Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 08/03/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is in good shape and fishing well across most sections. Clear, cool water and a mix of summer weather patterns have kept conditions dynamic, giving anglers multiple ways to find success. Mornings continue to offer the most consistent action, with water temperatures starting cool and climbing steadily by midafternoon.
Hopper season is underway, and we’re seeing fish come up for big dries by late morning. Patterns like the thunder thigh and water walker in tan, pink, or yellow are all getting attention, especially when fished on 4x tippet to keep presentations light and natural. Expect better surface eats as the day warms and terrestrial activity picks up along grassy banks.
Nymphing remains reliable during slower parts of the day or when the dry fly bite softens. rubberlegs, smaller stonefly imitations, and PMD-style perdigons fished under an indicator are turning fish in deeper slots and structured current lines.
Streamer action has slowed a bit with the rise in insect activity, but there are still opportunities during early morning light or under cloud cover. Sculpin patterns in yellow or olive stripped tight along structure can move some aggressive fish, especially near undercut banks.
Hoot Owl restrictions are in effect from Ennis Lake upstream to 8 Mile Ford, no fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight in that section. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park has closed the Madison above Hebgen Lake due to warm temps and low flows.
Overall, the Upper Madison is fishing well. Mornings are your best window, and all three major tactics, dries, nymphs, and terrestrials, are producing.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fishing in August
- A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in August
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Golden Super Stone
Golden Morrish Hopper
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Frenchie
Black Pat's Rubberleg
PMD Jigster
Orange Morningwood Hopper
Giant Orange Rogue Foam Stone
Jig Frenchie
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
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.
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