Fly Fishing the Upper Madison River This Summer: Where to Go, What to Use, and When
Welcome to Summer Fly Fishing on the Upper Madison River
If you’re planning a trip to fish Montana this summer, the Upper Madison River should be at the top of your list. Located just an hour from Bozeman, the Upper Madison is one of the most legendary and productive trout rivers in the American West. With fast, cold water, stunning scenery, and a rich variety of hatches, it offers a fly fishing experience that’s perfect for both seasoned anglers and those stepping into waders for the very first time.
At Rising Trout Fly Fishing, we guide on the Madison all summer long — and this river never fails to deliver. Whether you're here to chase the legendary salmonfly hatch or simply want to enjoy a float through big water under Montana’s wide-open sky, this guide will help you fish smarter and enjoy more success.
The Upper Madison: Where to Fish
Often referred to as the “Fifty Mile Riffle,” the Upper Madison flows from Hebgen Lake down to Ennis Lake, and offers miles of easily accessible water full of wild brown and rainbow trout.
Here’s a breakdown of the best stretches to fish during the summer:
Between the Lakes (Hebgen to Quake Lake)
This short tailwater section below Hebgen Dam is cool, clear, and fishes great all summer. It’s a bit more technical, with gin-clear water, but the rewards are big — this section regularly produces some of the largest trout on the Upper Madison.
Great for: Nymphing, dry-dropper setups, and stealthy dry fly fishing
Best fished: On foot, using light tippet and small flies
Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge
This stretch features classic walk-and-wade water with long riffles, runs, and pocket water. It’s perfect for anglers of all skill levels and hosts the bulk of the summer hatches.
Best access points: Raynolds Pass Bridge, $3 Bridge
Great for: Dry flies during hatches, nymphing, and hopper-dropper fishing mid to late summer
Lyons Bridge to Ennis
From here, the river opens up and becomes more boat-friendly. This stretch is ideal for float trips, with wider water, deeper runs, and lots of side channels. It’s also where we guide most of our full-day floats during summer.
Best access points: Lyons Bridge, Ruby, McAtee, Palisades, Varney Bridge, Ennis
Great for: Salmonflies, golden stones, caddis, PMD’s and terrestrials later in summer
Summer Hatches on the Upper Madison
The Upper Madison boasts some of the most consistent and exciting summer hatches in Montana. Here’s what to expect throughout the season: *Note This summer with unusually warm spring temps, expect hatches to start a little earlier.
Salmonflies (Late June – Early July)
This is the Madison’s most famous hatch, and for good reason. These huge stoneflies (sizes 4–8) bring even the biggest browns to the surface. The hatch begins near Ennis Lake and progresses upstream. It can be short-lived, but unforgettable.
Top flies:
Chubby Chernobyl (orange/tan, size 6–10)
Blackout Stone
Henry’s Fork Salmonfly
SupaFly Salmonfly
Fools Gold Salmonfly
Pat’s Rubber Legs (to fish pre-hatch or subsurface)
Guide Tip: Focus on banks, undercut edges, and any structure near the bank. Big fish often feed tight to the edge during the hatch. But don’t overlook the buckets in the middle of the river.
Golden Stones (Early–Mid July)
Following the salmonflies, golden stones offer a longer window of surface action. Trout continue to key on them long after the big bugs have faded.
Top flies:
Yellow Chubby Chernobyl
Supa Fly Golden
Water Walker (golden)
Stimulators (size 8–12)
PMDs – Pale Morning Duns (Late June through July)
These small mayflies hatch steadily throughout the summer and bring reliable dry fly action in the mornings and early afternoons.
Top flies:
Sparkle Dun PMD (16–18)
Cripple PMD Emerger
Rusty Spinner (evening)
PMD Soft Hackle
Caddis (June – August)
Caddis hatch most evenings on the Upper Madison, especially on warm, calm nights. Trout will move into the riffles and feed aggressively at dusk.
Top flies:
X-Caddis (tan/olive, size 14–18)
Corn Fed Caddis
Jakes All Season Caddis – Foam Body and great for heavier droppers
CDC Caddis Emerger
Elk Hair Caddis
Terrestrials (Mid July – September)
After the main aquatic hatches fade, fish turn to grasshoppers, ants, and beetles — all summer staples for trout living in grassy meadows and along the banks.
Top flies:
Morrish Hopper
Thunder Thigh Hopper
Fools Gold Hopper
Parachute Ant (black or cinnamon)
Foam Beetle
Fat Albert
Best Flies to Use on the Upper Madison This Summer
Here’s a go-to list of patterns our guides rely on daily:
Dry Flies
Chubby Chernobyl (orange, yellow, tan)
Morrish Hopper
Henneberry Hopper
Thunder Thigh Hopper
Purple Haze
PMD Sparkle Dun
X-Caddis
Corn Fed Caddis
Jakes All Season Caddis
Parachute Ant
Nymphs
Pat’s Rubber Legs (black/brown/olive)
Pheasant Tail
Frenchie
PMD Split Case
Hare’s Ear
Shop Vac
Silveys Sparkle Pupa
CDC sowbug
Pearl Perdigon
Streamer Options
Mini Dungeon
Thin Mint
Sculpzilla
Olive or Black Woolly Bugger
Guide Tip: A dry-dropper rig is your best friend on the Upper Madison in summer. Use a hopper or large Chubby on top and drop a small beadhead nymph 18- 30 inches below for maximum coverage. Adjust the depth for the section of water are fishing.
Tips for Visiting and Beginner Anglers
If you’re new to fly fishing, or new to Montana, the Upper Madison is a great place to start — but it can also be challenging. Here are a few quick tips:
Use caution when wading: The current is fast and the bottom is rocky. Wading boots with solid soles and a staff help a lot.
Cover water: Fish are spread out, and moving upstream methodically will help you find feeding trout.
Hire a guide: A guided float or wade trip will help you learn the river faster, improve your technique, and maximize your chances of success.
Time your day: Morning and evening are best in mid-summer. During mid-day heat, fish deeper or switch to terrestrials.
Book Your Upper Madison Fly Fishing Trip Today
Whether you're hoping to fish the famous salmonfly hatch, drift hoppers under the Big Sky, or just catch your first wild Montana trout, the Upper Madison River is the place to be this summer.
At Rising Trout Fly Fishing, we guide on the Madison all season long and would love to show you what makes this river one of the best in the West.
🎣 Click here to book your trip or reach out to learn more about float and wade options for your time in Bozeman.
