Updated 12/22/25

Current Flow: ~ 753 CFS @ Kirby Ranch near Cameron

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Rising Trout!

The Upper Madison River has been fishing well through December with clear flows and mild winter weather, making it a solid option for anglers seeking open water and active trout this time of year. Most sections from Lyons Bridge down through Ennis remain clear and accessible, and the best periods to fish have been late morning into the afternoon when water temperatures are marginally warmer and trout become more willing to eat. With overall clarity high and flows steady, fish are concentrating in slower, deeper water where current is manageable and holding spots are plentiful.

Nymphing continues to be the most productive method on the Upper Madison right now. Anglers are catching fish on classic winter rigs, using stonefly patterns like rubberlegs or larger nymphs up front followed by zebra midges, pheasant tails, and perdigons and tailwater favorites like sow bugs and scuds as droppers to get deep and trigger strikes in deep runs and seams. Getting flies down to the bottom has been more important than switching patterns frequently, especially when fish are sitting tight in subtle current breaks. Streamer fishing still draws looks on warmer, calmer afternoons with smaller sculpin- or baitfish-style patterns worked slowly through deeper water. Though rises to dries remain rare this time of year its always good to have a few midge dries in the box just incase, especially in the slower water back eddies near Reynolds Pass.

Looking ahead, anticipate classic winter trout behavior on the Upper Madison — fish will hold in soft edges, deep glides, and transitional seams where they can conserve energy yet access food. Midday fishing continues to outpace early-morning efforts, and swapping to smaller, subtler presentations can pull fish when larger attractors aren’t triggering aggression. Ice build-up along banks can developing in places, so choose stretches with steady flow and minimal anchoring ice for the best shot at uninterrupted fishing. Overall, the Upper Madison remains a dependable winter trout fishery, especially for anglers focusing subsurface tactics and timing their day to the warmest water window.

Recommended Flies
Nymphs: Perdigon #16–18, Wire Worm, Zebra Midge #16–18, Perdibomb #18, Slush Egg, Pat’s Rubberlegs #10–14, Scuds and Sow Bugs #14-18, 20 Incher #12, Radiation Baetis #18, Three Dollar Dip #16-18
Streamers: Sculpzilla (olive or black), Mini Dungeon, Mini Dolly Llama
Dries: BWO Cripple #18, Parachute Adams #18, Brooks Sprout Midge #18, Griffiths Gnat #18