Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 08/12/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is fishing well, with hopper season in full swing. Fish are spread across pocket water, riffles, and mid-river runs, and larger foam patterns like the thunder thigh and water walker in tan, pink, or yellow are drawing steady attention by late morning. Terrestrial action builds as the day warms, and running a flashy perdigon 2–3 feet beneath a hopper is a productive way to reach fish holding mid-river.
Spruce moths, ants, and smaller terrestrials are also present, especially along shaded banks and timber. In clearer water above the valley, 4X to the lead fly with 5X fluorocarbon to the dropper remains a good choice.
Nymphing remains consistent. Rubberlegs, smaller stonefly patterns, PMD-style perdigons, and slim emergers under an indicator are effective, particularly through riffle drop-offs and pocket seams.
Streamers are producing in deeper runs and braided channels outside Ennis, with olive and white articulated patterns working best on overcast afternoons or in shaded water.
Hoot-owl restrictions are in place from Ennis Lake upstream to 8 Mile Ford, with fishing closed from 2 p.m. to midnight. Yellowstone National Park waters above Hebgen Lake remain closed due to warm temperatures and low flows. Early starts and targeting open sections will provide the best opportunities.
Additional Resources:
- Upper Madison River Fishing in August
- A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in August
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Poxyback Golden Microstone
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Blaze Infernogon
PMD Jigster
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Giant Orange Rogue Foam Stone
Olive Inferno Gons
Golden Morrish Hopper
Black Pat's Rubberleg
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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