Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Date: 06/26/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Upper Madison River is fishing very well and continues to be one of the top summer fisheries in Southwest Montana.
Salmonflies are still around in good numbers through much of the river, and fish are continuing to look up. Large foam attractors like the water walker, rogue stone, and chubby chernobyl have all been producing fish, especially when fished tight to the banks and along grassy edges.
A lot of anglers are keeping things simple and fishing a single dry fly. While a dropper will still pick up a few extra fish, it has also meant spending more time catching whitefish. Right now, covering water with a single salmonfly pattern has been a fun and effective way to fish.
As the day goes on, yellow sallies and caddis are keeping fish interested on the surface even after the salmonfly activity slows down. It's worth keeping a few smaller attractors in the box if fish begin refusing the larger bugs.
The Upper Madison is in great shape right now. Good water conditions, plenty of bugs, and fish willing to eat on top make it one of the best places to spend a day on the water.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To June
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Salmonfly Supafly Stone
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Blowtorch
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
White Peanut Envy
Spanish Bullet Tan
Gold Lightning Bug
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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