Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 03/30/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
This is a great time of year to shrug off reality and focus essential life skill development that can only truly be fine-tuned by fly fishing the upper Madison River.
Social awareness, critical thinking, and working to maintain one’s physical fitness through balance exercises and uphill walks in waders are just a few of the benefits that come from skipping work and fishing this time of year.
The upper Madsion River fly fishing is solid right now for the nymphing angler. Focus your efforts on the river stretches near Ennis down low and $3 Bridge up high. These sections hold more fish than the middles stretches this time of year when rainbows are spawning.
Standard spring nymph rigs for our guides look like about 6’ of leader between the strike indicator and first fly. We add a split shot about 18” above the first fly and tie a dropper off the bend of the hook on the first fly with tippet of similar length. Adjust that weight and depth for the water being targeted. San juan worms, egg patterns, stonefly nymphs, and brightly-colored attractor nymphs are our go-to flies for the time being.
We have been moving some nice fish while floating between wade spots in the Varney to 8-mile section, but the water is still cold and action is inconsistent.
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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