Last Updated: 2026-01-26 | Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov)
Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at fwp.mt.gov before fishing.
The Madison River from Quake Lake to Varney Bridge is catch-and-release for all trout; from Varney Bridge to Ennis Lake, catch-and-release for rainbows (browns fall under the standard 3-fish limit). The whole stretch is artificial lures only, with barbless single-point hooks required from Varney Bridge to Ennis Lake. The Madison in Montana is open year-round.
Anyone 12 years or older must have a valid Montana fishing license to fish the Madison River. Children 11 and under do not need a license but must follow all catch limits and regulations. All anglers also need a Conservation License and Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP).
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Conservation License | $10 |
| Season Fishing License | $100 |
| 5-Day Fishing License | $56 |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $14 |
| AIS Prevention Pass | $7.50 |
| Total (Season) | $117.50 |
Montana fishing licenses are available through several channels:
Yes. Anyone 12 years or older needs a valid Montana fishing license, conservation license, and Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass.
From Quake Lake to Ennis Lake, the Madison River is catch-and-release only for trout. Below Ennis Dam, the Central District standard limit applies: 3 combined trout daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches, only 1 of which may be a cutthroat.
Barbless, single-point hooks are required from Varney Bridge to Ennis Lake. Other sections do not require barbless hooks, but many anglers use them voluntarily.
The Madison River in Montana is open year-round along its entire length; the third-Saturday-in-May opener applies to Western District rivers, not the Madison. The reach inside Yellowstone National Park follows park season dates instead.
Non-resident season fishing license costs $100, plus $10 conservation license and $7.50 AIS Prevention Pass, totaling $117.50.
No. The Madison River from Quake Lake to Ennis Lake is restricted to artificial lures and flies only.
This information is provided as a general reference and was last updated 2026-01-26. Fishing regulations can change at any time. Always check the current Montana FWP regulations at fwp.mt.gov before fishing.
