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Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Date: 06/05/2026
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Upper Madison River has been fishing decent again as flows continue to settle back down. The river is in much better shape than it was a week ago, but the fish have not completely turned back on yet.

Nymphing has been the most consistent way to find fish. Anglers slowing down, fishing the buckets thoroughly, and focusing on the softer water have been doing better than those trying to cover too much water too quickly. pat's rubberlegs, TJ hookers, frenchies, PMD nymphs, and spanish bullet perdigons have all been producing fish.

Getting on the water early has also made a difference. The morning bite has generally been better before the afternoon sun and warmer temperatures start affecting conditions.

Streamer fishing has been hit or miss depending on the day. There are still fish willing to chase, but most of the consistency has been coming below an indicator.

The Upper Madison River is headed in the right direction, and if flows continue to stabilize, fishing should continue improving heading into the coming weeks.

Additional Resources:

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To June

Stream Flows

Upper Madison River Fishing Report Streamflow

Flows

Recommended Flies

				  Pats rubberleg bronw

Brown Pat's Rubberleg

				  Blowtorch UV Purple

Purple Blowtorch

				  Rubberlegs coffee black

Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs

				  18 3540 w 2

White Peanut Envy

				  Tan Spanish Bullet

Spanish Bullet Tan

				  All around mayfly pattern for fly fishing Montana.

Rainbow Warrior Jig

				  Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys

Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys

				  Montana fly fishing staple for many conditions when imitating Mayflies.

Gold Lightning Bug

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.


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...

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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...

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Upper Madison Fly Fishing Area Map



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