Madison River Fly Fishing
Montana’s Madison River is a world-famous destination for anglers seeking an unforgettable fly fishing experience. This legendary fishery is home to abundant brown and rainbow trout, and it offers breathtaking scenery that guests enjoy, both in and out of Yellowstone National Park.
Our Madison River fly fishing guides provide a personalized trip for each angler — no matter the ability level — and will make it a day to remember.
Book a full-day fishing trip along the beautiful Madison, which begins at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers inside Yellowstone. Choose from a drift boat or a walk-and-wade trip and enjoy the incredible blue-ribbon fly fishing on the Madison River.
Best Seasons for Madison River Fly Fishing
While the Madison River offers excellent Montana trout fishing throughout the year, certain seasons provide particularly prime conditions for anglers.
Starting in 2024, the Madison in Yellowstone is open to fishing year round and is a great place to get out in November-May. If you’re on a ski trip in Big Sky and want to get out for some fishing that is a great option!
Spring
March through May is a popular time for fly fishing on the Madison.
While sub-surface fishing produces the most fish in spring, on the right days anglers can find hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and midges, making dry fly fishing with the right conditions productive during the season.
Summer
From late June to August, the Madison River settles into a rhythm, with continued insect activity and ideal floating conditions.
Warm weather and long days create the perfect setting for dry fly, streamer, and nymph fishing.
One of our favorite hatches to chase are the salmon flies on the Madison right after run off in June.
Fall
September–November brings cooler temperatures, stunning foliage, and lower clearer water conditions.
As October approaches, brown trout become increasingly aggressive, making streamers especially effective choices for enticing strikes during this season.
Species of Fish in the Madison River
The Madison River is home to a diverse range of fish species, but trout draw the most attention from fly fishers. Brown trout and rainbow trout are the most abundant and sought-after gamefish in these waters, and you’ll occasionally find whitefish and cutthroats.
The Madison is particularly famous for its trophy-sized brown trout, where anglers have opportunities at Brown trout 20 inches and bigger.
Where We Fish on the Madison River
Over 130 miles long, the Madison’s waters are diverse and dynamic. Each section offers different fishing challenges and opportunities. From the technical dry fly fishing of the upper reaches to the meandering runs of the lower river, anglers can expect a varied and exciting experience.
Your guide will pick the perfect stretch based on conditions and water levels for your day of fishing.
The Upper Reaches: Headwaters to Hebgen Lake
The upper stretches of the Madison River, starting in Yellowstone National Park at Madison Junction, are characterized by a mix of long dry fly runs and swift currents and pocket water, providing the perfect setting for anglers to test their skills with precise dry fly fishing.
This section of the river is wade-fishing only, and anglers can expect to catch primarily brown trout and rainbows.
June, September and October are the best months to fish this section of the river. Temperatures get too warm to fish in July and August.
Large trout from Hebgen Lake often return during this season. Anglers often find success with nymphing techniques and streamer patterns, searching the depths for powerful fish.
Hebgen Lake to Quake Lake: “Between the Lakes”
As the river flows through the Hebgen Dam, it becomes colder, even during the hot summer months.
During runoff season, this location is especially popular, since the dam keeps the waters clear.
Anglers typically find large trout between the lakes, and dry fly, streamers and nymphing techniques are safe bets for catching some fish.
Reynolds Pass to Lyons Bridge
This is a wade-only stretch of the river. The riverscape transitions from canon-style rapids to fast-paced riffles, making this section a great spot for wade fishing.
You can use a boat to get from spot to spot, but must get out to fish.
One of the highlights of fishing the Madison River is the salmon fly hatch, typically occurring in June.
During this time, massive stoneflies emerge, triggering a feeding frenzy among the river's trout.
Anglers can take advantage of this frenzy with the help of one of our professional fishing guides.
Lyons Bridge to McAtee Bridge
Perfect for a float trip, this section of the river is shallow and fast-moving with beautiful scenery wherever you look.
Anglers will find an abundance of trout among the riffles, and you can use a variety of fly fishing techniques, depending on the time of the year.
From late May to early June, the West Fork of the Madison River may be a bit cloudy, due to high amounts of sediment, but further downstream, you can expect to find clear waters on the east side of the river.
McAtee Bride to Varney Bridge
This section offers big rewards for anglers, and with the help of a seasoned fly fishing guide, anglers can expect to fantastic views and quality trout.
This is the perfect stretch for covering water and fishing on the move from the comfort of a drift boat.
Varney Bridge to Ennis
This section contains large riffles, buckets and some great seams created by islands, boulders, and steep banks, make it ideal for anglers.
Float trips are optimal for this area and one of our guide’s favorite stretch to bring anglers.
Ennis to Ennis Lake
Another wade-only stretch of the Madison, you can float to the lake, but have to get out of the boat to fish the river.
This section is fantastic from March–October, if you're willing to change it up a bit with wade fishing and use the drift boat only as transportation.
Once you reach the lake, you can fish from the boat. The mouth of the Madison flowing into the lake provides fantastic dry fly and streamer opportunities.
The Lower Madison
We guide on the Lower Madison from Warm Springs to Three Forks, and the fish are most active in the spring, fall, and sometimes winter!
Warm water temperatures come quickly on the Lower Madison and we stay off it during the summer months.
Want to Fish the Madison River?
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Madison River Fly Fishing Review
Jake walked us into West Yellowstone and we fished the upper Madison casting dry PMDs to surfacing trout. We caught some nice ones… then lunch and onto Firehole River for incredible views and more dry and nymphing and catching Caught a bunch and really cool experience!
He would coach how to approach the fish and change flies when fish were hitting the surface to keep the action on and [gave] tips on mending to get the best drag-free drifts.
Definitely the best day of fishing for me after coming off a couple of days of drift fishing out of a boat.
- Ronnie K.
