Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 11/26/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River has been a great option this week, especially once the day warms up. Early mornings are still on the cold side, but late morning through the afternoon has been the best window from Lyons Bridge down toward Ennis. Water clarity is good, and with fewer anglers around, it’s been a comfortable time to float or wade.
Nymphing has been the most productive way to approach the river. Rubberlegs, small stonefly nymphs, and worms are reliable lead flies, with zebra midges, little green machines, and small perdigons like the spanish bullet or duracell working well underneath. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X is a simple, effective setup, running 4X fluorocarbon from the first fly to the dropper.
Streamer fishing is worth doing when cloud cover settles in. Patterns such as mini dungeons, sparkle minnows, sculpzillas, and other small baitfish imitations have been moving fish in deeper runs and around structure. A short 5–6 foot leader of heavier fluorocarbon (1X or 0X) helps those flies turn over and track well.
Dry-fly moments are limited but possible. On warmer afternoons, light numbers of BWOs and midges have been drifting around, and the occasional trout has been rising in softer water. Carry a couple size 16–18 parachutes or emergers if you want to be ready for those brief windows.
The Upper Madison is a solid late-season option. Plan for a later start, rely on your nymph setup for steady action, and keep a streamer rod ready for the cloudy stretches. It's a good time to be on the river before winter fully settles in.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fly Fishing In Fall
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In November
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Zebra Midge
Gold Lightning Bug
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Natrual Sculpzilla
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Spanish Bullet Tan
Rainbow Warrior 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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