Features:
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The Madison is one of those world famous rivers that almost any fly fisher anywhere will recognize. The river is one of the best places in the world to catch large brown trout. Days with 20 or more browns in the 17-20 inch range are common. The first section of river is the distance from the Yellowstone Park boundary to Hebgen Lake. Although this stretch is only nine miles long, it offers some of the best fishing on the Madison, if you time it right. Hot, dry summers really affect this section, so go during the spring or fall. In the fall, monster brown trout move out of Hebgen Lake to spawn, so bring your 6-8 weight rod and your streamer box. This section is open from the third Saturday in May to November 30.
The next section of the Madison is the two mile run from Hebgen Lake to Quake Lake. Open all year, this area fishes well in winter due to midge hatches. In the spring, Baetis and micro-caddis begin to emerge. Fish these hatches from late morning to three in the afternoon. Because of the easy access to the Madison here, this section becomes very crowded during tourist season. Get to the river early to beat the crowds. However, the best caddis action is in the evenings, so it is a tradeoff.
Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge constitutes the next section of the Madison. Open from the third Saturday in May until February, this section is closed to float fishing. The area right below the dam is a stretch of rough water, so rough that most fishermen move on. It deserves attention, as the largest trout in this section live here. Try a sinking line and tip with a weighted streamer. This entire section is characterized by fast moving water and less picky trout. Salmonflies and stoneflies appear in late June or early July, providing good action. Caddis and PMDs provide action throughout the summer, as do terrestrials. This stretch of river sees an explosive mayfly hatch in the summer. This hatch, from 5 to 7p.m. on most days, is best on days with bad weather.
From Lyons Bridge to Ennis Lake, floaters make the majority of anglers. The Madison is big and wide through here, so a boat really helps. Wading is difficult here, as the bottom is rocky and slippery. The usual hatches provide action during the seasons. Terrestrials work well during the summer. To avoid the incredible boat traffic here, get to the river early. Due to hunting season and the end of tourist season, the Madison really quiets down in the fall, making for excellent fishing. Below Quake Lake is a great place to catch spawning browns in the fall.
The final stretch of river is from Ennis Lake to Three Forks. Trout numbers have recently exploded in this section, many of those being 17-19 inch brown trout. This piece of water is best floated, but keep an eye on low water during the summer. Baetis and Mother’s Day Caddis are the premier hatches on this section. While they provide good dry fly action, the real trick is to strip streamers through the deep runs and pools.
The angler has a choice of towns to base out of, including Ennis, Bozeman and West Yellowstone. Access to the Madison is excellent, as the river is shadowed by roads its entire length. Boat launches and campgrounds abound.
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Seasonal Strategies:
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Spring can see some good Baetis and Mother’s Day Caddis action. During runoff (May-late June or early July), expect to see Salmonflies and stoneflies. As summer kicks off, terrestrials pick up, as do the usual hatches such as caddis, PMDs, mayflies, and Baetis.
Fall is prime time on the Madison River, as spawning brown trout provide the angler with a chance to catch the trout of a lifetime. Streamers work best during the fall run, but are also very effective all year.
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