Activities:
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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.
On the Water Fishing Reports
Started Here Reports
Upper Madison River Fly Fishing - Up high and in between the lakes still has good streamer fishing. This winter weather will also get fish wanting some high calorie meals. Using a ... morestonefly imitation with a small mayfly will bring fish to the net, but use a short section of fluoro off of your leader and your dropper will increase your chance at catching fish. A mega prince or purple hureless are good stonefly options trailed by a lil' spankers and size 18 mayfly nymphs are your best bet. streamers are producing fish as well. Look for slower deeper runs and reds as the browns are spawning. The water is at winter flows and is super for wading, you can get to any spot you want. You can still float if you have a raft.
Lower Madison River Fly Fishing - Fishing is getting back to normal now that they have stopped fluctuating the flow out of the dam. It has been a couple days now without any changes and you can get back to dead drifting or swinging soft hackles and crawfish. In the seam line, keep an eye out for fish to be feeding on emerging midges. The coming days are going to have some increasing winds so the adults will be blown off the water. Get a few drifts thru each spot you fish. More fish are wanting the flies put right in front of their face. Check out our blog on a Perfect Day in the Gardens.
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