Madison River
river in Montana
Known as the '50-mile riffle,' the Madison is Montana's most iconic trout stream, offering consistent action for browns and rainbows.
River flow last 30 days
October Caddis (Dry) #10: An essential fall dry
- 01October Caddis (Dry) #10: An essential fall dry, matching the large caddis active this month. Fish it tight to the banks for aggressive takes.
- 02Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun #20: Crucial for selective trout rising to intermittent BWO hatches. Focus on softer water.
- 03Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs #8: A proven weighted stonefly nymph for getting deep, mimicking the active 'little golden stones' subsurface.
- 04Woolly Bugger (Olive) #6: Perfect for prospecting deeper runs; this streamer entices aggressive fall browns by imitating leeches and baitfish.
- 05Zebra Midge #20: A year-round producer, crucial when hatches are sparse, imitating abundant midge pupae for picky fish.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
October Caddis (Dry)
An essential fall dry, matching the large caddis active this month, which are becoming a significant factor in regional reports and seasonal knowledge.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Crucial for selective trout rising to consistent BWO hatches, especially on overcast days, as noted in regional reports and seasonal context.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
As fall progresses, larger brown trout become aggressive. This versatile streamer is perfect for prospecting deeper runs, imitating leeches and baitfish.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
A proven weighted stonefly nymph for getting deep, mimicking active 'little golden stone' nymphs which are a consistent food source in fall.
Buy at AmazonPine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic trout in fall.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg season for trout below spawning salmon and resident trout, providing an opportunistic food source.
Buy at AmazonTravis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches for trout feeding in the film, making this high-visibility pattern effective for spotting subtle takes.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round, becoming even more important as water temperatures drop in the fall for picky fish.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Between the Lakes
The premier wade fishing stretch between Quake and Hebgen Lakes, famous for its heavy currents and large rainbows.
Kirby Ranch Access
A major access point near West Yellowstone, perfect for checking hatches and water levels.
Varney Bridge Access
A popular float boat launch site on the '50-mile riffle' section below McAtee Bridge.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Gallatin River Guides
Wild Trout Outfitters
The Tackle Shop
Angler's West Fly Shop
Get Madison River reports by email
Every Thursday: conditions, hatches and what's working across Montana, with Madison River at the top.
Montana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where
Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Quick answers
Common questions about Madison River.
What flies work best on Madison River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Madison River right now are Morrish Hopper (95% confidence), Chubby Chernobyl (95% confidence), Pheasant Tail Nymph (90% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Madison River?
Madison River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Westslope Cutthroat Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Madison River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Madison River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Madison River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Madison River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.