Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 09/11/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River has been a little hit or miss, but overall it's still fishing well. The cooler weather has helped. The biggest factor this week has been the wind. Dry fly fishing has been good when it lays down, but once the gusts pick up, most anglers have been better off changing tactics.
Hoppers, ants, and beetles are still getting fish to the surface, especially through the middle of the day. When the wind makes fishing dries difficult, a beadhead pat's rubberlegs with a black or olive Spanish bullet has been a dependable setup. Overcast, windy days have also made streamer fishing worth the effort, with olive and black patterns moving some quality browns.
Don't let the wind chase you off the river. Fish the protected banks, shorten your casts, and be ready to switch from dries to nymphs or streamers when conditions change. That's been the difference between an average day and a good one this week.
Additional Resources:
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Sweetgrass Hopper
Dave's Hopper
Tan Morrish Hopper
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
Purple Blowtorch
Spanish Bullet Tan
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 MoreMontana 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...
Learn MoreMontana 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...
Learn MoreUpper Madison Fly Fishing Area Map
Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
The Best Madison River Fishing Sections
Post Date: 03/14/2024
Floating the "50 Mile Riffle" is the best way to experience the world-renowned Madison River fishing that attracts anglers from around the world. Here are our Bozeman fly fishing guides'...
Read Article
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
The Ultimate Guide to Madison River Fishing
Post Date: 03/08/2025
Though many famous rivers flow through Southwest Montana, the Madison River holds a unique place in fly fishing lore and history. Its large and abundant trout draw fly anglers from...
Read Article
Category: Bozeman Fly Fishing Trip Planning
Early Season Trips for Experienced Anglers : Upper Madison River
Post Date: 09/25/2024
The Upper Madison River is a premier wild trout fishery in Montana that bursts to life as winter recedes and spring arrives. For experienced anglers, March 20th - April 1...
Read Article