Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 05/25/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is in optimal condition for late May, with stable flows and improved clarity providing consistent opportunities across its most productive sections. From Quake Lake downstream to Ennis, conditions are favorable for both wade and float anglers. Flows at Kirby Ranch remain steady around 988 CFS, with decent clarity found in most areas for the time being.
Nymphing is currently the most dependable technique. Anglers are experiencing success with larger point flies like rubberlegs or stonefly patterns, followed by small mayfly or midge imitations. Focus on slower inside seams, deep pockets, and behind structures where trout are holding in softer water. Utilizing sufficient split shot to ensure your flies reach the appropriate depths promptly is crucial as flows increase.
Streamer fishing has also been productive throughout the river with some great days being had between Lyon's and Macatee bridges. Keep those flies moving between the bank and the boats, as we have been getting plenty of mid-river strikes. Streamer action has been best on those cloudy days and when the river has a bit of color to it.
The wade section, up above Lyon's Bridge has been fishing well with small nymphs in that cleaner water. Small prince nymphs or rubberlegs, followed by a Little Green Machine or Micro Mayfly, have been our typical setup the last week.
As runoff season progresses, the Madison remains one of the more consistent fisheries in the region. Its regulated flows and cold, spring-fed inputs contribute to stable conditions. Anglers willing to adapt their tactics to match flow and clarity will find cooperative trout and productive water, especially as we approach the prime weeks of early summer.
Please note that regulations changed in 2024, and all lures and flies must be barbless when fishing downstream of Varney Bridge.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fishing in May
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Blowtorch
Red San Juan Worm
Purple Psycho Prince
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Olive Mini Dungeon
Tan and Yellow Double Gonga
Upper Madison River Fishing
The Madison River is widely regarded as the premier Montana fly-fishing river. It originates in Yellowstone National Park at the point where the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers meet. The river flows northwards and merges with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to eventually form the Missouri River near Three Forks, Montana.
The upper Madison River is the stretch between the outlet of Quake Lake and the mouth of Ennis Lake. The river is an incredibly productive and unique blue-ribbon trout fishery with wild Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brown Trout populations.
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
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