Fly Fishing Stream Conditions Report: Madison River - Upper

This year: The Upper Madison is fishing very well, running at around 1260 CFS at the Kirby gage with USGS Cameron station averages near 1340 CFS. Water temperatures are averaging 63°F. Flows are slightly higher than normal for this time of year, keeping the river consistent and productive. Keep in mind that Hoot Owl restrictions are currently in effect from Eight Mile FAS downstream to Ennis Lake, closing fishing daily from 2 PM to midnight due to afternoon warming. Early morning starts are highly recommended for the best action. Any rig you want to run has been effective, but a dry-dropper or hopper-dropper setup is the most consistent producer. On calmer days, fishing double dry flies through the flats is a blast. If you are nymphing, use long leaders and fluorocarbon, and be ready for a quick hook set since the trout are spitting flies fast. Low-light hours are also producing a solid streamer bite. Terrestrials and small dry flies are the main focus, alongside steady hatches of caddis, PMDs, and yellow sallies. Trout are highly opportunistic on the surface. Try running a purple or tan Chubby Chernobyl, a Copper Haze, or a classic Elk Hair Caddis, and trail a small beadhead or perdigon nymph underneath to cover both bases.

Best time of day: Morning

Prior years: The Upper Madison River is showing good, steady flows and continues to be a reliable producer. For the best results, take a relaxed approach to the day by methodically working the braided sections using a combination of floating and wading. Dry fly fishing can be hit or miss, but it is well worth getting out early with grasshoppers, caddis, or chubby patterns before the sun climbs too high. Nymphing remains the most consistent technique for steady action, with rubberlegs and beadheads catching fish from the banks to the center pockets. Pulling the boat over to wade fish productive runs with these nymph rigs is highly effective. Streamer fishing picks up significantly in the evenings. Focus your efforts on shaded banks and deeper runs where you are most likely to entice aggressive takes while floating.