Madison River Fly Fishing in Montana

The Madison River is one of Montana's best rivers because it features excellent fly fishing, offers a high trout population with consistent fishing success, and flows through an exceptionally beautiful area near Bozeman, Montana.

The Madison River is formed by the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers in Yellowstone National Park and runs north through West Yellowstone, Ennis and finally Three Forks to join the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to form the Missouri headwaters.

Madison River outfitters and guides listed here are ready to help make your Madison River Fishing experience the best it can be. These local experts are professional and personable, offering exemplary knowledge and experience to anglers of any skill level as well as appropriate equipment recommendations.

Best Place to Fish

A world renowned stretch of the Madison between Quake and Ennis Lakes, known as the “fifty mile riffle,” features great rainbow and brown trout catches consistently for both novice and expert anglers.

Best Time to Fish

Madison Fly fishing is great most of the year except December and January. Key species include westslope cutthroat trout, whitefish, and the Arctic grayling. Rainbow and brown trout average between 12 -17 inches approximately.

Hatches on the Madison include caddis, salmonflies, golden stoneflies, and several mayfly species like the Blue-winged Olive, Pale Morning Dun and Trico. Hoppers come later in the summer, and woolly buggers, other streamers, and various nymphs are a staple throughout the season.