Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 04/21/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The forecast is a bit warmer this week on Montana’s Upper Madison River. Tuesday is calling for some rain and snow but temps will be close to fifty. The fishing has been solid in more ways than one. Nymphing has been most productive but anglers are also doing solid with streamers. On a cloudy afternoon the dry fly fishing has been good around Three Dollar Bridge as well.
Anglers have been finding the most success nymphing the deeper holes and buckets. Try setting up your nymph rig with a Pat’s Rubber Leg or a red Worm as the lead fly. The hot dropper nymphs lately have been 3 Dollar Dips, Zebra Midges, small Perdigons, and Pheasant Tails. Because we are fishing deep make sure to add some split shot 12-18 inches above your lead fly to get those flies down quickly.
The dry fly fishing around Three Dollar Bridge can be some of the best fishing of the whole season this time of year. On the right calm cloudy afternoon you can run into massive pods of happy rising fish. To trick some of these fish try fishing a Griffiths Gnat, Top Secret Midge, or a Peacock Cluster in size 16-20 on a 12 foot 4x or sometimes 5x leader if they are being tricky.
Streamer anglers have been doing well in the sections closer to town, around 8 miles access is some great streamer water. Start on the smaller side like a Mini Sex Dungeon or the small Peanut Envy. if they are really on them then you can switch to your full size streamers to swing for the fences and try and find that monster.
FWP has yet to open Ennis or Valley Garden, but all indications are that they expect them to open “soon.” However Clutes Landing open on Ennis Lake, so Burnt Tree to the lake is doable and recommended on calm days.
Please note that regulations changed in 2024, and all lures and flies must be barbless when fishing downstream of Varney Bridge.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Clown Egg
Pink Champagne Egg
Black Zebra Midge
Pink Lite Brite Perdigon
Poxyback Golden Stone
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
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
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
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