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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.
Absolutely beautiful with all the rain and snow over the past few weeks. Bouts of warmer weather caused some early runoff but the river looks very fishy at the moment as it has subsided.
The forecast looks fantastic for the remainder of May. Aside from some isolated thunderstorms, fishing conditions look comfortable!
We had a pretty significant spike in sediment loads and flows due to some warm overnight weather and rain storms during the first half of May. This slid downward over the last week, but it looks to have stabilized with moderately dirty (but totally fishable) water conditions. Expect a gradual upward trend over the course of this week and then a level once we get into the mid-70s next week. A streak of 80s in early June would get things moving big time.
Caddis dominate at the moment with still some lingering mayflies to be found. Hatches will go pretty quiet as runoff increases.
Nymphs or streamers are going to be your best bet. A girdle bug and a worm are tough to beat as general patterns this time of the year. Caddis grubs and pupa have also been producing numbers lately. Try adding split shot before new flies this time of the year! Consider going a little darker with the streamers in this off-color water. With that said, olive/white or something very bright should still be in your box.
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!