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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.
Hello, October! It doesn't get better than right now here on the Upper Madison River. Good fishing and weather are on the horizon.
It's been a warm start to fall, with more on the way. Cool nights carry on into the morning hours, but the long range forecast looks very inviting.
Flows remain on the lower side of the annual trends, but that is always expected this time of the year. The river is completely floatable and fishy.
We've started to see the little tiny BWOs popping off in good numbers throughout the middle part of the day. There have also been some sparse October caddis hatching. We're sorry to say that the hopper appear to be done due to the drop in overnight temperatures, however don't overlook giving it one more shot if it's warm and sunny in the afternoon.
Little dark colored girdle bugs in the #10-12 range have been consistent for all sorts of sizes and species. Following that with a #16-20 baetis has been the ticket for bigger fish on the nymph rig. A tight line during the hatch helps get those bugs near the surface and will lead to some aggressive takes. Streamer fishing has been good if you adapt to the conditions. The trout seem to like a more subtle presentation in the morning and have been responding well to a quicker moving fly in the afternoon using brighter colors. Dry fly fishing has become more technical using very small parachute mayfly and spinner mayfly patterns. You could team this up with a large caddis in the afternoon or even possibly go for a hail Mary with the hopper.
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!