Known for it stunning views and spectacular trout fishing, the Madison river is a premier destintion for anglers world wide. With fish counts ranging from 2500- 3500 fish per mile it is one of the most productive fisheries in the state. Although a tailwater, this river has prolific stonefly hatches in the late spring and early summer months. Mayflies, midges and terrestrials are common in this river as well, giving anglers a multitude of ways to catch these fish.
Madison River
Lyons Bridge to McAtee Bridge
With its quick riffles and deep buckets the upper Madison River is a popular destination for float fisherman. Fish numbers tend to be the highest in the upper reachers due to the cold and nutrient dense waters leaving the lakes. This stretch offers some of the best trout fishing habitat ,giving anglers oppertunities to target fish in pictuesque water. These streatches of river are famously known at the “50 mile riffle”.
McAtee Bridge to Town
As the river flows to its lower sections, the long riffle transforms into braidided channels with deep runs and steep cutbanks. This stretch offers anglers the best chance to score a large Madison browntrout. Many of the fish in this section aree in high numbers in a handful of runs and drops. This offers anglers a challenge to be ready to cast at any moment into possibly unsuspecting water.
Hatches
Midges - March and April
Blue Winged Olive - April and May
Salmonfly & Golden Stonefly - Late June into Early July
Caddis - June, July & Augest
Terrestrials - Late Summer