Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 02/17/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The forecast around Ennis Montana is calling for chilly temps and snow to finish out the week. This weekend and the start of next week is looking a lot better with sun and temps reaching forty in the forecast. Still an ice jam on the Upper Madison River close to town so I would head up stream around Three Dollar Bridge for the best luck. Nymphing is still the bread and butter but the warm weather coming could stir up a Midge hatch here or there.
Small bugs have been the ticket this winter. Try setting up your nymph stick with a Perdigon as the lead fly dropping down to a Zebra Midge, Micro May, or 3 dollar dip. A red Worm or small Pat’s Rubber Leg could get some love as well. We are finding the most fish in the inside bends as the water is usually slow and deep.
Please note that regulations changed in 2024, and all lures and flies must be barbless when fishing downstream of Varney Bridge.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Zebra Midge
Poxyback Golden Stone
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Gray Sprout Midge
Madison River Fishing Trips
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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.