Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 11/07/2024
Posted by: Toby Swank
Nymph fishing on the upper Madison River has been excellent in the channels section downstream of Ennis. This time of year, stonefly nymphs, followed by small perdigon patterns and egg patterns, are effective fly choices. Brown trout are now in "full spawn" so anglers fishing near Raynold's Pass and Valley Garden FAS are encouraged to tread lightly and watch for spawning fish, sitting on redds.
As water temperatures cool, fishing while floating becomes less productive as the trout move to the deep, slow runs rather than the skinny riffle water of summer. We fish Varney to Ennis a lot this time of the season, using the boats to move from one wade spot to another while streamer fly fishing the stretches in between.
Please note that regulations changed in 2024, and all lures and flies must be barbless when fishing downstream of Varney Bridge.
Click to enlarge
Flows
797 CFS
On 2024-11-7
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Hot Pink San Juan Worm
King Prince
Pink Lite Brite Perdigon
Experience Montana fly fishing on the upper Madison River with the Bozeman MT fly fishing guides from Fins and Feathers. We have been outfitting fly fishing in Montana for over two decades on the Madison River.
Novice and first-time anglers fishing the Madison can expect a day full of fly fishing learning experiences surrounded by the spectacular landscape of Southwest Montana.
Expert anglers know that the river holds legendary Brown Trout that will slowly rise to a well-presented dry fly or chase down a quick-stripped sculpin pattern while streamer fly fishing.
- $695 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
- Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
- Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
- Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
- Meet In Bozeman, Ennis, or at launch sites
- Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More
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.