Madison RiverFly Fishing Reports

We are in the typical late fall, not quite winter, mode of fly fishing on the Madison River near Big Sky, Ennis, and Bozeman. The fly fishing action be quite good or you can work really hard in some inclement weather. Right now there is no one dominant food source so the trout have been pretty opportunistic IF the weather remains consistent for at least a few days. The Upper Madison from Hebgen Dam down through Quake Lake and into the Ennis area is fishing well for this time of year. Water flows are stable with good clarity in most sections, though visibility can vary from 24 to 30 inches depending on location. The skinny riffles hold some surprisingly large fish this time of year as large brown trout explore shallow areas in preparation to spawn. Browns are becoming more aggressive as they move into pre-spawn mode, making streamer fishing particularly productive. Blue Wing Olives (BWO's) make their appearance on the upper river on cloudy and calm days - sometimes in blanket hatches. This will bring every fish in the river up and feed on these bugs. The Blue-winged Olive hatch has been reliable during midday periods, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM when water temperatures climb slightly. On cloudy days fish will also rise to thick baetis hatches, especially up by Quake lake. Certainly, the quietest months on the Madison river system, November through February, find blowing snow, shelf ice, and (if the stars align) blanket hatches of midges. Morning midge activity has been consistent, with clusters forming in the slower pools and eddies. The Upper Madison will cool down in the late fall as temps drop and the wind becomes tougher. Weather has been typical for November with cold mornings requiring layered clothing and the possibility of afternoon wind. With the change of seasons comes the change in weather too. Be prepared for all four seasons when in the Madison valley during the fall. From the mid 70's and sunny to sideways snow or sheets of rain. Wading and insulated jackets are required, and even a spare set of clothes in a dry bag isn't a bad idea. Despite cooler conditions, fish remain active throughout most of the day, particularly during the warmer afternoon periods. The section between the lakes continues to produce quality fish, with rainbows and browns feeding actively on subsurface offerings. IMPORTANT: never walk on or fish to redds. Please respect spawning areas and avoid fishing to or walking through visible redds to protect our future fishery.

Focus your efforts during the warmest part of the day from 11 AM to 4 PM when fish are most active. Streamers and tandem nymph rigs are the go-to now unless fish are actively rising to baetis. When fishing streamers, Fall is also the time to search out that trophy brown trout with streamers. Large, dark, and articulated streamers fished on an intermediate sinking line can bring you the fish of the year. Work your streamers slowly with long pauses, as cold water fish won't chase aggressively. For nymphing, Some days larger nymphs like rubber legs can produce, but don't miss out on trying small baetis emergers. Make sure to have some smaller baetis nymphs like RS2s. Because trout will feed on BWOs during any of the four stages, it is important to have a selection of nymphs, emergers, adult dries, and adult spinners. During BWO hatches, watch for subtle rises in the slower water and foam lines. Fish 5X or 6X tippet for dry fly presentations, but don't hesitate to use 4X for nymphing and streamer work. Target the deeper runs and pocket water during colder morning periods, then transition to shallower riffles and banks as the day warms. The fall fishing season requires patience and observation - take time to watch the water before making your first cast. Remember that fish are preparing for winter and feeding opportunistically to build energy reserves.

November on the Lower Madison River near Bozeman and Big Sky is one of the more reliable fly fishing options in all of southwest Montana. Even with some inclement weather, trout on the Lower Madison often feed more consistently than trout on other Montana rivers because of warmer water temps. The Lower Madison from Ennis Lake down through Bear Trap Canyon continues to provide excellent fishing opportunities. Water temperatures remain more stable here than on other area rivers, keeping fish active even during cold snaps. Our guides have been reporting strong hatches of Blue Winged Olives hatching and most reports say that the BWO bite is best in the mid day. The Blue-winged Olive hatches have been particularly strong between 11 AM and 2 PM, with clouds and overcast conditions producing the best emergences. The Lower Madison has been fishing well for anglers wanting to head-hunt rising trout on dry flies. Surface activity has been consistent when conditions align, particularly in the slower pools and along current seams. The fish are definitely looking for big pieces of meat including crayfish and baitfish. Streamer fishing has been productive, especially in the deeper runs and around structure. The streamer bite has been ok and our Montana fly fishing guides have reported the best action occurring when slowly stripping or dragging streamers. Be sure to add a dropper nymph off any dragged streamer. This often times can increase catch rates. The tandem rig approach has been particularly effective, combining the attraction of a larger streamer with the subtlety of a trailing nymph. The Lower Madison River is going to be a little more consistent than some other rivers. It is a favorite option of many of our fishing guides in the fall. Water clarity remains good throughout most of the lower river, though some sections may have slight color after recent weather systems. As we move into November, egg patterns should be considered as an option behind a streamer or crayfish pattern. The addition of egg patterns to your arsenal becomes increasingly important as spawning activity continues upstream. The late fall and winter on the Lower Madison is an ideal local option for anglers in Bozeman and Big Sky. The Lower is a decent winter fishery. This section of river provides some of the most consistent early winter fishing opportunities in the region.

Time your fishing for midday when water temperatures peak and insect activity increases. It is now time to focus on Blue Winged Olives, streamers, and timing things right. With long, cool nights and crisp mornings, there is no need to start early. In fact, the best fishing now is going to occur from mid-morning until about an hour before the sun goes down. Focus on the deeper pools and runs where fish hold during colder water periods. When fishing BWO hatches, position yourself below rising fish and present your fly with minimal drag. For streamer fishing, work your patterns slowly along the bottom, incorporating pauses and subtle twitches rather than aggressive strips. The tandem rig technique of trailing a small nymph or egg pattern 18-24 inches behind your streamer can double your chances of success. Target water transitions where fast water meets slow, as fish stack up in these feeding lanes. Wade carefully as water levels can fluctuate, and always wear a wading belt for safety. The Lower Madison access points can be busy on weekends, so arrive early for the best spots. During the fall season, fish become more selective, so downsizing your offerings and using lighter tippets can make the difference. Pay attention to water temperature trends - a degree or two of warming can trigger intense feeding periods. Remember that consistency is key on the Lower Madison; if you find productive water, work it thoroughly as fish often pod up in prime feeding locations.