Madison River Fly Fishing
MADISON RIVER - ONE OF MONTANA'S MOST OUTSTANDING
The Madison River is considered by many to be Montana's most outstanding river. Why? One: it features superb dry fly fishing even for first-time novices. Two: it has very high trout density per mile. Three: it offers consistent fishing action. And four: it presents some of the most picturesque scenery imaginable.
Featured Listings: (add your listing)
Fins and Feathers Fly Shop - Madison River Experts
We are one of Southwest Montana's best fly shops and professional guide services. Click for rates, photo gallery, rentals, online shopping and up-to-date river reports.
(877) 790-5303
Meadow Creek Outfitting - Madison River experts
Who knows how to fish the Madison River best? Those who live & operate along the river everyday. Based near Ennis, we offer exceptional experiences for experts and beginners.
(406) 682-5654
Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishers
Guided fly fishing trips on area spring creeks, Yellowstone and Madison Rivers year-round. Check live river & water reports online, fly recommendations, and get free advice.
(406) 585-5321
Madison River Listings: (add your listing)
Grey Cliffs Ranch & Lodge - near the Madison
Unparalleled luxury accommodations, coupled w/5000 acres of private land and Madison River access, provide many opportunities for wildlife, fishing, upland bird hunts & more.
(406) 285-6512
Other Related Listings: (add your listing)
Angler's West Guide Service - Bozeman & Livingston
Southwest Montana flyfishing experts. Daily guided trips or custom multi-day adventures on the Yellowstone, Madison and local Spring Creeks. Full-service shop & daily reports.
(406) 333-4401
Big Boys Toys - Rent rafts or boats for the river
Rent rafts, drift boats, inner tubes, canoes, boat trailers and more. Plus, ATVs, Snowmobiles, Golf Carts and Jet Skis. Load yourself, or we can arrange delivery.
(406) 587-4747
El Western Cabins and Lodges - Ennis, MT
Hand-crafted log cabins, completely furnished & impeccably maintained in Ennis. Creekside suite, deluxe kitchen unit w/fireplace or family lodges. Adjacent to Madison River.
(800) 831-2773
Jeffers Inn B&B - near Madison River in Ennis, MT
A haven of comfort for the Madison River angler, we're just 1/2 mile from legendary riffles & pools. Ladies will love our historic elegance and refined details.
(406) 682-7000
Montana Troutfitters - Madison River trips
Providing the most current river and hatch conditions in the Bozeman fishing area, we are the local's preferred choice for gear, fishing guides, videos & tying materials.
(406) 587-4707
Mountain Home Rentals on Madison & Blaine Creek
Two unique homes with private access onto Blaine Spring Creek in Ennis. Great selection of private homes and cabin on the Madison and other area rivers.
(800) 550-4589
YD Flies - Fishing Flies at 20% below wholesale!
Planning your fishing trip to Montana? Order your flies today and we'll have them to you before you go! Excellent quality, 20% below wholesale!
(970) 927-7089
Located in Southwestern Montana, the Madison is formed by the Firehole
and Gibbon Rivers within Yellowstone National Park and runs north through the towns of West Yellowstone, Ennis and finally
Three Forks where it joins the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to form
the headwaters of the Missouri.
THE FIFTY MILE RIFFLE
Known as the "fifty mile riffle", it seems that the waters of the Madison between Quake and Ennis Lakes never changes. This is a world renowned stretch with huge rainbow trout and brown trout as the main attraction. Contrary to many classic rivers which featured classic riffle, tail-out, pool structures, the upper Madison's features are more subtle, yet still hold impressive sizes and quantities of trout.
Since the river flows at a steady pace of five miles per hour, the large trout do not get a chance to consider whether your fly is actually real fish food or not; the novice fisherman can experience greater catch success; and the river becomes very accessible, easy to wade, and easily drifted depending on the time of year.
The Madison offers superlative fishing for most of the year except the extreme winter months (December and January). Key species include westslope cutthroat trout, whitefish, and the rare appearance of Arctic grayling. The rainbow and brown trout average between 13 and 18 inches, although 20 inches or larger are caught regularly during all seasons.
Hatches on the Madison can be voluminous and include many varieties of caddis, salmonflies, golden stoneflies, and several mayfly species like the Blue-winged Olive, Pale Morning Dun and Trico. Grasshoppers emerge later in the summer. Woolly Buggers, other streamers, and different sizes and styles of nymphs are also a staple throughout the season.
FISHING SUCCESS ANY TIME, ON ANY DAY, WITH EVERY CAST!
Madison River holds out the promise that at any time, on any day, with every cast, a fly fisherman can achieve his personal best. Even given this joy, however, the trout can still often be a runner-up to the non-aquatic wildlife. Bald eagles and osprey fishing are quite a common sight, and you may even be lucky enough to spot a moose, river otter or black bear paying a visit to the river.
EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE OUTFITTERS
Outfitters for this premier Montana river are plentiful and professional. You will find some of the finest fly shops servicing the Madison River, featuring an impressive selection of quality fly fish tackle, custom flies, clothing and more. Outfitters here understand that the trip is about you and the fish. Their knowledge and experience will guarantee that fly fishermen of all skill levels and interests will experience Madison River fly fishing at its absolute best!
Other pages you might find helpful:
Madison River Foundation
Organization that endeavors to preserve, protect and enhance the Madison River ecosystem.
Montana Fly Fishing
West Yellowstone Montana fly fishing trips.
network of Travel Guides