Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 07/18/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River has been fishing well. Morning temperatures remain cool, gradually warming through the day, which has made for consistent numbers of caddis, yellow sallies, PMD’s and goldenstones. The flows are stable and the river has been seeing many good days on the water.
Midday slows down a bit under hot sunny skies, but those willing to switch tactics or target faster water can still find fish. Hopper chatter is beginning in the lower valley—something to watch closely as we head into late July. Whether you’re wading or floating, the key right now is timing and presentation. Lighter tippet, clean drifts, and a stealthy approach has been being rewarded as the river is seeing busy days and a lot of drift boats.
Dry fly patterns such as chubby chernobyls, water walkers, and goldenstone imitations, have all been productive. Below these attractors, nymphs like shop vacs, frenchies, and perdigons, have all been picking fish up mid river and in buckets where fish don’t want to fully commit to eating on the surface. For those running traditional nymph rigs, two-fly setups with a pats rubberleg followed by a smaller beadhead dropper have been effective.
If you're heading to the Upper Madison, get there early, bring a selection of attractor dries and PMDs, and be ready to enjoy a truly classic Montana dry-fly fishery.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fishing in July
- A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in July
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Giant Orange Rogue Foam Stone
Golden Super Stone
X caddis
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Black Quill Bomb
Yellow Saly Bullet
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
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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