Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 05/15/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is starting to change quite a bit with runoff beginning to show up. The West Fork has blown out, and below that the river has picked up a lot more color, especially down through Ennis.
Fishing is getting tougher in the lower sections. Fish are sliding into softer water and tighter to the banks as flows continue to rise.
Nymphing is still the best approach. Larger attractor-style flies like TJ hookers, rubberlegs, and heavier perdigons have been the most effective. Getting flies down quickly and slowing everything through the softer water has been the difference.
Streamer fishing can still move fish with the added color in the water. Larger conehead patterns in white, olive, or darker colors have been worthwhile, especially tight to the banks and structure.
Dry fly fishing has slowed quite a bit with the added water and color. There are still a few bugs around, but it’s no longer consistent enough to focus on.
Above the West Fork the river is still in better shape, but overall the Upper Madison is starting to feel the effects of runoff pretty quickly.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fly Fishing In Spring
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Purple Blowtorch
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Spanish Bullet Tan
White Peanut Envy
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Brown Drake Nealley
Gold Lightning Bug
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
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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