Madison River (National Park Section)
river in Wyoming
Inside Yellowstone National Park, the Madison is a mecca for fly anglers, especially during the fall when large lake-run trout enter the river.
River flow last 30 days
What's working on Madison River
- 01Madison River (National Park Section) is currently closed for fishing until May 1st, 2026.
- 02Current weather is clear and 48°F with light wind, offering comfortable fishing conditions for the broader Madison River.
- 03River flow is 296 cfs, a fishable level for fall.
- 04Expect Blue-Winged Olive and midge hatches to be the primary insect activity in early October on the Madison.
- 05Egg patterns, streamers, and large stonefly nymphs are highly effective for subsurface feeding in the fall.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for predatory trout in colder fall waters.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round, especially effective in colder water during 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 spawning season for some species, and trout will key into egg patterns below spawning fish.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are a key fall hatch. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults, particularly on overcast days.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
A weighted stonefly nymph is excellent for getting deep in the current and imitating large dislodged insects, a crucial tactic in fall flows.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Baetis Nymph
Active early spring mayfly nymph activity, imitating the subsurface stage of Blue-Winged Olives, which are prevalent in fall.
October Caddis (Dry)
The October Caddis hatch can provide opportunities for larger dry fly takes in fall.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Barns Pools
An iconic pool known for late-season runs of large browns and rainbows from Hebgen Lake.
Madison Junction
The area where the Firehole and Gibbon rivers meet, forming the Madison.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Madison River Outfitters
TroutHunter
Henry's Fork Anglers
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Wyoming season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
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Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
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Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Madison River (National Park Section).
What flies work best on Madison River (National Park Section)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Madison River (National Park Section) right now are Woolly Bugger (Olive) (80% confidence), Zebra Midge (80% confidence), Griffith's Gnat (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Madison River (National Park Section)?
Madison River (National Park Section) holds Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Madison River (National Park Section)?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Madison River (National Park Section) are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Madison River (National Park Section) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Madison River (National Park Section) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.