Updated 12/22/25

Current Flow: ~ 1,160 CFS below Ennis Dam

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Rising Trout!

The Lower Madison River below Ennis Lake continues to fish well as winter progresses, thanks to stable flows and relatively mild daytime temperatures keeping water clear and fish active, especially from late morning into the afternoon when the river warms slightly. Wind has been a factor some days, so picking stretches with natural shelter can improve comfort and presentation.

Nymphing is by far the most consistent tactic right now, with anglers finding success deep in slower water, buckets, and inside bends. Patterns like zirdles, small crayfish nymphs, worms, baetis/midge nymphs, perdigons and tailwater favorites like sow bugs and scuds, fished under an indicator or with enough weight to reach the bottom are producing steady results. Fish are stacking in deeper runs with steady current, and it often pays to focus on these productive lies rather than constantly moving around. Streamer action has shown up on overcast days, with smaller baitfish and sculpin-style patterns triggering takes when fished through deeper water. Dry-fly opportunities are limited, though midge and occasional BWO activity can generate a few rises in the warmest light.

Mild daytime temps should continue and keep fishing pretty good for most of the week. Overall, the Lower Madison remains a dependable winter trout fishery, and anglers adapting to afternoon windows and subsurface presentations are finding good action, especially in deeper seams and slower edges where fish are holding up in the colder water

Recommended Flies:
Nymphs: Wire Worm #8–10, Perdigon #16–18, Ray Charles #18, Zebra Midge #16–18, Eggs #12-14, Scuds and Sowbugs #14-18, Fire Starter #18, Rainbow Warrior #18
Streamers: Sparkle Minnow, Thin Mint, Egg Sucking Leech, Mini Dolly Llama
Dries: BWO Emerger #18, Brooks Sprout Midge #18, Extended Body BWO #16-18, Griffiths Gnat #18