Firehole River from road bridge .5 mile (.8 km) upstream of Old Faithful to road bridge at Biscuit Basin, 200 yards (182 m) either side of Midway footbridge. A little over 50 river miles from Hebgen Lake to Ennis Lake, The Upper Madison offers a wide variety of opportunities for the fly angler. $975. The river then runs nine miles, rushing through steep, rocky terrain that produces class IV and V rapids, ending near highway 84 around Black's Ford. The 2023 Yellow Dog Flyfishing Travel Guide is here! Madison River from Seven Mile Bridge upstream 250 yards (226 m). Streamer fishing can provide for solid action for brown trout, while attractor patterns such as Wolly Buggers work well for rainbow trout. It is often a great choice during this time of year as the angling pressure is minimal, and we can be off the water before the summer heat really starts to hit. We are located in the resort community of Big Sky Montana. A quiet trout town on the banks of the Madison River, Ennis is positioned within two hours of eight of our nation's . Cameron Bridge, Axtell Bridge, and Williams Bridge are all great starting points. Looking to fish more than one river on your Montana fishing vacation? Wolly Buggers are a popular pattern used during this period. Not to worry. The communities of Blue Ridge and Clarkesville in the North Georgia mountains are two of the best places for fly fishing around, especially for trout because of the cold water. Below you'll find a link to download our Madison River map. All fishermen can enjoy the river, as the dry fly fisherman, the nymph fisherman and the streamer fisherman all enjoy success on the river. The Madison River is the most famous fly fishing river in the West and remains the gold standard by which all other western rivers are judged. Residing on 350 acres, the wildlife is abundant and the views of the surrounding mountain ranges are stunning. If the wind is blowing and the insects arent out, the nymphing is always great this time of year too. Unmatched in diversity of fishable water, its easy to see why The Madison is a favorite for us here at Yellow Dog. For more complete information, please see the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park guide. River Maps; Misc Accessories; Rod Transportation; Clothing. Madison River fishing is great in Yellowstone National Park. During the fall, this stretch of the Madison River comes alive again, this time with large brown trout that migrate up from Hebgen Lake. The Gallatin River is not home to many monster trout. A summary of this section of the Madison River is provided below. By September, the large stoneflies have completed their yearly flights, the caddis are dwindling daily, and the summer crowds of anglers are headed back home for the winter. Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) make their appearance on the upper river on cloudy and calm days sometimes in blanket hatches. Our expert staff is supported by a fully-stocked fly shop. Lyons Bridge to McAtee Bridge As mentioned, spring and fall provide the best fishing opportunities on the lower Madison River. Expedition level inflatable kayaks work well for fishing and are ideal for long floats down remote Montana rivers and whitewater. For the top water angler, an Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 14-16 works extremely well during the summer. Its just one of those things that happen on the lower every year that gets everyone around here excited to get on the water. It is a great fishery in the spring and fall and relatively uncrowded as well. Hopper sizes should range from 4-10, with pretty much any hopper imitation working just fine. In addition, streamer patterns can be used in the summer months to catch the larger brown trout. The high temperatures of summer will frequently warm up the Madison River to temperature levels that require the park to close off all fishing. The Madison River begins in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon rivers. An enjoyable and effective method of fly-fishing for a variety of reasons. This article covers the following topics: Photographs of the Madison River & Madison Valley (separate page). A map of the upper Madison River is a helpful reference when planning your trip to Montana. This will bring every fish in the river up and feed on these bugs. Map Hatches There are many hatches on the Madison River but none as famous as the Salmonfly. Be sure to wear sturdy wading boots and even use a wading staff the boulders of the Madison are pretty unforgiving! Spring brings pre-spawn rainbow trout in the river that moves up from Ennis Lake to perform their yearly ritual. SMITH RIVER. Flowing from the park and into Hebgen Lake reservoir, the Madison River becomes affectionately known as the Upper once leaving Hebgen Lake. Many of the big Browns seem to disappear once the heat of the summer gets here but are found once again as the days get shorter and the nights cooler. Featuring the best flies from Umpqua, Montana Fly Company and Yellowstone Fly Goods. The Bear Trap Canyon section runs through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, and the river ends in the historic Missouri Headwaters State Park. With this change in regulation, so does the boat traffic. Anglers willing to walk away from these sites are likely to have the best fly fishing. The lodge also boasts a 1,000 sq. #thefishingcompany SUNGLASSES | NEW ARRIVALS FROM BAJIO View all Bajio Sunglasses Cometa Amber Tortoise Gloss Violet Mirror Bajio $199.00 Bajio Sunglasses Roca Shoal Black Matte Silver Mirror Bajio You will find redds on almost all of the shallow gravel bars throughout the river system. Below Lyons Bridge, fishing from a boat is permitted. MADISON RIVER MAP Main. The Slide: Quake Lake to Reynolds Pass The earthquake caused the whitewater on this section of river by creating a steep drop filled with rocks. Due to the slower water and the more finicky nature of brown trout, this stretch of the Madison River also is its most demanding. Less than three miles below Hebgen Dam, the river runs into another dam, this time naturally made, at Quake Lake. If flows north about 30 miles before joining with the Gallatin and Jefferson to form the Missouri. Is the Madison River open to fishing? It needs to be noted that the Madison River directly below Beartrap Canyon can be swamped with recreational floaters during the summer particularly on the weekends. The first thirty miles of the river in this section resembles a never-ending riffle, with little of the standard trout habitat one would expect to find. In the mornings they tend to be deeper with the fish eating on near top in the afternoons. High water rarely slows this section down, and water clarity stays consistent enough to fish when most area rivers are blown out and unfishable. Current estimates put the number of rainbow trout in this section that are ten inches or greater over 1500-2000 fish per mile. High, cloudy water can severely reduce the both the hatch and the anglers ability to catch anything. River miles are shown for floating distances. High water rarely slows this section down, and water clarity stays consistent enough to fish when most area rivers are blown out and unfishable. Permanently Closed to Fishing. Anticipate high boat numbers and minimal wade anglers. Each fall, very large brown trout migrate out of Ennis Lake to spawn. Still part of the wade only section, boats are permitted here, but fishing from the boat is not allowed. For anglers in search of consistently large rainbow or brown trout, visit another nearby river, such as the Yellowstone or Madison. 1060 CFS @ Kirby - The Upper has been on fire as of recently. Its best to keep an eye out for this and to avoid it to the best of your ability at all times. Additionally, due to the rivers narrow width and extremely fast flows, fishing from a speeding boat is exceptionally difficult. Permits can be bought at area fly shops, visitors centers within the park, backcountry offices, and the Yellowstone General Stores and prices vary by length. The Madison River ends where the Missouri River begins, near the town of Three Forks and the Missouri River Headwaters State Park. Fishing is seasonal in nature, with the best fly fishing being during early summer and again in the fall. Tough (almost impossible) to fish in high water, we recommend fishing this section once flows are below 1,400 CFC (Below 1300 CFS is ideal). Because it flows out of Ennis Lake, the river is less affected by the spring runoff than other local rivers like the Yellowstone and Gallatin. Gardner River Map. Fall As the current is slower and the fish are spookier, care must be used when fly fishing this section. Be prepared for all four seasons when in the Madison valley during the fall. Once the Madison River leaves Yellowstone National Park, it flows for only a short distance before reaching Hebgen Lake. Constructed from high-grade graphite, its lightweight design ensures lasting durability and maximum sensitivity while casting. Stop by one of the local fly shops and pick the brains of some local experts, then proceed south on Hwy. Winter dry fly fishing on the lower is classic match the hatch midge and Baetis dry fly fishing at its best. For the visiting angler wishing to avoid the crowds or for the angler who prefers to use standard dry flies, consider visiting this section of the Madison River anytime after mid-July. Hooked Outfitting is a Madison River fly fishing outfitter based in Ennis, Montana. Each are covered separately on this page. The river is only 20 minutes from our Bozeman fly shop and works well for both floating and wading guided fly fishing trips. View more info about selected fishing access sites at the Montana FWP website. Reminders of the glacial periods are everywhere, and the river is unlike any other in the world. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Madison River Map. Youll also find no shortage of guide traffic as many guides from Bozeman, Ennis, and Big Sky call this section home for a large portion of the fishing season. We recommend that anglers should fish first thing in the morning or sleep in and do an afternoon float. Madison Double R Calling the Madison Valley home, MDR sits just upstream of Varney Bridge right on the banks of The Madson. However, to truly take advantage of the incredible dry fly fishing, getting out of the boat and wading the banks is the ticket. Below Ennis, three channels exist for its run into Ennis Lake. Salmon flies steal the show on the Madison in late June or early July (water temp dependent) bringing the largest fish in the river to eat your dry fly. You can also visit our Madison River Fly Fishing page for detailed information on each of the Madison River access sites. It's also a great time to sightfish as flows are extremely low and clear. The best time to fly fish this section is during late spring and again in the fall. Floaters can also put in directly beneath Hebgen Dam, allowing for a short float down to Quake Lake that also requires a short paddle. . With the change of seasons comes the change in weather too. Sturdy wading boots that are studded are just short of required in this fast-moving water. + Listen to this WAYPOINTS Podcast:JAKE WELLS Planning the Perfect Trip to Montana, The upper Madison River is perhaps the most famous and highly regarded wild trout stream in the Western US. The bulk of the fly fishing pressure on this stretch occurs during the Salmon Fly hatch. But the smaller creeks like Rock, Cooper . MDR will happily assist you in lining up activities in the Madison Valley and further. The Madison River has a very fast current on this section, and is also closed to float fishing. The active geysers of Yellowstone keep the Madison River very high in fertility, and also keep the temperatures of the water warm. Also, the warm water temperatures cause the aquatic vegetation to grow like weeds, which can sometimes make fishing challenging. The fact that it runs south to north can be a bit disorienting. Brown trout are the main trout species in the Madison River downstream from Madison Dam. Madison River Fly Fishing The Madison is one of the most famous rivers in Montana as the fishing and the scenery is amazing. With the wind isnt howling, you will find incredible BWO hatches in the winter months. Dead drift nymphing, twitch, or swinging crayfish imitations is always a go-to here. These access sites are easy to reach. Madison River Fly Fishing | Ennis, Montana The Upper Madison River The Madison River is classified as a blue ribbon trout stream. 84 to Norris, then take a left and proceed to the quaint fishing hub of Ennis. The channel of the river was also altered by the slide as the Army Corps of Engineers scrambled to build a channel for the river before a catastrophic flood would have occurred. Fishing early or late will provide you the best opportunity to enjoy the river alone or with a few other dedicated anglers. With only two public access points, anglers that put on the boot miles are rewarded with a river void of people yet full of hungry trout. The river will typically be in pretty poor shape for 2-3 weeks each year in late May and early June but still remains fishable to some degree. Keep a close eye on the banks and look for subtle rises. Despite the lack of apparent trout habitat, the fishing in this section is perhaps the finest on the river. With 2900 - 3500 fish per mile, it's no wonder anglers flock to these renown waters. Dry fly fishing is the most useful technique for the resident fish in June, with nymphs and streamers employed for the big boys in the fall. ft workout facility complete with all the amenities youll find at your home gym. Runoff tends to be short and sweet on the Madison, which rarely affects fishing for more than a week or two. Surrounded by the Madison Range and Gravelly Range, youll experience stunning 360 views while enjoying your after-fishing cocktail from the full bar. As the river spills from Beartrap Canyon, the Madison River slows down substantially and turns into a decent fishery for brown trout with some rainbow trout scattered in as well. Other popular imitations that should be in the top waters fly box include the Blue Winged Olive, the Pale Morning Dun (a must! Just three miles north of Ennis, youll find yourself surrounded by snow-capped peaks, wildlife, and hungry trout that call The Madison home. The wading becomes a bit easier here, and you can spend a lifetime learning all the side channels and runs! The recent break in the weather has helped increase the opportunities. Our pristine "wade only" section of river is renowned for its excellent fly fishing. The Lower sections of the Madison throughout Bear Trap canyon to the Greycliff fishing access provides consistent midge fishing throughout the winter. Similar to the Mac to Varney section, the water here can be a little difficult to read, but once you identify the holding water and the gravel buckets, you can often find fish stacked in these and will eagerly eat a well-presented fly. Thus, if the Madison River happens to be a moving sea of mud during the hatch, anglers will find more success fishing further upstreamsuch as right below Hebgen Dam or up in Yellowstone National Parkwhere the water is likely to be clear. Consequently, streamer fishing on the Madison River during the fall involves casting the streamers right along the banks, even into very shallow water, and retrieving them quickly. Few pools, boulder gardens or undercut banks await the angler. Below Varvey Bridge, the Madison begins to form a character of its own. Once the river leaves the Bear Trap Canyon, it dramatically changes character, becoming wider with a seemingly gentle flow all the way to Three Forks, where it joins the Jefferson River and Gallatin River to form the Missouri River. Considered to be a year-round fishery, you can experience various hatches, scenery, and even fishing techniques given the time of year you decide to fish. Gallatin River Lodge Located just 10 minutes west of Bozeman, Montana sits the Gallatin River Lodge. As with most of the larger rivers in the area, the Madison River is affected by the spring runoff and is often too high and dirty for fishing at some point each year (mid-May-mid June). Further south, Hwy. Its best to pack accordingly with an insulated jacket, waders, beanie, and gloves. Popular flies include the Emergent Sparkle Pupa, Elk Hair Caddis, Sparkle Dun, Pale Morning Dun, Parachute Adams and the Green Drake, all in sizes 12-16. Use only artificial flies regardless of the type of rod or line. Both Brown and Rainbow Trout are found in the Madison, with the average resident fish running 12-15" and the average lake fish in the fall running 16-21". There have been periods of good dry fly fishing, streamer fishing, and nymph fishing but it has been all over the place for the most part. Montana Fishing Map. Established in 1988. Be sure to give yourself a whole day to get down the 16 to 19-mile stretch. From the mid 70s and sunny to sideways snow or sheets of rain. This upper section is like a giant spring creek. But as always when shore fishing, fishing tends to be better the further away you get from the access site. The section of river between Hebgen Dam and Raynolds Pass Fishing Access Site has the fastest and most turbulent river flows. The lower Madison River is considered to be the Madison River from below Ennis Lake, downstream to the headwaters of the Missouri River. West Madison - 4 miles down. Mcatee Bridge - 3 miles. Gallatin River. The Madison River ranks as one of the top trout fly fising waters in Montana. The fact that it runs south to north can be a bit disorienting. It should be noted that wading in this section is not for the faint of heart. Several Class IV rapids and numerous Class II and III rapids exist, requiring a high quality raft with an experienced paddler. Due to the very fast flows, fishing is very difficult on this section from a boat. The Madison River also becomes more challenging to fish, as the un-ending riffles found upstream come to an end, providing the angler with less forgiving terrain. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and focusing on Montana cuisine, youll leave the table full each night and the open bar is ready to provide you with a nightcap before retiring to your room. Leaving Ennis Lake begins the Bear Trap Canyon section, and the steep rocky cliffs, fast gradient, and difficult wading will make you feel like youre in a different world than the river upstream. The onWater app consists of hand-curated maps for fisheries across the nation that contain an incredible amount of useful data such as river flows, access sites, private/public land boundaries, float distances and more. The Madison River offers anglers some of the finest blue ribbon fly fishing in Montana. A mix of brown trout and rainbow trout are found along this stretch of the Madison River. The Redington Strike Fly Rod is designed for Euro Nymph fly fishing, delivering precise accuracy and excellent power. Use large streamers and attractors, heavily weighted, putting them down in the numerous holes in this section. As the upper Madison River leaves Yellowstone National Park, it flows into Hebgen Lake and then works north through the Hebgen Dam and Quake Lake. The Madison River offers exceptional fishing in a beautiful setting. Below Lyons Bridge, fishing from a boat is permitted. Popular streamer flies are Muddler Minnows and Zonkers, all in the larger sizes, 2-6. The Lower Madison The wind is no stranger to the Madison valley in the spring months, and the stray snow squall can appear out of nowhere. Fly fishing the Madison River is the dream destination of all avid fly anglers. The "Golden Triangle" consists of the section . This is the time of year when water temperatures are ideal for keeping the fish feeding throughout the day, water levels keep the larger fish spread out throughout the river, and the weeds are not an issue. With that said, the trout numbers are high, and this section fishes all year consistently. The town favorite. As water temperatures approach and exceed 70 degrees, trout become physiologically stressed, so we start fishing around sunrise and are typically off the water by 2 pm. Shirts; Layering & Hoodies; Jackets; Pants; . Holding water is everywhere, and there are days when it seems like there is a big fish sitting just behind every boulder in the middle of the river. The fishing, however, is never easy. 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