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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.
Summer has come early here in the Madison Valley, with warm and dry conditions causing all sorts of bugs to hatch a little ahead of schedule. Fishing has been great!
Warm and dry conditions persist for the next few days before taking it down a notch over the weekend. Expect the occasional thunderstorm in the PM hours.
Flows remain quite below what we typically see this time of the year. It appears that runoff is over except from the occasional push of mud after a heavy thunderstorm. Hebgen has been cranked down as they fill up the lake. Naturally, we're seeing a similar flat line on the flows throughout the upper Madison River. It's as fishy as it gets right now!
You can find just about every insect available coming off right now including caddis of all sorts, mayflies and stoneflies. The salmonfly hatch is in the lower 3rd and there's a good chance we'll see them start coming off all over the place if this warm weather continues.
The fish are responding well to various foam body dry flies in different colors and sizes. The salmonfly is hit-or-miss as always, but it's nice to have the goldenstone and yellow sallies as a fall back. When in doubt you can get bring fish up to small micro chubbies to imitate a large caddis. You can also just stick to the salmonfly knowing that something is going to eventually take it! Nymphing is the ticket for numbers. A girdle bug goes a long way and there are lots of small flashy nymphs working right now.
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!