Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 04/20/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is fishing well, especially from Varney down through Ennis. The river has some color to it, but it’s fishing and fish are active.
Nymphing has been the most consistent approach. pat’s rubberlegs paired with a zebra midge, baetis nymph, or a small perdigon has been producing. Fishing slightly heavier tippet has been helping with the pressure the river’s been seeing. Keep everything down. If you’re not occasionally ticking bottom, add weight before changing flies.
Streamer fishing has been worth mixing in. Fish are willing to chase, especially on cloud cover, and patterns like peanut envy, rusty trombone, and goldie have been moving fish. Slow it down and fish it through the deeper water.
There are still some midges and BWOs around, and you’ll see a few fish looking up during the afternoons, but it’s not consistent enough to build a day around.
The Upper is in a good place right now. Stay on the buckets, fish it thoroughly, and keep it simple.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fly Fishing In Spring
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In April
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Zebra Midge
Purple Psycho Prince
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
Gold Lightning Bug
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Spanish Bullet Tan
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 MoreMontana 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...
Learn MoreMontana 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...
Learn MoreUpper Madison Fly Fishing Area Map
Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
The Best Madison River Fishing Sections
Post Date: 03/14/2024
Floating the "50 Mile Riffle" is the best way to experience the world-renowned Madison River fishing that attracts anglers from around the world. Here are our Bozeman fly fishing guides'...
Read Article
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
The Ultimate Guide to Madison River Fishing
Post Date: 03/08/2025
Though many famous rivers flow through Southwest Montana, the Madison River holds a unique place in fly fishing lore and history. Its large and abundant trout draw fly anglers from...
Read Article
Category: Bozeman Fly Fishing Trip Planning
Early Season Trips for Experienced Anglers : Upper Madison River
Post Date: 09/25/2024
The Upper Madison River is a premier wild trout fishery in Montana that bursts to life as winter recedes and spring arrives. For experienced anglers, March 20th - April 1...
Read Article