Report
Madison River Fishing Report for 3/16/21. The Madison spring game is heating up with temperatures in the mid to upper fifties. We’re seeing rainbows heading up-river to do their annual spawning in the many skinny riffles so watch your step and your anchor out there! Those fry are the future of the river. Nymphing will likely be your best bet but if your patient, there are fish rising to midges. Look for soft, porpoising rises behind rocks and foam lines as the water warms. Sometimes a double dry with a larger visible pattern and the tiny virtually invisible midge eighteen to twenty inches behind it tied of the bend of the hook. A dry/dropper can be effective in these situations as well as adding a tungsten bead nymph will search both feeding columns. They are eating streamers in the afternoon. Look for that green water and you’ll find trout.
Nymphs
| Pats' rubber leg stone | 8 | black/brown |
Streamers
| Mini Sex Dungeon, Boogie Man | 6 | Dark colors |
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The Madison River is arguably one of the best trout fishing rivers in all of southwest Montana, if not the entire world! It’s certainly the most talked over, written up and frequented ... morein the state of Montana – which is considered by some the capital of fly fishing. Anglers will find plenty of great access sites to wade or float along the Madison’s banks and reservoirs (including Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake). Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream.
The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. Within the Park, fishing rules apply: no live bait and catch and release only. Once outside the Park the river meanders past working ranches, stately conifer forests and cottonwood lined banks, interrupted by riffles and quiet runs that contain large rainbow and trophy brown trout. Flowing alongside Yellowstone’s West entrance road, the river enters Hebgen Lake, created by Hebgen dam, until it reaches Quake Lake, a bit downstream from the dam. At this point the river is commonly called either the Upper Madison or the Lower Madison, although in fact, they are one and the same.
Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake
Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. For the next 53 miles, often referred to as the 50 Mile Riffle, the cold river runs north and the fish jump high. Annual runs of spawning trout make their way from Hebgen Lake, rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall. Known the world over for its “hard fighting” trout, it’s not unusual to pull a 25” brown from these upper waters. In deference to the purists and fly-fishing enthusiasts, it’s wading only from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge. Boats may be used to access the river, but if you’re going to fish, your feet must be on the riverbed. Fortunately, the Hebgen Dam releases water throughout the year, leveling its flows and relieving it of spring runoff issues and summer shrinkage.
Lower Madison – Ennis Lakes to Three Forks
A short section of the river between Ennis Dam and the power station maintains relatively low water levels and provides wonderful opportunities for wading. Past the power station the river regains its muscle and for 7 miles winds through Bear Trap Canyon. Hiking trails offer the only entry, great for those that like to walk and seek the solitude of a designated wilderness area. Floating is permitted but requires a lengthy shuttle and the ability to work through Class III-IV whitewater. Once out of the canyon the river flows in shallow riffles until it reaches Three Forks and joins the Missouri. From Warm Springs to Greycliff, the river is easily accessible for drifters and wading.
FishTales Outfitting is southwest Montana's premeir fly fishing outfitter and guide service. Owner and guide Michael Stack and his team of expert fly fishing guides bring over 70 years ... moreof combined years of guiding experience to the premier trout waters of southwest Montana, home of the Madison, Big Hole, Beaverhead, Jefferson and Ruby Rivers as well as private water. (rod fee applicable)
Located in the heart of the Ruby Valley and readily accessible from the airports of Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, Butte and Great Falls, FishTales Outfitting is perfectly situated to head in any direction in pursuit of a world class trout fishing on any day! We have five blue ribbon trout streams to choose from, you can fish a different river each day of your stay!
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Find out about the latest fishing action with our Madison River Fishing Report
Activities: Boating, Fishing
Sanitation & Water: Toilet
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Find out about the latest fishing action with our Madison River Fishing Report
Activities: Boating, Fishing, Camping, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing
Campground: Primitive Campsite
Sanitation & Water: Toilet
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