Madison River
Upper Madison · Quake Lake to Ennis
SW Montana, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 06040000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Upper Madison is sitting at 1200 cfs with water temps hitting 55.2°F — perfect staging conditions as we approach the legendary Salmonfly emergence. Madison River Fishing Company reports early PMDs spotted and confirms big bugs are on deck. With water temps crossing the critical 55°F threshold, expect Golden Stones any day and Salmonflies within the week. Focus edge water and willowed banks with Stimulators and Chubbys, while PMD action heats up in the flats during midday warming periods.
- Flow: 1200 cfs — ideal pre-hatch conditions with clear water and perfect wading flows before the big bug emergence kicks off
- Hatches: Water temp just crossed 55°F Salmonfly trigger — Golden Stones active now, with the main Stonefly emergence days away
- Water Temp: 55.2°F and climbing — hitting the sweet spot where all the big June hatches begin to overlap and intensify
- Best Window: All-day fishing with edge water Stonefly action plus midday PMD emergence in the flats — classic Madison multi-hatch setup
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June (salmonfly) & Aug (caddis)
Below Quake Lake the Madison runs as a broad, riffle-dominated freestone river through wide-open Montana ranch country before slowing into Ennis Lake. It produces excellent dry fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout, with prolific salmonfly, caddis, and PMD hatches through summer. Often called 'the fifty-mile riffle,' the Quake-to-Ennis stretch is one of the most continuously wadable big-river freestones in the West.
The upper Madison's salmonfly hatch — typically late June into early July — draws anglers from across the country. The hatch begins downstream near Beartrap Canyon and progresses up to Quake Lake over roughly 10 days.
January Outlook
Midge and Baetis nymph fishing in cold, low, clear water. The Madison is one of Montana's most reliable winter fisheries — Hebgen Dam upstream regulates flows year-round, and the braided channel structure holds concentrations of fish in predictable slots and tailouts.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Mercury Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
Tips
Work the slower braids and deeper slots with tandem midge rigs. Fish are sluggish but concentrated — get deep and slow the drift significantly. Midday sun triggers short feeding windows. Fish the tailouts where moderate current meets the slow pools.
Water Notes
700–1,100 cfs. Regulated by Hebgen Dam upstream. Very consistent flows through winter. Clear; rarely freezes completely but expect bank ice.
February Outlook
First BWO hints appear on warm overcast afternoons, but midges remain the backbone. The river's braided nature offers protected side-channels that warm faster than the main stem and often trigger earlier hatch activity.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Juju Baetis
- RS2
- Vis-A-Dun #20
Tips
Watch the weather for warming trends — a gray, calm 45°F day in late February can produce a surprise BWO emergence. Work the softer water in the braids. A dry-dropper gives you options when fish are sipping near the surface.
Water Notes
700–1,100 cfs. Flows remain stable through winter, releasing only what Hebgen accumulates. Water 36–42°F.
March Outlook
BWO hatches develop into one of Montana's most consistent spring emergences. Skwala stoneflies appear in the last week of March, crawling on bankside rocks and triggering surface takes before the mayfly hatch even starts. The Madison shines in March with little competition.
Productive Patterns
- Sparkle Dun #18
- CDC Dun
- Skwala Dry #10
- Beadhead Hare's Ear
Tips
Fish Skwala dries tight to the bank in morning before the BWO window opens. The hatch concentrates 11am–2pm in good light — position in slower flats above Varney and wait for fish to start rising. Two completely different techniques in one morning.
Water Notes
800–1,300 cfs. Flows tick up as Hebgen reservoir begins filling with snowmelt but regulation keeps the river stable. Water 42–50°F.
April Outlook
An outstanding April fishery — while many Montana rivers blow out, the Madison holds its clarity and fishability. Hebgen Dam upstream absorbs much of the upper watershed snowmelt and releases controlled flows. Direct tributaries such as Odell Creek can occasionally push turbid water into the main stem after warm spells, but these pulses clear in 24–48 hours. Skwalas continue, early Caddis appear, and consistent BWO hatches provide multiple overlapping dry fly opportunities.
Productive Patterns
- Skwala Stone #10
- Sparkle Dun #18
- Elk Hair Caddis #16
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
Fish banks early morning with a Skwala dry when adults are crawling on riverside vegetation. Transition to BWO patterns 11am–2pm during the hatch window. Caddis begin appearing in the evenings — stay late. The braided section between Lyons and Varney Bridges holds stacked fish in April with almost no other anglers.
Water Notes
900–1,500 cfs. Hebgen Dam regulation keeps flows steady. Expect occasional brief turbidity from direct tributary snowmelt — check the USGS gauge (06040000) for real-time clarity. Peak runoff typically arrives late May to early June.
May Outlook
PMD and Caddis fishing hits its stride in May. Brown Drake spinner falls in the evenings in late May can be spectacular — large fish rise confidently in the flat water above Ennis. As Hebgen reservoir approaches capacity, dam releases may increase through late May, but flows remain cleaner than any nearby freestone river.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Brown Drake Spinner
- Copper John
Tips
Morning PMD fishing with size 16–18 Sparkle Duns in the slow glassy sections between riffles. Evening Caddis and Brown Drake activity from Varney Bridge downstream — be positioned by 5pm. The Brown Drake spinner fall is brief and can be missed; watch for large fish rising in flat pools at last light.
Water Notes
1,100–2,500 cfs as dam releases ramp with spring accumulation. Flows may vary day-to-day with releases — check upstream gauge (06036905) to anticipate changes. Water 50–58°F.
June Outlook
One of Montana's great fly fishing months on the Madison. Salmonfly hatch moves through in mid-to-late June — the progression tracks upriver from the Beartrap Canyon (around June 20–25) through Ennis (June 25–July 1) and north toward Varney and McAtee. PMD and Golden Stone hatches overlap with Salmonfly for an extraordinary multi-hatch period. The braided river is best floated — 5,000+ trout per mile populate this section.
Productive Patterns
- Sofa Pillow #4
- Stimulator #6
- PMD Cripple
- Golden Stone
Tips
Time the Salmonfly hatch precisely — the peak lasts only 3–4 days in any one location. Float from Lyons or Varney bridges for access to the most productive riffled water. Fish the edge water and willowed banks exclusively during the Stonefly window. PMD hatches occur simultaneously in the calmer flats — two completely different fishing presentations on one float.
Water Notes
1,500–3,500 cfs early June declining through the month. Flows remain clearer than freestone rivers during this period. Water 58–65°F. Prime conditions by late June.
July Outlook
Classic hopper-dropper country with 20+ miles of braided, grass-banked channel. PMD and Caddis evening hatches continue in the first half of July. The Madison's wide, shallow braids with undercut grass banks are purpose-built for terrestrial fishing. One of the premier hopper rivers in the American West.
Productive Patterns
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Dave's Hopper
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Hopper-dropper along grassy cut banks is the foundation of the summer day. Work the boat tight to the bank — fish hold inches from the grass. Evening Caddis swarms from 7–9pm demand a completely different presentation: skated and swung soft hackles or skating Elk Hair Caddis in the riffles. Don't dead-drift during the active caddis swing.
Water Notes
1,200–2,500 cfs. Flows stabilize as summer progresses. Water 62–68°F — fish early on hot days to beat midday thermal stress in shallower braids.
August Outlook
Prime hopper season. Three distinct fishing sessions are possible in a single August day: Trico spinner fall at dawn in calm pools, hopper-dropper along cut banks from mid-morning through afternoon, and evening Caddis from 7–9pm in the riffles. Fish in this section are large, aggressive, and well-conditioned after a summer of feeding.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Trico Spinner #20
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
The Trico spinner fall concentrates in flat pools — find the flat water between braids above Varney Bridge. Fish are sipping spent wings in a specific lane; approach and presentation must be precise. Transition to a size 8–10 hopper with a Copper John or Soft Hackle dropper by 9am. The fish near grassy banks don't see as many anglers as main-channel fish — wade carefully to the far bank.
Water Notes
1,000–1,800 cfs. Lowest of the season. Water 65–70°F midday — fish are in better shape than other area rivers due to consistent flows and braided structure. Fish early and late to avoid peak midday temps.
September Outlook
Among the finest months on the entire Madison system. Cooling temperatures return fish to aggressive feeding mode. BWO hatches intensify. Trico spinner falls continue through mid-September. Brown trout enter pre-spawn feeding mode with increasingly aggressive streamer takes. Post-Labor Day the river quiets dramatically — one angler for every ten you saw in August.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Trico Spinner
- Articulated Streamer
- Hopper
Tips
The full September schedule: Trico at dawn, hoppers morning through noon, streamers in early afternoon, BWO from 2–5pm on overcast days. The September BWO hatch on the Madison is one of the most reliable and dense in the region — overcast afternoons in September produce hatches that rival the best spring BWO days. Target the flat, slower braids for rising fish.
Water Notes
900–1,500 cfs. Crystal clarity as summer releases taper. Water 54–62°F — prime feeding temperature throughout the day. Ideal wading conditions.
October Outlook
Exceptional streamer and brown trout month. Big browns — 18 to 24 inches are common — move aggressively through the braided river structure as spawning season approaches. BWO hatches on cold overcast afternoons can produce the season's most technical and rewarding dry fly fishing. Sight fishing large fish in low, clear water requires long leaders and careful approaches.
Productive Patterns
- Articulated Streamer
- Blue Winged Olive #18
- Mahogany Dun
- Beadhead Copper John
Tips
Large articulated streamers — Circus Peanut, Sex Dungeon, Game Changer — stripped fast along willow banks trigger explosive strikes from territorial browns. Work the streamer before 10am, then switch to BWOs during the hatch window 11am–3pm. The flat braids near McAtee Bridge allow sight fishing to pods of large fish in shallow, clear water. Approach from downstream with a long leader.
Water Notes
800–1,200 cfs. Lowest, clearest of the year. Water 45–54°F. Brown trout actively feeding and staging — a superb late-season fishery.
November Outlook
Cold mornings but midday midge and occasional BWO activity keeps the fish accessible. One of the few Montana rivers genuinely worth fishing in November. Regulated flows and the Valley's insulating open-water effect keep the Madison ice-free and productive longer than nearby streams. Respect any visible spawning redds — browns may still be finishing their spawn.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- Pheasant Tail #20
Tips
Target the narrow 11am–2pm window when air temperatures peak. Size 22–24 midges on 6x or 7x tippet. Fish concentrate in slower, deeper tailouts. Choose a calm, gray day — wind makes midge fishing miserable at these sizes. Side braids that collect warmth earlier in the morning can extend the active window.
Water Notes
700–1,000 cfs. Stable Hebgen regulation keeps flows predictable. Clear, cold water 36–44°F. Bank ice on edges most mornings; main braids remain open.
December Outlook
A dedicated midge fishery for those willing to work for it. Hebgen Dam keeps flows stable and the braided river structure prevents complete freezing even in severe cold. Fish concentrate in the deepest available slots and are catchable but require precise presentations. A meaningful fishery compared to most frozen Montana streams.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Mercury Midge
- Miracle Nymph
- Juju Baetis
Tips
Choose the warmest day in any forecast window. Noon to 2pm is the only realistic active feeding window. Dead-drift tandem midge rigs through deep, slow slots — the fish will not move far for food. Walk carefully on bank ice. Fish the main channel slots away from ice shelves for the safest wading.
Water Notes
700–950 cfs. Hebgen regulation holds flows consistent through winter. Water 33–38°F. Bank ice substantial; main braids open. Pick your days carefully — the Madison in December rewards patience.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Skwala Stonefly Skwala parallela |
Mar, Apr | Mar, Apr | #10–12 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis / infrequens |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #16–18 |
|
| Brown Drake Ephemera simulans |
May, Jun | May, Jun | #10–12 |
|
| Salmonfly Pteronarcys californica |
Jun | Jun | #4–6 |
|
| Golden Stonefly Calineuria californica / Hesperoperla pacifica |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul | #6–10 |
|
| Yellow Sally Isoperla spp. / Chloroperlidae |
Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #14–16 |
|
| Caddis Trichoptera spp. |
Jun, Jul, Aug | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #20–24 |
|
| Hoppers Acrididae / Tettigoniidae |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #6–10 |
|
| Flying Ants Formicidae (alate forms) |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
| Beetles Coleoptera |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #12–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Public fishing access sites (PFAs) throughout the Ennis stretch. Float from Varney Bridge to McAtee Bridge or Valley Garden. Wade access is also abundant along US-287. No fees on PFAs.
Nearby Fly Shops
- The Tackle Shop
- Madison River Fishing Company
- The Stonefly Inn & Fly Shop
- Big Sky Anglers
- Madison River Outfitters
- Blue Ribbon Flies
Regulations & License
Fishing in Montana requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Montana fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
Madison River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Madison River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.