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Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Date: 07/18/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Upper Madison River has been fishing well. Morning temperatures remain cool, gradually warming through the day, which has made for consistent numbers of caddis, yellow sallies, PMD’s and goldenstones. The flows are stable and the river has been seeing many good days on the water.

Midday slows down a bit under hot sunny skies, but those willing to switch tactics or target faster water can still find fish. Hopper chatter is beginning in the lower valley—something to watch closely as we head into late July. Whether you’re wading or floating, the key right now is timing and presentation. Lighter tippet, clean drifts, and a stealthy approach has been being rewarded as the river is seeing busy days and a lot of drift boats.

Dry fly patterns such as chubby chernobyls, water walkers, and goldenstone imitations, have all been productive. Below these attractors, nymphs like shop vacs, frenchies, and perdigons, have all been picking fish up mid river and in buckets where fish don’t want to fully commit to eating on the surface. For those running traditional nymph rigs, two-fly setups with a pats rubberleg followed by a smaller beadhead dropper have been effective.

If you're heading to the Upper Madison, get there early, bring a selection of attractor dries and PMDs, and be ready to enjoy a truly classic Montana dry-fly fishery.

Additional Resources:

- Upper Madison River Fishing in July

- Ennis Fly Fishing in July

- A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in July

Stream Flows

Upper Madison River Fishing Report Streamflow

Flows

Recommended Flies

				  Rogue Foam Stone Schlotter Giant Org

Giant Orange Rogue Foam Stone

				  Super Stone Berry G Bd Golden

Golden Super Stone

				  Fly fish Montana's Caddis hatch early season on the Madison River.

X caddis

				  Use a Pats' Rubberleg for Madison River fishing in high-water.

Black Pat's Rubberleg

				  Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys

Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys

				  Black Quill Bomb

Black Quill Bomb

				  Yellow sally bullet

Yellow Saly Bullet

				  Imitate grasshoppers when fly fishing Montana's rivers in late summer.

Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper

				  Spanish Perdigon Dark Olive

Dark Olive Spanish Perdigon

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....

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Montana 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...

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Montana 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...

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Upper Madison Fly Fishing Area Map



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