Madison River Flows Leveling Off - Fishing Report

Date
Friday, 12 May, 2017
Water Clarity
Moderately Clear
Angler Traffic
Medium
Report
Water levels have somewhat leveled off  the Madison at the Kirby ranch ended up at about 2500 and up coming cool weather ought to send it back down toward normal. About 1150 cfs.  I don't think it will get all the way back to normal, it is going to stay high. But it fall with next week's cold weather. This should offer up some excellent fishing operating ties. Although high, the water is already starting to clear up. We only need about a foot of visibility coupled with falling flows and it should be show time.

This last spike in flow was not it for runoff. There is still lots of snow. There is going to be another spike. It's just a matter of when and how big. If this combination of hot then cool weather continues, it could be a be a very civil runoff. Might even be able to fish right through it. Time will tell.  Tight lines
 
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Start Time:
10:05 AM
End Time:
4:30 PM
Fishing Water Report
Madison River Fishing Report
 (5)
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.
Game Fish Opportunities:
Rainbow Trout
Mountain Whitefish
Brown Trout
All 4 Fish Species
Guide Reports:
Madison River Fishing Report
Up to Date Fishing Report for Madison River September
Hot Weather and Great Fishing - Madison River Report
All 29 Guide Fishing Reports
Fishing Trips:
4 Days 4 Rivers Fly Fishing Package in Montana
Float Trip on the Upper Madison River with Zach Neville Outfitters
Float Trip on the Lower Madison River with Zach Neville Outfitters
All 31 Fishing Trips
Fishing Access Sites:
Palisades Fishing Access Sites
Windy Point Fishing Access Site
Ruby Creek Recreation Area
All 18 Fishing Access Sites
Blogs:
Learning to Fly Fish in Montana
Perfect Day Fly Fishing: the Gardens at Ennis Montana
Getting Your Fishing License in Ennis, Montana
All 9 Blog Posts
Reporting Outfitter
Red Mountain Adventures
 (1)
Welcome to Southwest Montana's finest fly fishing adventures. Blue ribbon trout water is literally steps away when you visit us in the picturesque town of Ennis, Montana. You may spend ... morethe day on our home river, the world famous Madison or drive to one of our other local rivers such as the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby or the Jefferson. Whether you are a new angler or an old pro we have the expertise and patience to make your time on the water chasing wild trout a success.
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