Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 11/12/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River has been a great option this week. Water conditions remain clear, and the colder temperatures have fish spending more time in the deeper runs and slower pockets. Nymphing has been producing consistently, although there have been some good opportunities for anglers fishing dries when the wind settles down.
A $3 Dip, pheasant tail, or olive perdigon are all good flies to have right now. Smaller nymphs have been producing well, particularly when fished behind a small Pat's rubberlegs. Don't overlook the shallower riffles, either. There are still some good fish holding in those areas, especially around larger rocks and changes in depth.
Midge activity has been good, with fish regularly coming up to feed when conditions cooperate. Small Griffith's gnats and Upper Madison River parachute attractors in sizes 16 and 18 are worth carrying. Streamer fishing has also been picking up, with olive mini dungeons, Goldies, and smaller sculpin patterns worth trying for larger brown trout.
Additional Resources:
- Fly Fishing Bozeman in November
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
Black and Red Spanish Perdigon
White Circus Peanut
Spanish Bullet Tan
Gold Lightning Bug
Olive Mini Dungeon
Purple Blowtorch
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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