Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 05/05/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is fishing very well as May kicks off, with pre-runoff conditions across much of its length.
Flows are coming up a bit, but that hasn’t affected water clarity much or fishing as of yet. The increases are a result of early snow melt and rain over the last 24 hours - the flows out of Hebgen remain stable.
Nymphing with a variety of stonefly and san juan worm variations has been solid for our guides between Varney and Ennis. Black Pat’s Rubberlegs and regular vernille worms in wine or red have been our most consistent lead flies. Drop a Perdigon or pheasant tail variation about 12-18” below the lead fly for the best success, as hatching mayflies become more active with the warming days.
Expect some good streamer fishing the next few days and maybe all week, if the flow remains relatively stable. The pre-runoff is one of our guides' favorite times for fishing the Madison River with streamers. The water clarity generally diminishes slowly, and the trout become increasingly aggressive, moving to the banks as the river level slowly elevates before the first big push of water.
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
Red San Juan Worm
Pink Lite Brite Perdigon
Poxyback Golden Stone
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Olive Mini Dungeon
White Peanut Envy
Sparkle Minnow
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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