Madison River Fishing
MADISON RIVER - MONTANA'S MOST OUTSTANDING RIVER
The Madison River is considered to be Montana's most outstanding river. Why?
One: it features the best dry fly fishing. Two: it has the highest trout
density. Three: it offers the most consistent fishing action. And four: it
presents some of the most picturesque scenery imaginable.
Featured Listings: (add your listing)
Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishers - near the Madison
Guided fly fishing trips on area spring creeks, Yellowstone and Madison Rivers. Check our live river & water reports and fly recommendations, plus rental gear & free advice.
(406) 585-5321
Wild Trout Outfitters of Big Sky
Your choice - walk/wade trips, drift boat float trips, float tube trips to Hebgen & Quake Lakes. Plus, we hit all major rivers (Gallatin & Madison) with experience & results.
(800) 423-4742
Located in Southwestern Montana, the Madison is formed by the Firehole and
Gibbon Rivers within Yellowstone National Park. It runs north to Three Forks
where it joins the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to form the headwaters of the
Missouri.
THE FIFTY MILE RIFFLE
Known as the "fifty mile riffle", it seems that the waters of the Madison
between Quake and Ennis Lakes never changes. This is a world renowned stretch
with huge rainbow trout and brown trout as the main attraction. There are no
boulders, deep slow pools, tumbling runs, or undercut banks, just a straight
wide river characteristic of a long giant riffle.
Since the river flows at a steady pace of five miles per hour, the large trout
do not get a chance to consider whether your fly is actually real fish food or
not; the novice fisherman experiences greater catch success; and the river
becomes very accessible, easy to wade, and easily drifted.
The Madison offers superlative fishing for most of the year except the extreme
winter months. Key species include Yellowstone cutthroat trout, whitefish, and
Arctic grayling. The rainbow and brown trout average between 14 to 16 inches,
although 20 inches or larger are caught regularly during all seasons.
Hatches on the Madison include Caddis, Salmon Flies, Yellow Sallies, and a few
mayflies like the Blue-winged Olive. Grasshoppers emerge later in the summer.
Woolly Buggers, other streamers, and different sizes and styles of nymphs are
also a staple throughout the season.
FISHING SUCCESS ANY TIME, ON ANY DAY, WITH EVERY CAST!
Madison River holds out the promise that at any time, on any day, with every
cast, a fly fisherman can achieve his personal best. Even given this joy,
however, the trout can still often be a runner-up to the non-aquatic wildlife.
Bald Eagles and Osprey fishing are quite a common sight, and you may even be
lucky enough to spot a Moose, River Otter or Black Bear paying a visit to the
river.
EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE OUTFITTERS
Outfitters for this premier Montana river is plentiful and professional. You
will find some of the finest fly shops servicing the Madison River, featuring an
impressive selection of quality fly fish tackle, custom flies, clothing and
more. Outfitters here understand that the trip is about you and the fish. Their
knowledge and experience will guarantee that fly fishermen of all skill levels
and interests will experience Madison River fly fishing at its absolute best!
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