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Lower Madison Fishing Reports

Your Local Source For Fishing Reports

Big Sky Country is our backyard. We've put our passion for Montana fly fishing trips to work and have hand-picked a selection of fly-fishing lodges, overnight float trips, and day trips. If you're thinking of a Montana fly fishing vacation, looking for a multi-day wilderness fishing experience, or just visiting Bozeman or Missoula or another Montana town and want to add on a fishing trip, let Yellow Dog's Montana roots work for you.

Listen to this WAYPOINTS Podcast: Jake WELLS – Planning the Perfect Trip to Montana

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Lower Madison River Fishing Reports
Updated Apr 29, 25

*Flow Data: Madison River below Ennis Lake near McAllister, MT

Keep an eye out for, and avoid rainbow trout redds as fish ensure the existence of the next generation.

The lower remains one of the better Bozeman area fisheries after the freestone rivers gained water and color the last few days. Luckily, the forecast is loaded with cool, cloudy, wet days. Excellent conditions for dry fly fishing as long as the w stays low. BWO's have been spotted, and the hatches should only get better as the water continues to warm. Fish have seemed willing to participate on the surface when the conditions are right. I like a #18 BWO comparadun when fish focus on eating these insects. Caddis will be around in no time. Nymphing has been good to great with crawfish, BWO nymphs, San Juan Worms and scuds and sowbugs. Streamer fishing should only improve from here. I still like smaller flies such as Skiddish Smolts and Sparkle Minnows.

To purchase an assortment of up-to-date, hand-selected flies for the Lower Madison River:

  • Select the Montana Fly Assortment below
  • Select the number of desired flies
  • Enter where and when you plan on fishing
  • Opt for In-store pickup at checkout

Montana fishing licenses are available for purchase online at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and at Yellow Dog Flyfishing - Fly Shop (some exceptions may apply). If you are planning to fish in the headwaters of the Gallatin River area above Taylor's Fork (approx. 1 mile upstream); be aware that most of this is in Yellowstone National Park which requires a separate fishing license and is seasonally open to fishing according to YNP regulations.

For Shuttles on the Lower Madison Contact:

  • Bob's Shuttles: (406) 595-0587
  • Space Shuttle: (406) 518-1799
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Historical River Flow
Discharge Rate (cfs)
Date