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Thank you for checking out our most recent upper Madison River fishing report. It is our goal to keep this page updated on a regular basis to serve as a resource for those of you planning your visit to Montana. Please refer to the information below consisting of fishing techniques, fly patterns, Madison River flows and the weather in Ennis, Montana. We encourage you to give us a call for more information not detailed in our fishing report.
A warm and sunny fall season has given way to cool and cloudy conditions as of late. Fishing has been day-to-day in terms of the number of fish caught, however each day offers the chance at the fish of a lifetime. The transition in weather should improve the fishing as we near the end of another spectacular season here in SW Montana.
The past several days of clear and warm weather were a fitting way to end a long summer season. Looking ahead, the daily temps are stepping down a notch for the remainder of October. With that will hopefully come more precipitation. The combination of cool and overcast conditions are the recipe for excellent fall fishing on the Upper Madison River.
It's as low as it gets right now, which is to be expected in the fall. Nothing is unfloatable, but there are some skinny sections below Storey Ditch. Watch out for those sneaky boulders sitting right beneath the surface. Keep the boat straight and you're fine.
Small mayflies are been very active and the fish have been eating #18 parachutes well. Large October caddis are sparse, but we're seeing a few here and there. Midges are an added bonus this time of the year.
Nymphing small beads, girdle bugs and worms have been quite productive. September streamer fishing is where it's at if you want to see a giant brown trout. The dry fly fishing is tough right now given the small size of BWOs and Midges this time of the year. You'll find your best dry fly opportunities up river above Lyons Bridge in the slick water.
To simplify things, you can expect Madison River trout to eat just about every classic trout pattern ever tied depending on the time of year. Known for prolific stonefly, caddis, mayfly and midge hatches, the trout of the Madison aren't as picky as other rivers. If you get the size and color right, chances are they'll eat it so long as you have the correct presentation. Certainly there are some local secrets, but if you stock up on the basics you should be just fine!
A 5 or 6 WT fly rod is ideal for most fly fishing situations on the Madison River. The Madison Valley can be a breezy place and with such a wide river it can help to have a little extra power in your cast. We tend to prefer fast action fly rods for this reason. Your fly line is arguably more important than your fly rod though. Half size heavy weight forward floating lines are the ideal compliment to a modern fast action rod.
A slow action 3-5 WT certainly has its time and place on this river, especially during the caddis, midge and BWO hatches. 7 WT rods are commonly fished with short sink-tip fly lines and big streamers. They also come in handy during the salmonfly hatch when you're casting a 3" long foam body dry fly.
Breathable waders and sturdy boots are often a necessity during the spring and fall months. Your best soles for traction are felt with carbide tipped studs. Be aware that many Madison River fly fishing guides do not allow studs in their boats. It is rare that waders are required between June 15-September 15. During these months, some lightweight boots or water shoes/sandals are preferred.
Above all else, quality clothing and accessories for all types of weather are essential for staying comfortable during the day. Montana can throw just about any type of weather your way so be prepared with a well thought out layering system to handle the often cold mornings and warm afternoons.
Join us October 6-10 at a discounted rate for 4 nights & 3 days of guided streamer fishing. We'll fish a variety of water in hopes of landing a trophy. Expect to learn from the best and make a lot of casts!
These openings are rare and don't last long, so be quick to claim them. Just give us a call!