Upper Madison Fly Fishing Reports
Upper Madison Fishing Report 8/24/2020
Current Conditions
The upper Madison has been decent. The hopper fishing here has been the most consistent in comparison to some of the other options. Most of the bigger fish have been trickier to catch but this doesn't mean it can't be done. Dry dropper rigs or a straight indicator rig have been the most effective in the mornings. Good droppers include: Pheasant Tails, Sparkle Pupas, $3 Dips, and Prince Nymphs. For hoppers, Yellows and Tans have been the best. The best hopper fishing is going to be around 11 - 5 when the temps rise and these bugs become more active. Ants and beetles have are also good options behind a hopper. The fish are all over the place right now so fish everything that shows structure or depth change. Fluorocarbon tippet is exceptionally useful for droppers right now since the water is low and clear. Streamer fishing has been ok on overcast days and with this smoke covering the sun a bit it might be worth your time. Throw white or olive patterns.
COVID 19 COMMUNICATIONS – July 31, 2020
- Store capacity is limited to 5 guests
- Purchase fishing licenses online at fwp.mt.gov (we are now selling licenses as well, but ask that you try online first)
- Face coverings are mandatory – we have them available if needed.
- Respect social distancing and use provided hand sanitizer.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
- Order online and select Pickup at checkout for curbside service
- Call us at 406-586-2188 to place your order over the phone for curbside service.
- Book a time for private shopping.
- Buy Flies online and save 20% (enter FLIES_20 at checkout in the Discount Code field)
Keep in mind you can shop all of our flies in our online store for both shipping and curbside pickup. You can also order hand-picked fly selections for the upper Madison River before you head out and we'll have them ready for you to pick up!
Fins & Feathers is a full-service Bozeman fly shop and Montana fly fishing outfitter. Upper Madison River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
The Upper should be starting to get good this week with temps in the 50s and 60s. Winds should be moderate building to about 15 mph everyday in the afternoon/evening. Nymphing with Pats rubberlegs, worms, midges, caddis pupas, baetis nymphs, and perdigons should get the job done in the deeper buckets. There have been a good amount of midges as of late so keep an eye on those back eddies and bring a few griffith's gnats. Try and be prepared for BWOs and skwallas as they are next up. Streamer fishing with small to medium black/olive streamers should be picking up with the warmer weather. They tend to like the slow strip this time of year so really no reason to use sink tips unless you are throwing something unweighted. Keep and eye out and avoid stepping on/ fishing spawning redds. Let the rainbows get it on so our fish returns are good for years to come.
Flows
646 CFS
On 2023-03-21
Streamflow
Recommended Guided Trips
Montana Fly Fishing Packages
Fins & Feathers of Bozeman’s Montana fly fishing packages offer convenience and value by bundling our guided services together with lodging options in Bozeman. Check out the example pricing - based on double occupancy in the rooms and with one of our Bozeman fly fishing guides. Email us or fill out our contact form to make a reservation and confirm availability.
Please note that availability is extremely limited during the summer, we strongly encourage you to make reservations sooner, rather than later. Our deposit policy is the "friendliest in the industry" in that we don't require payment ($1.00) at booking and all reservations can be cancelled - with no penalty up to 10 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
These rates are guaranteed until June 1, 2022 and are likely to increase as availability decreases in both rooms and our guides fly fishing services
Learn More
Full-Day Guided Trip
Full Day guided fly-fishing trips are our standard offering and offer the best opportunity to truly get out and experience the fly-fishing opportunities around Bozeman that attract anglers from around the world
- Typical Full Day Trips Are 6-8 Hours in Duration
- 1-2 Anglers Maximum Per Guide/Boat
- Full Day Trips Are Generally Float Trips
- Full Day Trips Available on Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson rivers
- Drive Time Is Typically 30-60 Minutes Each Way
- Fishing Licenses and Gratuities Are Not Included
Fishing Licenses and Shuttle Info
Fins & Feathers is a full-service Bozeman fly shop and Montana fly fishing outfitter. Upper Madison River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
For Shuttles on the Upper Madison Contact:
Rocket Shuttles: (406) 581-4626 or (406) 764-9886
Dorothy's Shuttle Service: (406) 682-4886
Driftaway Shuttles: (406) 682-3088
Upper Madison River Overview
The upper Madison River is perhaps the most famous and highly regarded wild trout stream in the Western US. The river is formed in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole rivers, just outside of West Yellowstone, Montana. 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. The stretch of river between Quake Lake and Ennis, Montana is known as the “50 Mile Riffle” and is typically the portion of the Madison River that people refer to as the "Upper Madison."
