Madison Fishing Forecast
The Madison is a Montana freestone where flows and clarity swing with storms—meaning the bite window can flip in a single afternoon. Anglers target rainbow trout and brown trout across riffles, seams, and undercut banks in this region, with prime dry-fly and nymph windows typically clustering in late June through September. USGS gauge 06035000 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days. Local tactics angle: The Madison is a riffle-dominant river best fished with attractor dry flies and nymphs. The famous "50-mile riffle" offers consistent fishing throughout. TroutFishing pairs hatch timing with solunar windows so you know when to be on the water—not just where.
Spring-fed Madison is flowing at 6 CFS CFS with surface temps near 65°F°F — 5/10 today. Top pick: a Parachute Hopper.
Open 3rd Sat in May — Nov 30
Western District. Blue-ribbon fishery. Some sections have specific regs
Forecast and on-page guide updated September 9, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 4:20 PM
65°F
6 CFS
5 AM - 7 AM
Parachute Hopper
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What Makes the Madison Unique?
Signature hatch or window
BWO (Mayfly) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 38–55°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Raynolds Pass: Upper river access near Hebgen Lake. Excellent early season fishing.
Rules anglers miss
Catch-and-release for rainbow trout. Single barbless hooks required in some sections.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
1000 - 2500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
freestone
54°F - 64°F
September Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Caddis
Caddis
Evening caddis hatches prolific through summer
Hopper
Terrestrial
Grasshoppers effective on windy afternoons
Trico
Mayfly
Early morning spinner falls, tiny flies
October Caddis
Caddis
Large fall caddis, evening emergence
September Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September(Now) | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Recommended Equipment for Madison
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight for general use. 7-weight for streamer fishing.
Line
Floating line with short sink tips for nymphing. Intermediate or sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot 4X for dries, 7.5-foot 3X for streamers.
Waders
Breathable waders essential. Felt or rubber soles work. Wading can be tricky - use a wading staff.
Essential Flies
How to Fish Madison: Tips & Tactics
The Madison is a riffle-dominant river best fished with attractor dry flies and nymphs. The famous "50-mile riffle" offers consistent fishing throughout.
Best Times of Day
Early morning and evening offer the best dry fly action. Midday nymphing is productive year-round. Low light conditions are best for streamer fishing.
Recommended Techniques
Fish the seams and edges of riffles, not just the obvious runs. During caddis hatches, swinging soft hackles can be deadly. For big browns, fish streamers early morning and during low light.
Water Conditions
Optimal flows are 1,000-2,500 CFS. Above 3,000 CFS, fishing becomes difficult. Water temps of 50-65°F are ideal.
Fly Selection
Attractor dry flies like Chubby Chernobyls work well throughout the season. Match caddis and PMD hatches when active. Streamers produce trophy browns in low light.
When is the Best Time to Fish Madison?
Spring
The Skwala hatch in March kicks off the season. Runoff can be challenging in May-June but fish remain active.
Summer
Prime time from July through September with Caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials. Evening fishing is exceptional.
Fall
October offers excellent streamer fishing for large browns. Fewer crowds and aggressive fish.
Winter
The Madison fishes well in winter below Ennis. Midges and BWOs bring fish up on warm days.
Access Points & Parking for Madison
Raynolds Pass
Upper river access near Hebgen Lake. Excellent early season fishing.
Lyons Bridge
Popular access between Quake Lake and Ennis. Good wade fishing.
Varney Bridge
Lower Madison access. Excellent for wading the famous riffle water.
Ennis Bridge
Town access with good wading opportunities.
Beartrap Canyon
Wilderness section with excellent fishing. Hike-in access only.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Madison Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round below Hebgen Lake.
Limits
Three trout daily, one over 18 inches. Rainbow trout must be released.
Special Regulations
Catch-and-release for rainbow trout. Single barbless hooks required in some sections.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Check the Madison River Foundation for current regulations and river conditions.
Always verify current regulations with Montana fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Madison
Local Fly Shops
- Blue Ribbon Flies - Ennis
- Madison River Fishing Company - Ennis
- The Tackle Shop - Ennis
Guide Services
- Madison River Outfitters
- Slide Inn Guides
- Montana Trout Outfitters
Other Rivers You Might Like
Popular forecasts outside Montana—great for trip planning and comparing conditions.
Other Montana Trout Rivers
Bitterroot
Blackfoot
Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Missouri (below Holter)
Big Hole River
Madison — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Madison?
Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.
What flies should I bring to the Madison?
For the Madison (freestone), carry: Chubby Chernobyl, Purple Haze, Pat's Rubber Legs, Delektable Hare, Sculpzilla.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Madison?
On the Madison, trout hold between 50° and 65°F. In summer, expect temps to swing with air temperature — fish early.
Do I need a fishing license for the Madison?
Yes — you need a valid Montana fishing license to fish the Madison. Local season: Open year-round below Hebgen Lake.. Daily limit: Three trout daily, one over 18 inches. Rainbow trout must be released..
What hatches should I watch for on the Madison in September?
BWO is the signature hatch on the Madison in September. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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