This body of water is known as, “Earthquake Lake”. At this point the river is commonly called either the Upper Madison or the Lower Madison, although in fact, they are one and the same. 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. Though overall fish numbers are lower than in the upper Madison, some large browns are taken down here. 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. 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. Anglers can expect to catch primarily Rainbows in the 12-16 inch with a few reaching the 22” mark on the net coming to hand every year. It fishes well from April to November. The Yellowstone River should be clear of ice for the next couple of days but the wind speeds are hovering around 30mph with 40mph gusts. The upper Madison river flows through a wide-open valley with the Madison and Gravelly mountains forming dramatic backdrops throughout its course. From here the Upper Madison flows through the Madison Valley, past the town of Ennis and into Ennis Lake. From this point on to the town off Ennis this 50 miles of the Upper Madison river is known as the 50 mile riffle. Some of the best hatches of the year take place on this river. A Madison River Map containing all access sites. Our Bozeman fly shop and fly fishing outfitter offers full-day guided fly fishing trips on the Madison River, all year long. The entire upper Madison River is similar in character from the mouth of Quake Lake all the way to where it forms Ennis Lake. The upper-most stretch of the Madison from its inception to Hebgen Lake is largely in Yellowstone Park, and is a unique stream unto itself. Toby Swank // License #9603, Privacy Policy // Fishing Conditions December 7, 2020. As the first river in the west designated catch and release, the Madison River served as the springboard from which MTFWP shifted their fisheries management away from hatcheries in the 1970s. Some fun drone video of fishing the upper Madison River in what we call the "Flats." FishThe fish are fat and happy. The Madison flows in a northerly direction for 140 miles to Three Forks, Montana, where it joins the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers at the confluence of the Missouri River. The Missouri River Headwaters State Park is located on the Madison at Three Forks. The master bedroom on the main floor has a full bath and king size bed. A 1959 earthquake caused a giant rockslide that created a natural dam in the Madison and formed Earthquake Lake. More has been written about the Madison river than any other river in the state. Listen to this podcast and discover what it takes to be successful on this famous river. We are starting to think more about the next season: ski season!! The Gallatin River is one of the more scenic, blue-ribbon trout waters found in the Bozeman area. The fish are beautiful as well as the scenery. Its mid February and The Madison River is usually frozen solid and not even considered fishable until the “The Gorge” has subsided. Turn into here and head down the dirt road to your right (Ghost Village Rd). The upper Madison is the best Bozeman area winter fishery. 406.586.2188, Four Corners: This is a great place to get lost for a day. Whether you want to fish the upper, the lower or the section in Yellowstone Park he'll be able to guide you to success. Madison river fly fishing trips s wild trout outers fishing report montana fishing report montana fly fishing trouters upper madison river fishing report 10Madison River Fishing Report For 6 1 2016Madison River Fishing ReportUpper Madison River Fishing Report The Rivers Edge FlyWild Trout Outers Fly Fishing Report 4 27 2018Madison River Fishing Report 9 20 … The Lark is a locally-owned boutique hotel centrally located on Main Street in historic downtown Bozeman. Yet another week with mild days and cold nights. Quantities Limited! The campground has about 8 sites with 2 pit toilets and 2 water spigots. Posted at 08:59h in Fishing Reports, Tips by Mike Stack 0 Comments. There is less slush ice in the river above Cameron Flats. In its middle reaches in Madison County, Montana, the Madison Dam forms Ennis Lake and… Brassies, Zebra Midges, Miracle Midges and the like. The upper section of the Madison River, between the confluence of the Firehole River and Gibbon River to Hebgen Lake, is known for runs of spawning rainbow trout in the spring and brown trout in the fall. The Madison River is a headwater tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 183 miles (295 km) long, in Wyoming and Montana. The Upper Madison River has the most consistent fishing in Southwest Montana, the swift rocky river holds plenty of feisty Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, that feed on the rivers huge stonefly and sculpin population. 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. Check out the latest Upper Madison River Fishing Report at http://www.yobiadventures.com/fishing-reports/montana/ennis/upper-madison-river-fishing-report There is less slush ice in the river above Cameron Flats. The Madison River remains one of the premier fly-fishing destinations in the American West. Ruby Cr campground (CG) to Palisades CG to Madison CG and return by same route Day one. As with most fly fishing road trip posts, I’ve included lots of images. Gallatin River. An angler lands a rainbow trout while fishing on the upper Madison River below Quake Lake. Located in Bozeman, Montana since 2000, our fly shop has a complete selection of fly fishing gear and accessories for your next fly fishing adventure. The Upper Madison River has a well deserved reputation as one of Montana’s most famous trout rivers. Spring is rainbow trout spawning season, and you’ll find actively spawning fish all along the river. The upper Madison River is perhaps the most famous and highly regarded wild trout stream in the Western US. Spring run-off (generally May and June) and water temperatures can have short-term effects on water levels throughout the spring and summer months. One of Montana’s most well known trout fisheries, the Madison River has earned its fabled reputation for good reason. Row vs. WadeWith the various access options, both wade and float fishing are easily accomplished with a high probability of success. There is no place like the upper Madison River in October and it’s always near the top of our list when folks are looking for something a little different in terms of a Montana guided fishing adventure. This makes it a great streamer fishing river and provides strong fighting fish no matter what the size. The Missouri River is still fishing well. The Upper Madison begins its journey in Yellowstone Park. Repairs on the dam are ongoing and scheduled for completion by mid-summer 2015, returning cooler water temperatures and more stability to seasonal flows. Well, needless to say, the Upper Madison looks a little different this year than it has in the past few seasons during March. 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”. Most out-of-state folks fly into the Bozeman airport, rent a car, and make the 50-minute drive into Ennis. 307 Jeffers Road Ennis, Montana 59729 [email protected] 1-800-891-6158. From its origin, it flows for more than 140 miles through exceptionally beautiful scenery before it reaches the Missouri River near the town of Three Forks, Montana. The seasons and rhythms are ingrained into my soul. Starting immediately below the Madison Dam, the Lower Madison’s journey to the town of Three Forks takes it Current fly fishing report for the Upper Madison River located in Montana. The Madison flows in a northerly direction for 140 miles to Three Forks, Montana, where it joins the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers at the confluence of the Missouri River. Starting inside Yellowstone National park, the Madison river is formed by the Gibbon and Firehole rivers converging. I would like to break these seasons up into categories for our Fishing Reports. Most fish are hanging in the slower deeper water. Water levels are kept fairly stable during the bulk of the fishing season. Learn More From the higher and dirtier flows emerging you can find yourself looking at a totally different river than the week before. 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. Madison River Fishing Cabin This cabin is all about location. Upper Madison River Water Temperature . First, a note about spawning fish. 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. The upper Madison River is perhaps the most famous and highly regarded wild trout stream in the Western US. If you want to keep some fish (and avoid having to study the regs and a map) your best bet is to head downstream a ways and fish the stretch down from Ennis Lake. Learn More. We spent a week on the river and will return to fish it again after a few days in Yellowstone National Park. Sitting right on a small side channel of the Upper Madison River a few miles downstream of 3 dollar bridge, this is the perfect location for a trip with a main focus on fishing access. Browns and rainbows predominate and there have been some very healthy specimens caught here over the past couple seasons. When to GoPrior to the runoff there’s a window of opportunity when the water warms and we see our first good hatches—midges and baetis. The current season, as of May 4, 2008, is going from Winter conditions into Spring. Sitting right on a small side channel of the Upper Madison River a few miles downstream of 3 dollar bridge, this is the perfect location for a trip with a main focus on fishing access. Give us a call at 877-790-5303 or e-mail us to learn more about this awesome wild trout fishery. Known as the, “50 mile riffle” the Upper Madison provides great structure and trout habitat wherever you look. Fishing the evening hatch until dark at Three Dollar Bridge is an experience every angler should gift themselves. Best Technique: Nymphing all the way! This, coupled with Montana’s enlightened stream-access law, allows access to virtually every inch of fishable water on the upper river. We meet at the fly shop in the morning, discuss the options for the day and then head on the way in the guide’s vehicle. Here are some common questions we hear, time and time again, from prospective guests during the booking process. 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. The fish are beautiful as well as the scenery. The Gallatin has been clear and fishing well. The typical drive time is 45-60 minutes each way, so we like to leave early to beat the crowds. It is a great fishery in the spring and fall and relatively uncrowded as well. There is no hiking trails or biking trails, it is just your basic campground. It’s a great base camp to operate out of. 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 Madison river is the best known river in the state of Montana. Small indicators fished in the slower water and along steam lines was most effective. The Spring Creeks have been fishing well. 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. Numerous state and federally managed lands dot the river corridor, providing boat launches as well as wade access. As the upper Madison River nears Ennis lake it begins to break off into countess braids that vary widely in width. Local: Yet another week with mild days and cold nights. The best spots are around the canyon and the mouth of the canyon. Fishing the Upper Madison River in spring is one of the best times of year. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. The Madison River's fame as an exceptional fishery stems from the Madison's role as a living laboratory for wild trout management. There is no hiking trails or biking trails, it is just your basic campground. Just south of I-90, Hwy. Although West Yellowstone will be under several feet of snow until late April, it is certainly time to get excited (and ready!) Motels, restaurants, bars, and art galleries abound in the tiny town—a perfect base of operations for an extended Madison exploration. 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. The river is formed in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole rivers, just outside of West Yellowstone, Montana. Getting There Getting to and accessing the upper Madison is a fairly straightforward affair. For other updates from the Upper Madison River, visit our Blog Site. Madison River Shuttle Services Trout Stalkers works closely with the best Madison River shuttle companies to provide our clients with a safe and reliable way to shuttle your rig down river. The river is full of life and the fish eat well throughout the day. A dam regulates the flow and the river spills from the bottom of the dam into the canyon. We spent a week on the river and will return to fish it again after a few days in Yellowstone National Park. The weather can be troubling this time of year, but the prepared angler can find some of the best fishing of the season in relative solitude. This is when the water temperature starts to warm, the hatches increase, and the Rainbows are finishing up the spaw. Bozeman, MT 59718, guided fly fishing trips on the Madison River. The lower river near Ennis often experiences large ice flows. First, a note about spawning fish. 18”x24” or 36”x44” poster of the Upper Madison River Valley. The Madison River is a headwater tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 183 miles (295 km) long, in Wyoming and Montana. 287 follows the river north and south along its length and access is generally gained just a few minutes from the highway. April is a great time of year to experience fly fishing the Madison River in solitude while enjoying some of the best fishing of the year. The Upper Madison River | Outside Bozeman. The Lake being the, “divider” between the Upper and Lower river. The Bighorn River has been fishing pretty darn well. There are some differences in the upper and lower sections in terms of bank structure, but the average current speed and depth remain consistent. We urge you to give it a try and find out about that reputation yourself. Upper Madison River Area Map The Madison River originates in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Gibbon and the Firehole rivers. Upper Madison River. Guide Service Outfitter The Madison river offers a variety of water for a variety of anglers. 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). The Yellowstone River is the quintessential large western river and provides a unique Montana fly fishing opportunity with over 100 miles of quality, wild trout water. I hope you enjoy them. With its beautiful scenery and excellent fishing, a visit to the Madison River is a top priority for many angl… Its confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers near Three Forks, Montana forms the Missouri River. Silky water that slowly meanders its way through a valley floor lined with the Willows and hundred-year-old Cottonwood trees... Our Bozeman fly shop is best described as the “fish-head” shop as all of us spend most of our free time on the water, doing what we love to do... Fins & Feathers is a locally-owned and operated Montana fly fishing outfitter located in Bozeman, Montana. It features some world class fishing paired with awe-inspiring views. The Upper Madison River has been my year round fly fishing home for over 25 years. Cool water exits the lake and begins the “50 Mile Riffle” to Ennis Lake. Source . Madison Valley Ranch. 81801 Gallatin Rd. When the river again departs the highway in its lowest reaches it becomes more remote again and not fished as often. The Madison River valley is a magical place for us, one we always enjoy returning to. Then, the river courses it’s way north, then west to Hebgen Lake. 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. Floating the upper Madison is a unique Montana fly fishing experience and draws anglers back to the river every year. REQUEST A BROCHURE. The river fishes well at any stable water level as long as water temperature stays within reasonable parameters, but 1,000-1,200 CFS is an ideal compromise for floating and wade angling. Upper Madison. Madison Valley Ranch. Lower Madison River Water Temperature below Ennis Dam . In 1968, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks initiated a two-year project to assess the effects of its artificial stocking program on trout populations in the upper Madison. Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. The Madison River offers year-round fly fishing opportunities throughout the river. Whether you want to fish the upper, the lower or the section in Yellowstone Park he'll be able to guide you to success. The fishing on the Upper Madison can be very good between the lakes when rainbows move in from Quake Lake. From its origination point (Madison Junction) in Yellowstone Park, the Madison flows North into the majestic Madison Valley, its journey interrupted by two man-made lakes. Reminders of the glacial periods are everywhere you look and the river itself is unlike any other in the world. for spring floating on the Upper Madison. Despite overblown accounts of invasive aquatic species, angling pressure, inconsistent management, and drought, the Madison has managed to remain an amazing fishery. 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. Year round guided fly fishing trips in Bozeman are also offered. The lower Madison should be clear today. AccessAccess is outstanding along the entire length of the upper Madison—from Hebgen Reservoir to Ennis Lake. 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