From giant boulder strewn stretches to shallow riffle-run dry fly water, the Madison River truly has it all. And with an estimated 3,000-5,000 trout per mile, it’s no wonder that it has become a bucket list river for anglers around the world.
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Is the Madison River open for fishing?
Madison River from Yellowstone National Park to Hebgen Reservoir is open from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30. Hebgen Dam to Quake Lake is open the entire year.
What is the best month for fly fishing in Montana?
- Late April to Early July.
- Mid July until early September.
- September and October.
How deep is the Madison River in Montana?
The Madison River has an average of 18″ feet at most points – although beware that its swift movements make it a treacherous body of water to cross. However, it’s definitely deep enough for kayaking, swimming, and – of course – fishing!
How do you fly fish in the Madison River?
Is the Madison River fly fishing Only?
The Madison River is fly fishing only in Yellowstone National Park. Catch and release all grayling, cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish.
What is the best fishing river in Montana?
- 1) The Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River has always had a special place in our hearts and we without a doubt consider it the best river to fly fish in Montana.
- 2) The Missouri River.
- 3) The Madison River.
- 4) The Blackfoot River.
- 5) The Bighorn River.
Can you fly fish in Montana in March?
March fly fishing in Montana is early season spring fishing at its finest. Our rivers are empty, trout are hungry, weather is cool, and the fly fishing can be outstanding. Anglers interested in Montana fly fishing trips during the month of March will enjoy our Spring Special Trips.
What is the cost of a non resident Montana fishing license?
The Montana fishing license cost for a nonresident for an entire season of fishing is $117.50. There are many different fees that contribute to the total cost of the license. See full breakdown of costs below: Conservation License.
What fish are in the Madison River?
As the river spills from Beartrap Canyon, the Madison River slows down substantially and turns into a decent fishery for brown trout with some rainbow trout scattered in as well. The best time to fly fish this section is during late spring and again in the fall.
What kind of fish are in Madison River?
Although the Madison is best known for its robust runs of non-native rainbow (pictured) and brown trout, the river still supports native species like mountain whitefish and westslope cutthroat trout.
Which river has the most trout per mile?
South Fork, Snake River – Idaho Add a 6,302 fish per mile survey in 2020 — the highest in Conant, a major launch on the river, since 1982 — and you have the recipe for a mind-blowing day, or season, on the water.
What river has the biggest trout?
Yellowstone River (Montana) The longest undammed river in the Lower 48, the Yellowstone offers some of the best trout fishing not only in America but on the planet.
Is the Madison River stocked with trout?
TheMadison river has not been stocked with trout in over forty years… neither have most of Montana’s other trout rivers.
What flies to use on the Madison River Montana?
Salmonflies, goldenstones, caddisflies, PMDs, Yellow sallies, and terrestrials account for most of the mid-Summer dry fly action. BWOs and midges cover the shoulder seasons and winter. Presentation is everything when dry fly fishing. Good drifts will be rewarded.
What flies on Madison River?
- Rubber leg Stonefly. Whether you call it a Girdle Bug or a Pat’s Rubber Legs or whatever else, this simple, classic stonefly pattern is my top choice for the Madison.
- Prince Nymph.
- Pheasant Tail.
- Lightning Bug.
- Shop Vac.
Is the Madison River catch and release only?
From Varney Bridge to Quake Lake, the river is catch-and-release and restricted to artificial lures or flies only.
Where can I fish the upper Madison River?
Raynolds Pass, Three Dollar Bridge, Eight Mile Ford and Valley Garden are all good access points for wading anglers. Due to the nature of the water and the above mentioned regulations, the stretch from Lyons Bridge to Ennis is typically considered best suited for boat fishermen with the ability to cover water.
Does the Madison River flow north?
It flows west then north through the mountains of southwestern Montana to join the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers at Three Forks.
What city in Montana has the best fishing?
Bozeman is one of Montana’s best destinations for outdoor activities. The city has excellent cuisine, vibrant culture, and access to internationally renowned fly-fishing. Within a one-hour drive in the area, you will get to some of the finest trout fisheries in the western part of the country.
Where do people fly fish in Montana?
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing The Yellowstone is Montana’s biggest un-dammed river, making it a cutthroat, rainbow and big brown paradise. From fishing the headwaters in Yellowstone National Park to the big waters near Big Timber this is should be a “must” on every fly fisher’s bucket list.
Where are the biggest brown trout in Montana?
The fish weighed 32.42 pounds and measured 37 inches long. Robbie Dockter of Conrad holds the new Montana state record brown trout caught March 3 on the Marias River. The fish weighed 32.42 pounds and measured 37 inches long.
How long is fly fishing season in Montana?
The Montana Fishing Season typically runs from about March 1st through about November 1st. These are the prime months for fly fishing in Montana, although we really fish year-round.
Can you fish in Montana in April?
April is arguably the most diverse month of the fishing season in regards to fishing techniques and hatches. Spring weather in Montana is notoriously fickle and can produce both balmy warm days and blizzard like winter weather.
Where can I fish in Montana in March?
- Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River is a prime option during spring when water and weather conditions cooperate.
- Paradise Valley Spring Creeks.
- Lower Madison.
- Gallatin River.
- Missouri River.