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Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Date: 05/16/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Upper Madison River is dropping and back in "fishable" shape for a few days thanks to some cold weather in the high country. Expect to have color in the water, but those fish get really happy when that water drops quickly on the upper for a few days. Hitting these runoff drops can result in some stellar streamer days as fish pile up on the banks when that water rises like it had been doing. 

The wade sections above the West Fork are fishing well right now, and have the best water clarity. Nymphing with standard rigs under a strike indicator is the way to go in this section. Pat's Rubberlegs followed by small pheasant tail variations or dark-colored Perdigons are our standard fly combinations right now around $3 Bridge and Raynolds Pass.

Please note that regulations changed in 2024, and all lures and flies must be barbless when fishing downstream of Varney Bridge.

Additional Resources:

- Upper Madison River Fishing in May

- Ennis Fly Fishing in May

Stream Flows

Upper Madison River Fishing Report Streamflow

Flows

Recommended Flies

				  Black Lite Brite Perdigon nymph

Black Lite Brite Perdigon

				  King Prince TNG

King Prince

				  Use a Pats' Rubberleg for Madison River fishing in high-water.

Black Pat's Rubberleg

				  A Montana fly fishing standard searching nymph pattern.

Black and Red Spanish Perdigon

				  San Juan Worm in red is a standard Montana fly fishing pattern for dirty water conditions.

Red San Juan Worm

				  Poxyback Biot Stone TNG Mercer G Bd Gld

Poxyback Golden Stone

				  A large baitfish imitation that catches big Montana trout.

Olive Mini Peanut Envy

				  Streamer fly fishing in Montana with Mini Dungeons is productive throughout the state.

Olive Mini Dungeon

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 More

Montana 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 More

Montana 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 More

Upper Madison Fly Fishing Area Map



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