PLAN YOUR TRIP
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Thank you for checking out our most recent upper Madison River fishing report. It is our goal to keep this page updated on a regular basis to serve as a resource for those of you planning your visit to Montana. Please refer to the information below consisting of fishing techniques, fly patterns, Madison River flows and the weather in Ennis, Montana. We encourage you to give us a call for more information not detailed in our fishing report.
Coming down to the wire as we wrap up our last week of the fishing season here at Madison Valley Ranch. A little storm will move in this weekend and it looks like temps will step down a notch again next week. Fishing has been spotty throughout the day - slow through a certain stretch and then it's on for the next. Lots of really nice fish being caught right now.
Excellent warm fall weather right now before we see a cool down starting Saturday afternoon. Some snow possible on Sunday but that storm looks short lived. Next week looks cool, but still plenty fishable.
The river is low right now. You've got to slide over some gravel bars below Storey Ditch, but the right line will get you through just fine. There are some nice fish in shallow water right now, but you'll find most fish concentrated in the A+ buckets. Don't spend too much time on a hole if you aren't getting them. Keep searching and you'll find one with lots of trout hanging out.
Sparse BWOs, midges and October caddis are coming off at times depending on the weather. Look for overcast days for the best insect activity.
Best not to overthink it right now. Girdle bugs in smaller sizes, worms of various colors, eggs and small mayfly emergers are the ticket for nymphs. Streamers offer the greatest reward right now if you're willing to make a lot of casts and cycle through colors. Dry flies take some patience and good eyesight, but the slick water can old some nice trout willing to come to the surface.
To simplify things, you can expect Madison River trout to eat just about every classic trout pattern ever tied depending on the time of year. Known for prolific stonefly, caddis, mayfly and midge hatches, the trout of the Madison aren't as picky as other rivers. If you get the size and color right, chances are they'll eat it so long as you have the correct presentation. Certainly there are some local secrets, but if you stock up on the basics you should be just fine!
A 5 or 6 WT fly rod is ideal for most fly fishing situations on the Madison River. The Madison Valley can be a breezy place and with such a wide river it can help to have a little extra power in your cast. We tend to prefer fast action fly rods for this reason. Your fly line is arguably more important than your fly rod though. Half size heavy weight forward floating lines are the ideal compliment to a modern fast action rod.
A slow action 3-5 WT certainly has its time and place on this river, especially during the caddis, midge and BWO hatches. 7 WT rods are commonly fished with short sink-tip fly lines and big streamers. They also come in handy during the salmonfly hatch when you're casting a 3" long foam body dry fly.
Breathable waders and sturdy boots are often a necessity during the spring and fall months. Your best soles for traction are felt with carbide tipped studs. Be aware that many Madison River fly fishing guides do not allow studs in their boats. It is rare that waders are required between June 15-September 15. During these months, some lightweight boots or water shoes/sandals are preferred.
Above all else, quality clothing and accessories for all types of weather are essential for staying comfortable during the day. Montana can throw just about any type of weather your way so be prepared with a well thought out layering system to handle the often cold mornings and warm afternoons.
Join us October 6-10 at a discounted rate for 4 nights & 3 days of guided streamer fishing. We'll fish a variety of water in hopes of landing a trophy. Expect to learn from the best and make a lot of casts!
These openings are rare and don't last long, so be quick to claim them. Just give us a call!