Madison River Fly Fishing During Winter
Arctic winters present both challenges and opportunities for fly anglers on the Madison River. Large ice jams form between Varney Bridge and Ennis Lake, completely covering the river in two to five feet of ice each winter. The severity and scope of these ice sheets vary but reliably limit fishing near Ennis in midwinter
The best Madison River fly fishing during the winter months can be found upstream of Lyon’s Bridge. The section between Hebgen and Quake Lake is a favorite for local anglers with easy, roadside access and lots of fish, but the river remains relatively ice-free all the way to Varney Bridge.
Winter fishing on the Madison River is ideally suited for wading. Anglers fishing between the confluence of the West Fork and Raynold’s Pass will find ample public access to a variety of terrific holding water including deep holes, pocket water, and gravel bar ledges where trout spend the cold, winter months.
Madison River Fly Fishing Hatches Upstream of Ennis During Winter
Midges are the essential winter-hatching insects that anglers will encounter while fly fishing the Madison River during the winter. Mild January and February days bring prolific hatch events in the Raynold’s Pass and Three Dollar Bridge sections during the mid-day hours.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:
Anglers fishing near Bozeman during the wintertime can find the best dry fly fishing in the region around Three Dollar Bridge throughout February. Rainbow and Brown Trout feed freely in the seams below mid-river boulders and rocks. This area remains relatively snow-free, making access to the river easier than many other access points.
Madison River Fly Fishing Techniques for the Upper River in the Winter
Nymph fishing under a strike indicator with two, small, heavily-weighted nymphs is productive in the heavy seams below boulders and through the deepest runs. Typical setups are 5-7 feet in length between the first fly and the strike indicator, with split shot added as needed.
Dark colored Perdigon style nymphs in sizes #14-#18, followed by midge pupa patterns in red or black are standard. Large stonefly nymphs, egg patterns, and San Juan worm variations can all be effective too.
When you find fish rising to midges, fish long leaders and fine tippets to improve your drifts through the complicated seam structure. Favorite patterns include clusters, like Griffith’s Gnats, followed by single, low-riding adult midge imitations in gray. When in doubt, tie on a small Parachute Adams.
Upper Madison River Fly Box for the Wintertime
Madison River Fishing Trips Upstream of Ennis in the Winter
Fins and Feathers Guide Service is located in Bozeman, Montana, and has been outfitting Madison River fishing trips for over two decades. Our winter guide trips to the Upper Madison usually run on short notice during “windows” of nice weather between mid-January and early March.
Experienced anglers who are comfortable wading on the slippery rocks of the Upper Madison River can expect to find success while nymph or dry fly fishing with our Montana fishing guides. Novice anglers enjoy the scenery and solitude that is easily found during the wintertime while improving their fly fishing skills on this legendary wild trout fishery.
Guided Madison River fishing trips can be reserved online, via e-mail, or by calling our team of Montana fly fishing experts at 1-406-468-5019. We recommend inquiring with us through our Contact Form before booking to ensure availability and that winter conditions are appropriate for angling during your prospective dates.