Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 05/16/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is dropping and back in "fishable" shape for a few days thanks to some cold weather in the high country. Expect to have color in the water, but those fish get really happy when that water drops quickly on the upper for a few days. Hitting these runoff drops can result in some stellar streamer days as fish pile up on the banks when that water rises like it had been doing.
The wade sections above the West Fork are fishing well right now, and have the best water clarity. Nymphing with standard rigs under a strike indicator is the way to go in this section. Pat's Rubberlegs followed by small pheasant tail variations or dark-colored Perdigons are our standard fly combinations right now around $3 Bridge and Raynolds Pass.
Please note that regulations changed in 2024, and all lures and flies must be barbless when fishing downstream of Varney Bridge.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fishing in May
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
King Prince
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Black and Red Spanish Perdigon
Red San Juan Worm
Poxyback Golden Stone
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Olive Mini Dungeon
Upper Madison River Fishing
The Madison River is widely regarded as the premier Montana fly-fishing river. It originates in Yellowstone National Park at the point where the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers meet. The river flows northwards and merges with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to eventually form the Missouri River near Three Forks, Montana.
The upper Madison River is the stretch between the outlet of Quake Lake and the mouth of Ennis Lake. The river is an incredibly productive and unique blue-ribbon trout fishery with wild Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brown Trout populations.
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
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Learn MoreMontana River Shuttles
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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
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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
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