Lower Madison Fishing Report

Updated 03/25/2026

Current Flow: ~ 1,160 CFS below Ennis Dam

The Lower Madison River has been fishing well and continues to be one of the more consistent early spring options around Bozeman. Warmer temperatures have moved into the region, with highs pushing into the 60s and even low 70s this week, helping to bump water temps slightly and get fish feeding more actively. As expected this time of year, the best fishing has been concentrated from late morning into the afternoon once the river warms up.

Wind has been the biggest factor lately, which lines up with typical March conditions. Some days have been tough, but when the wind lays down—even for a few hours—the fishing has been solid. It’s worth planning around those calmer windows or targeting more protected stretches to make the most of your time on the water.

Nymphing remains the most consistent approach. Double nymph rigs with a larger lead fly like a rubberlegs, zirdle, or worm paired with a smaller mayfly nymph or midge have been producing steady results. Fish are still holding in deeper buckets, slower seams, and softer inside edges, especially early in the day, but are starting to move more as temperatures rise. Getting flies down has been key to staying consistent.

Streamer fishing is also starting to pick up. Fish are beginning to key in on bigger meals, and smaller sculpin and baitfish patterns have been effective—especially on overcast days or when fished slow through deeper runs and along drop-offs. Mixing in a few streamer passes throughout the day has been worth it, particularly during low-light periods.

Dry fly fishing has been variable but improving. Midges remain the most consistent hatch, and we’re starting to see more Blue Wing Olive activity on cloudy afternoons. These windows have still been short, but when conditions line up—especially with reduced wind—fish are willing to come up. Expect these opportunities to become more consistent as we move further into late March.

Looking ahead, this warm stretch should continue to push things forward. Expect longer feeding windows, increased bug activity, and overall improving fishing day by day. The Lower typically shines this time of year, and it’s shaping up to be a solid early season option before runoff starts to creep in.

Recommended Flies:
Nymphs: Squirmy Worm #10 -12, 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, Wooly Bugger
Dries: BWO Emerger #18, Brooks Sprout Midge #18, Extended Body BWO #16-18, Griffiths Gnat #18

Learn More about the Madison in our Complete Madison River Fishing Guide - Hatches, Flies, Best times to fish, and Best places to fish