Madison River Fly Fishing

The 50-mile riffle, flowing through a wide open valley and the quintessential western town of Ennis, is a Montana classic

What you can expect

Fishing on the Madison River with our expert guides provides a remarkable experience with spectacular views and abundant fish. Here’s what you can anticipate on your fly fishing journey:

  • Just 20 minutes from the Lodge, the Lower Madison (below the town of Ennis, MT) is home to amazing Mother's Day Caddis hatches and phenomenal fall fishing.

  • The Upper Madison is just a 45-minute drive from Ennis, offering yet another Blue Ribbon River option for your trip.

  • The Madison River runs for more than 140 miles before joining the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to form the Missouri River.

  • Hoppers, Salmon Flies, Caddis, Blue Winged Olives, PMDs, and Winter Midges make up just a few of the numerous hatches providing excellent fly fishing.

Madison River Fly Fishing Seasons

Prime times for fly fishing on the Madison River span from mid-June to mid-July when the Salmon Fly hatch hits, and then resumes September to October when big trout move up from Ennis Lake and the headwaters area.

Spring fishing starts in April with early hatches like Blue Winged Olives and March Browns. The summer season, particularly mid-June to mid-July, features prolific Salmon Fly and Caddis hatches, offering exciting dry fly action. Late summer into early fall, from August through September, is marked by Hoppers, Tricos, and PMDs, providing excellent fishing opportunities.

Fall fishing, from September to October, is ideal for catching larger trout moving up from Ennis Lake. The cooler temperatures and less crowded river make for an enjoyable and productive fishing experience.

Get To Know The Madison River

Explore the wonders of the Madison River. Our experienced guides are eager to share their knowledge and help you create lasting memories on your fly fishing adventure.

Why We Love Fishing the Madison River

“The Madison River is a great river for the angler looking to spend a day in a drift boat. It is considered one of Montana’s blue ribbon trout streams, and it has attracted anglers from all over the world for the past several decades. The wide open Madison Valley is a beautiful setting for hooking into a trout!”

— Jason Fleury, Outfitter/Guide, Co-owner

Frequently Asked Questions About Fly Fishing on the Madison River

Planning your fly fishing trip on the Madison River? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get ready for an exceptional adventure.

  • The Madison River is home to a variety of trout, including Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Mountain Whitefish. The river's diverse hatches provide excellent opportunities to catch these species throughout the year.

  • We love terrestrials - ants, beetles, hoppers - from the end of July to early August.

  • The Upper Madison, which extends from Hebgen Lake to south to Ennis Lake in the north, is typically floated in the spring, summer, and fall months. The Lower Madison, from Ennis Dam to the Headwaters of the Missouri has terrain for both walk/wading and floating. We generally stay off of the Lower Madison while water temperatures are warm mid-July through early September, but love fishing it at other times due to its close proximity and easy access.

Embark on Your Fly Fishing Journey

Experience the Magic of the Madison River

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to fish one of Montana’s most renowned rivers. Book your trip to the Madison River today and enjoy world-class fly fishing amidst stunning scenery.