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.
Summer has settled into the Madison Valley, and the Upper Madison is fishing well from Quake Lake downstream to Ennis Lake. Cooler weather and scattered showers over the past week have helped maintain healthy water temperatures while keeping flows consistent. Dry fly opportunities continue to improve each day, although nymphing remains the most dependable technique when fish aren't consistently looking up. The river is in excellent midsummer shape. Water clarity is good throughout the system, and anglers should expect a variety of hatches depending on where and when they're fishing. Success has come from remaining flexible and matching tactics to the conditions rather than committing to a single approach
The forecast calls for a return to typical July weather with daytime highs reaching the upper 70s and low 80s. Afternoon thunderstorms remain possible throughout the week, but overnight temperatures continue dropping enough to keep river temperatures in excellent condition. Early mornings and evenings should provide the most comfortable fishing conditions, while cloud cover may extend productive dry fly fishing later into the day.
Flows have stabilized following recent increases associated with Hebgen Reservoir reaching full pool. Current discharge near Kirby is holding around 1,100 CFS, providing excellent floating conditions and plenty of water throughout the Upper Madison. The increased volume has improved habitat without negatively affecting water clarity, and the river remains in excellent shape from Quake Lake to Ennis Lake.
July offers some of the greatest diversity of hatches on the Upper Madison. Depending on your location along the river, anglers may encounter salmonflies, golden stones, caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, and the first Flavs. While the larger stoneflies are beginning to taper off in some sections, they continue to produce opportunistic eats, especially during the morning hours. Caddis activity has become increasingly important throughout the afternoon and evening and should continue to be a staple over the coming weeks.
Dry dropper rigs remain one of the most versatile setups for covering water throughout the day. During the morning hours, larger attractor dries paired with a stonefly or caddis nymph continue producing consistent action. As insect activity builds through the afternoon, anglers should be prepared to switch to single dry flies when fish begin feeding confidently on the surface. Caddis and PMD presentations have been especially productive during the evening. Nymphing remains an excellent option during slower hatch periods using stonefly nymphs, caddis emergers, and smaller mayfly patterns. Streamer fishing continues to move quality fish during periods of cloud cover, windy conditions, or the first and last hour of daylight. Olive, white, and natural sculpin patterns have all been productive.
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!
