FISHABLE
Winter flows stable, streamer fishing productiveMadison River
Current Hatch Activity
Sparse midge activity on warmer afternoons. Streamer fishing more productive than matching the hatch right now.
FISHABLE
Streamer (Sculpzilla or Articulated Leech) or nymph rig (Pat's Rubber Legs + Zebra Midge)
Quick Reference
900-1,500 CFS ideal. Around 1,000-1,200 CFS is the sweet spot—plenty of water to float, easy wading access.
50-65°F optimal. The channels between Ennis and Ennis Lake can hit 70°F on hot summer afternoons.
Dam-controlled flows from Hebgen provide some stability, but spring runoff still blows things out. Summer flows typically settle around 1,000-1,400 CFS.
Generally good visibility except during runoff. The upper river (above Quake Lake) clears faster than sections below.
What "Fishable" Means Here
Fishable means you can effectively drift nymphs or swing streamers with good presentation. On the Madison, flows between 900-1,500 CFS allow comfortable floating and wading. Above 1,500 CFS, wading becomes limited. Below 900 CFS, some sections get thin.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
Mother's Day caddis hatch (late May-early June) is legendary when it happens. Runoff timing varies by snowpack—some years you're fishing, some years you're watching chocolate milk. Salmonflies follow if conditions align.
summer
Prime time is July through September. Caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials keep fish looking up. Morning and evening dry fly fishing can be exceptional. Watch for warm water temps in the channels during August heat waves.
fall
October brings brown trout spawning activity. Streamers become deadly. BWOs provide consistent hatches on cloudy days. Crowds thin significantly after Labor Day—locals consider this the best time.
winter
Productive streamer fishing through the winter. Focus on slower water, deeper runs, and sunny afternoons for midge activity. The river fishes year-round if you're willing to layer up.
Alternative Waters
Gallatin River
Nearby freestone option when the Madison is crowded or blown outYellowstone River
Larger water with similar hatches—good when you want more solitudeResources
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