Fall on the upper usually starts in mid-September with colder nights and shorter days serving to ease the summer heat. When the river again departs the highway in its lowest reaches it becomes more remote again and not fished as often. This makes it a great streamer fishing river and provides strong fighting fish no matter what the size. From this point on to the town off Ennis this 50 miles of the Upper Madison river is known as the 50 mile riffle. Throughout April and May across Montana, snowmelt run-off begins in earnest and changes our rivers dramatically. The river is formed in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole rivers, just outside of West Yellowstone, Montana. We urge you to give it a try and find out about that reputation yourself. The upper Madison River is perhaps the most famous and highly regarded wild trout stream in the Western US. Spring is rainbow trout spawning season, and you’ll find actively spawning fish all along the river. This section is the other wade fishing only designated area where you can float a boat through, but you can only fish on foot. Row vs. WadeWith the various access options, both wade and float fishing are easily accomplished with a high probability of success. The fishing on the Upper Madison can be very good between the lakes when rainbows move in from Quake Lake. Looking for a quick introduction to fly fishing or only have a few hours to get out on the water with one of our fly fishing guides? Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text (About shift-adjusted ratings). Check out the latest Upper Madison River Fishing Report at http://www.yobiadventures.com/fishing-reports/montana/ennis/upper-madison-river-fishing-report For other updates from the Upper Madison River, visit our Blog Site. You can park anywhere along this road where there is space. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, this campground encompasses a sprawling 40 acres with 10 designated campsites. It’s a great base camp to operate out of. Of course, floating the river makes for an amazing experience and with sometimes-localized hatches, covering some water can also be an advantage. The lower Madison River is considered to be the Madison River from below Ennis Lake, downstream to the headwaters of the Missouri River. Terms & Conditions. The Madison River valley is a magical place for us, one we always enjoy returning to. One of Montana’s most well known trout fisheries, the Madison River has earned its fabled reputation for good reason. It is a great fishery in the spring and fall and relatively uncrowded as well. The crowds are generally sparser and the landscape becomes alive as the leaves begin to change colors. Located just off Highway 287 about 40 miles south of Ennis, the Madison River Campground is a convenient spot for fishermen & fisherwoman. The best spots are around the canyon and the mouth of the canyon. More-than-adequate snowpack this year should all but guarantee plenty of water and elbow room for fish and fishermen this summer. It is not uncommon to catch more Browns than Rainbows on some days and many of the larger trout that come out of the Madison will be over 24”. This is when the water temperature starts to warm, the hatches increase, and the Rainbows are finishing up the spaw. Known as the 60 mile riffle, the world famous Upper Madison River is a large shallow rocky river originating in Yellowstone Park and flowing through Hebgen and Quake lakes then north to the town of Ennis. Although West Yellowstone will be under several feet of snow until late April, it is certainly time to get excited (and ready!) New rules were adopted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in November that … However, repairs to Hebgen were finally completed in late 2017 and water is now coming out of the bottom of the dam instead of surface releases. Fishing the Upper Madison River in spring is one of the best times of year. Gallatin River Lower Madison River Upper Madison River Yellowstone River Spring Creeks Jefferson River Big Hole Boulder River Stillwater River Bighorn River Missouri River Yellowstone Park Waters Other Waters. In addition to the well-known Montana fly fishing waters that surround Bozeman, there are dozens of smaller streams and rivers that are rarely talked about, yet offer some amazing... DePuy’s Spring Creek is the classic, western spring creek. The upper Madison River is perhaps the most famous and highly regarded wild trout stream in the Western US. Toby Swank // License #9603, Privacy Policy // Its confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers near Three Forks, Montana forms the Missouri River. Most fish are hanging in the slower deeper water. Learn More. Although there is no place that feels more like... Fins & Feathers of Bozeman’s fly shop accepts applicants for employment on a continual basis, year-round. Receive fresh fishing reports, gear reviews, latest news, product closeouts, and more straight to your inbox. Madison River Fishing Cabin This cabin is all about location. Despite overblown accounts of invasive aquatic species, angling pressure, inconsistent management, and drought, the Madison has managed to remain an amazing fishery. Always a great time of year in terms of numbers of nice sized Rainbows and Browns, we highly recommend heading to the area in April to see a side of the upper Madison that few others ever experience. This remoteness and the interesting valley geography and braided nature of the channel gives a unique feel to the river. Donation Amount: $200 for 18”x24” or $250 for 36”x44”. Whitefish are still relatively scarce, but research is underway to gather clues about this important trout food. Then there is a short 3 mile stretch of river "between the lakes." The Madison river offers a variety of water for a variety of anglers. The Madison River rises in Park County in northwestern Wyoming at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon rivers, a location known as Madison Junction in Yellowstone National Park. Thick hatches of caddis, golden stones, PMDs, yellow sallys, and myriad other insects continue through early August when we see a shift to more terrestrial insects on the menu. The Madison River's fame as an exceptional fishery stems from the Madison's role as a living laboratory for wild trout management. Madison Valley Ranch. As the upper Madison River leaves Yellowstone National Park, it flows into Hebgen Lake and then works its way north through the Hebgen Dam and then Quake Lake. Flows have been dropping out of the dam each day as NW Energy is trying to get to full pool by the end of the month, but the creeks are still putting in enough water to compensate for it and keeping the banks fishy in the float section. There is less slush ice in the river above Cameron Flats. Yet another week with mild days and cold nights. The Madison River remains one of the premier fly-fishing destinations in the American West. The Madison River is a headwater tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 183 miles (295 km) long, in Wyoming and Montana. The Upper Madison begins its journey in Yellowstone Park. The upper Madison is the best Bozeman area winter fishery. There is less slush ice in the river above Cameron Flats. The river is formed in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole rivers, just outside of West Yellowstone, Montana. This was my introduction last Monday to the Madison River below Quake Lake, at the southern end of the Madison Valley. 287 follows the river north and south along its length and access is generally gained just a few minutes from the highway. As with most fly fishing road trip posts, I’ve included lots of images. All of Montana’s trout streams are wild trout fisheries in that their populations are fully self-sustaining. Source . The Madison River, perhaps the most famous of all the rivers in Montana, begins in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Firehole River and Gibbon River. Listen to this podcast and discover what it takes to be successful on this famous river. Turn into here and head down the dirt road to your right (Ghost Village Rd). While the lower reaches of the river are choked with ice and slush lately due to very cold temps, the upper reaches of the river … The Jefferson River, along with the Madison and Gallatin, is one of the three tributaries that form the Missouri River near Three Forks, MT. More has been written about the Madison river than any other river in the state. Located just off Highway 287 about 40 miles south of Ennis, the Madison River Campground is a convenient spot for fishermen & fisherwoman. for spring floating on the Upper Madison. Mike Lum. Spring run-off (generally May and June) and water temperatures can have short-term effects on water levels throughout the spring and summer months. Providing anglers with abundant public access, relatively easy wading and a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, the water of the Lower Madison River is an exceptional alternative to the Upper Madison River, considered the river upstream of the town of Ennis. The Upper Madison has been fishing very well lately. We do a lot of trips this time of year where we spend more time fishing while wading, using the boats to get from one spot to the next. REQUEST A BROCHURE. From here the Upper Madison flows through the Madison Valley, past the town of Ennis and into Ennis Lake. The Madison River's fame as an exceptional fishery stems from the Madison's role as a living laboratory for wild trout management. As with most of the larger rivers in the area, the Madison River is affected by the spring runoff and is often too high and dirty for fishing at some point each year (mid-May-mid June). Guide Service Outfitter Ruby Cr campground (CG) to Palisades CG to Madison CG and return by same route Day one. Starting immediately below the Madison Dam, the Lower Madison’s journey to the town of Three Forks takes it The entirety of the upper river is catch-and-release for rainbow trout and the majority of it is for browns (with the exception of kids 14 and under who may keep one fish of either species and any size). Classic runs and holes that typical of most western trout streams are not the norm on the upper; here it is literally one big riffle that goes for miles and miles. An angler lands a rainbow trout while fishing on the upper Madison River below Quake Lake. First, a note about spawning fish. With a snowpack well above average, the upper river has quite a load of snow along the banks and roads to contend with. Gallatin River. Though overall fish numbers are lower than in the upper Madison, some large browns are taken down here. The Gallatin River is one of the more scenic, blue-ribbon trout waters found in the Bozeman area. Mid-summer fishing has steadily been improving the last few years and we are expecting this trend to continue with the repairs to Hebgen Dam now complete. Browns and rainbows predominate and there have been some very healthy specimens caught here over the past couple seasons. 307 Jeffers Road Ennis, Montana 59729 [email protected] 1-800-891-6158. Listen to this podcast and discover what it takes to be successful on this famous river. $3 Bridge over Madison River. While our nighttime temps in West Yellowstone have still been cold (-25) at times, the bluebird days have been getting close to 35 degrees, heatwave! Whether you want to fish the upper, the lower or the section in Yellowstone Park he'll be able to guide you to success. Most years, high season on the upper Madison runs from late June through October, kicked off by the famous salmonfly hatch. The Bozeman Holiday Inn Express is centrally located and an ideal choice for our Montana fly fishing guests. Upper Madison River Fishing Report 2-13-15. The fish are beautiful as well as the scenery. The upper Madison river flows through a wide-open valley with the Madison and Gravelly mountains forming dramatic backdrops throughout its course. The Madison River is formed by the confluence of the Gibbon and the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. Best Technique: Nymphing all the way! An angler's dream come true. The river upstream of McAtee Bridge to the Quake Lake outlet is closed to fishing from February 29 to the second Saturday in May to protect spawning grounds for rainbow trout. Madison River Fishing Report for June 19th, 2020 Dam: 804 cfs Kirby: 1,330 cfs Varney: 2,090 cfs. Providing anglers with abundant public access, relatively easy wading and a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, the water of the Lower Madison River is an exceptional alternative to the Upper Madison River, considered the river upstream of the town of Ennis. Floating the upper Madison is a unique Montana fly fishing experience and draws anglers back to the river every year. Full Day - $595 for 1-2 peopleHalf Day - $525 for 1-2 PeopleLodging Packages Available, © 2020 Fins & Feathers Site Design By: Prime-Incorporated, Toll-Free: The upper river closer to Hebgen Lake can be good but access is tough with the snow banks. The Upper Madison River is closed from Quake Lake downstream to Mcatee Bridge Fishing Access Site and also from Ennis Bridge (FAS) to Ennis Lake until the general season opener on the Saturday May 17th. 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