Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 11/05/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is a great option right now, with clear water and daytime highs in the low 40s keeping the trout active through the middle of the day near Ennis and the Slide.
Nymphing remains your most reliable tactic. Patterns like rubberlegs, worms, and small jig nymphs continue to perform as lead flies, and dropping smaller flies such as perdigons or zebra midges remains effective. A 9-foot leader in 3X or 4X fluorocarbon is a solid choice for most conditions on this section of the river.
Streamer fishing is showing good potential when clouds hold or wind fades. Flies in olive, tan, or black — such as mini dungeons or sparkle minnows — are producing results. For these larger flies, a shorter 5- to 6-foot leader of 1X or 0X fluorocarbon gives you better turnover and control in the deeper runs.
Surface activity is becoming more frequent as blue-winged olives begin to show up on calmer afternoons. Having a few emerger or parachute dries in sizes 18–20 ready is worthwhile for the select moments when fish move just below or on the surface.
The Upper Madison continues to be a strong late-season option. Nymphing provides the most consistent action, streamers are drawing fish when conditions align, and light dry-fly moments are starting to return as fall deepens.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fly Fishing In Fall
- Fly Fishing Bozeman in October
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Sparkle Minnow
Spanish Bullet Tan
Black Zebra Midge
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Gold Lightning Bug
Natrual Sculpzilla
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
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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