Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 05/06/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River has been fishing well and overall the river is still in great shape. Flows have bumped up slightly, but nothing significant, and clarity has stayed good.
There are still a few march browns around, but honestly the biggest challenge anglers have been dealing with has been the wind. Fish are still feeding, but presentation gets a little tougher once the afternoons pick up.
Nymphing has been productive. Brown and black TJ hookers paired with a rainbow warrior perdigon, spanish bullet, or blowtorch have been getting it done. Fishing them on a 9 foot 4x leader to 5x fluoro tippet has been a good setup lately. Focus on the deeper buckets and slower runs where fish are holding steady.
Streamer fishing has also been worthwhile. Larger conehead patterns like the peanut envy, rusty trombone, and goldies in white or olive have been moving fish. Slowing things down and keeping streamers in the deeper water has been more effective than covering water too quickly.
The Upper is still one of the better options right now. Stay patient with the wind, fish the deeper water thoroughly, and there are still good fish to be found.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fly Fishing In Spring
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Purple Blowtorch
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Spanish Bullet Tan
White Peanut Envy
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Brown Drake Nealley
Gold Lightning Bug
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
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