Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 10/15/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is a great option right now. With cloud cover in the forecast, we’re starting to see more BWOs showing up across the river, especially on calm afternoons in the upper stretches.
Nymphing has been the most consistent way to find fish. Rubberlegs, small stonefly patterns, and worms have all been good lead flies, followed by smaller droppers like perdigons, zebra midges, or baetis nymphs. Fishing these rigs through the deeper runs and along the edges has been reliable from Lyons Bridge down through Ennis.
Streamer fishing has been solid and should continue to improve as we move further into fall. Fishing a lighter sinking line through deeper buckets and structure has been producing. Mini dungeons, goldies, and sculpzillas in olive or tan have been turning fish, especially early and on overcast days.
Dry fly fishing is starting to pick up with the increase in BWO activity. Fish have been rising in softer water and back eddies during cloudy afternoons. It’s not an all-day event yet, but those hatches are becoming more consistent each week.
Overall, the Upper Madison River is in great shape. Nymphing remains the most reliable, streamer fishing has been steady, and the first solid BWO activity of fall is taking hold. It’s a great time to be on the Upper.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fly Fishing In Fall
- Fly Fishing Bozeman in October
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Gold Lightning Bug
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Orange Psycho Prince Jig
Sparkle Minnow
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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