ennis.
There are still a few fishable stretches higher up early in the mornings before temperatures really climb, but overall conditions have changed quickly over the last couple days. Visibility has dropped, side channels are flooding in, and the river is carrying a lot more speed and color now.
For anglers still trying to fish it, the best bet is slowing way down and focusing on softer water close to the banks. Heavier rubberlegs, worms, and larger attractor nymphs with enough weight to get down have been the only real consistent way to move fish.
Streamer fishing can still produce a fish or two with the added color in the water, but this is no longer the stable spring fishing the Upper had a week ago.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fly Fishing In Spring
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Blowtorch
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
White Peanut Envy
Spanish Bullet Tan
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
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.
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