September 22, 2026

The Upper Madison is settling into its fall rhythm. Fishing has improved from some of the tougher conditions earlier this month, but presentation still matters. Mornings have been fairly slow, with fishing generally improving once the river warms up around 10:00 or 11:00. There isn't much reason to rush out at daylight right now. Small stonefly nymphs with Baetis droppers remain one of the most dependable setups. Streamers are becoming increasingly worthwhile around deeper riffles, undercut banks, overhanging trees and shaded water. Dry fly fishing is more situational, but ants and Baetis are still producing when fish begin looking up. This is a good time of year to cover water and pay attention to where you're finding fish. The river is clear, the trout have seen plenty of flies, and small adjustments to depth, tippet and presentation can make a big difference.

Close-up of a trout with speckled skin held in a gloved hand splashing in water.
Two men standing by a river, one wearing a fishing net on his back and the other wearing a blue shirt and cap, both in fishing gear.

ennis, Mt weather

We have a warm stretch ahead for late September. Daytime temperatures around Ennis will climb through the 70s and into the low 80s later this week before noticeably cooler weather arrives over the weekend. Nights remain cool, which is keeping river temperatures in good shape. Bright, warm afternoons may make fishing a little more technical, while the transition toward cooler and potentially cloudier weather should improve both Baetis activity and streamer fishing.

Madison river flows

The Upper Madison continues to run relatively low and very clear. Flows around Kirby are currently in the mid-800 CFS range, with morning water temperatures generally starting in the low 50s. These are good trout temperatures, but the lower, clear water gives fish plenty of opportunity to inspect your flies. Longer leaders, clean drifts and lighter tippet are increasingly important, particularly in slower water.

Two people fly fishing from a red boat on a river with autumn foliage in the background.
Two anglers fly fishing from a boat on a river surrounded by trees and hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Madison River fishing techniques

There isn't much reason to be on the river at first light right now. Let things warm up and expect more consistent fishing to begin around 10:00 or 11:00. A small stonefly with a #16–18 Baetis nymph or emerger behind it remains one of the most dependable setups. Keep the rig relatively light and pay close attention to depth. With the river this clear, simply adding more weight isn't always the answer. Streamer fishing deserves more attention now. Work banks, boulder pockets, deeper riffles and shaded structure with olive, black and natural sculpin patterns. Cloudy periods should make this increasingly productive as we move farther into fall. For dry flies, watch the water rather than forcing it. Small ants remain a legitimate prospecting fly, while Baetis dries and emergers are the better choice once you actually see fish rising.

Madison River flies

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Two people fly fishing from a boat on a river with rocky cliffs and green trees in the background.