Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Current Upper Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Updated 09/19/2026
Current Flow: ~ 897 CFS @ Kirby Ranch near Cameron & 1150 CFS @ Ennis
The Upper Madison has started to pick up a little bit, although fishing is still somewhat hit or miss from day to day. Fish are definitely beginning to settle into their fall routines, and the cooler nights have helped keep water temperatures in good shape. There is also some electrofishing going on right now, which has moved a few fish around and may be affecting the fishing in certain stretches of the river. Keep that in mind when choosing where to fish over the next couple of weeks. Here is the remaining shocking schedule.
9/21-9/23 Pine Butte
9/24-25, 9/28- Varney
9/29-10/1- Palisades
Mornings have generally been a little slower, with fishing improving as the day warms up, so there isn't much need to race to the river at daylight right now.
Don't put the hoppers and terrestrials away just yet. Fish are still willing to look up for smaller hoppers, Micro Chubby Chernobyls, ants, beetles, and other smaller attractor dries, especially once things warm up in the afternoon. With another stretch of warmer weather in the forecast, we could still see some pretty good late-season terrestrial fishing before fall really takes over. There are also still some caddis hanging around, and Blue-Winged Olives are becoming more important, especially on cloudy days. Nymphing has been the most consistent way to put fish in the net. Larger Rubber Legs paired with Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Jig Napoleons, and smaller Baetis patterns have all been good choices. On brighter days, don't be afraid to mix in a flashy attractor Perdigon or similar small dropper.
Streamer fishing is starting to get moving as well. It has still been a little hit or miss depending on the day, but cloudy weather and lower-light periods have definitely been the better windows. Larger black leeches, baitfish patterns, and smaller sculpin-style streamers have all been worth throwing, and this should only continue to improve as we work farther into fall. The river is low and clear, so pay attention to your presentation and don't overlook deeper buckets, riffle edges, softer seams, and the skinny riffle water where some surprisingly nice fish can set up this time of year. Overall, the Upper Madison is trending in the right direction—we're not quite into full-blown fall fishing yet, but we're getting closer every day.
Learn More About Fly Fishing the Upper Madison River
The Upper Madison River is one of the most iconic trout fisheries in the West and a cornerstone of fly fishing near Bozeman. Flowing out of Hebgen Lake, this tailwater provides cold, consistent flows and excellent water clarity throughout much of the year. Because of this, the Upper Madison remains a dependable option even during spring runoff when many nearby freestone rivers become off-color or difficult to fish.
Known for its healthy populations of wild rainbow and brown trout, the Upper Madison offers a mix of fast riffles, long runs, and classic pocket water that fish well across a variety of techniques. Whether you’re nymphing deeper seams, throwing dry flies during seasonal hatches, or covering water with streamers, the Upper Madison rewards anglers who stay mobile and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Where to Fish the Upper Madison River
The most well-known stretches of the Upper Madison include the “50 Mile Riffle” between Lyon’s Bridge and Ennis, along with easy access points all along the river. These sections offer a wide range of water types and consistent fish populations, making them ideal for both wade anglers and float trips. The entire river provides excellent access and opportunities, with different sections fishing better depending on flows, weather, and time of year.
👉 Explore Our Complete Upper Madison River Fly Fishing Guide
Book a Guided Fly Fishing Trip on the Upper Madison River
A guided fly fishing trip on the Upper Madison River is one of the best ways to experience classic Montana trout fishing while maximizing your time on the water. Our Bozeman fly fishing guides spend countless days each season on the Upper Madison and understand how to adjust flies, techniques, and locations based on current river conditions.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or an experienced angler wanting to dial in your approach, we tailor every trip to your goals. From covering miles of productive water on a float trip to breaking down key holding water while wading, the Upper Madison offers one of the most consistent and rewarding guided fishing experiences in Southwest Montana.