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.
We finally received a break from the hot and dry weather that had settled into the Madison Valley. A cooler system moved through southwest Montana this week and gave the river a nice reset heading into the middle of August. The Upper Madison continues to fish well, with the most consistent fishing still taking place during the morning hours. Nymphing has been the reliable option, while dry fly fishing has been more variable from day to day. Clear skies are returning to the valley, which should bring us back toward a more typical August program. Terrestrials remain an important part of the equation, particularly once the banks warm during the afternoon. Hoppers are certainly worth fishing, but ants and smaller terrestrial patterns can be the better choice under bright skies. The recent cooler weather should also help keep water temperatures in better shape as we move through the weekend.
The biggest change since our last report is the weather. After an extended stretch of hot summer conditions, cooler air moved into the Madison Valley this week and brought a noticeable drop in both daytime and overnight temperatures. Clear skies are returning, but temperatures are considerably more comfortable than they were during the recent heat. Cool mornings followed by sunny afternoons should provide a nice combination for the river over the next several days. The colder overnight temperatures are particularly helpful, allowing the Madison to shed heat before the sun gets back on the water each morning.
Flows on the Upper Madison remain relatively stable for the middle of August. Cold water released from Hebgen Reservoir continues to benefit the upper river, while conditions naturally warm as you move downstream toward Ennis Lake. The recent cooler weather is good news for water temperatures throughout the system. Anglers should still pay attention to water temperatures later in the day, particularly on the lower reaches of the Upper Madison, but the cooler nights have provided some welcome relief after the recent stretch of hot weather. We suspect the Hoot Owl restriction from 8-mile down to be lifted as soon as someone at FWP gets around to it.
We are firmly into the terrestrial portion of the summer season. Grasshoppers, ants and beetles are all important food sources right now, with terrestrial activity becoming more noticeable as the day warms. Ants can be particularly effective during periods of bright sun and clear water. Nocturnal stoneflies are still around, although their numbers are beginning to taper off. Caddis remain present throughout the river and can provide some evening dry fly opportunities. PMDs and other smaller mayflies are still part of the equation as well, but they are becoming less important as we move deeper into August.
Early starts continue to be the best approach. Nymphing the faster riffles, pockets and deeper seams with a stonefly followed by a smaller mayfly or caddis imitation has been the most consistent way to find fish. As the morning warms, switching over to a hopper-dropper is a good way to cover water and give yourself a chance at a fish on top. With clear skies returning, don't expect every fish to chase a giant piece of foam. Downsizing your hopper and fishing an ant behind it can make a big difference. Ants are particularly important this time of year and can produce fish in places where there isn't much obvious insect activity. Streamer fishing is also worth some time, especially early in the morning. August is an underrated streamer month on the Madison, and smaller sculpin and baitfish patterns can be very effective around boulders, cut banks and shallow riffles. You don't necessarily need a heavy sink tip or a giant articulated fly. Covering water with a smaller streamer can be just as 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!
