MADISON RIVER




One of Montana's favorite rivers, the Madison River is divided into two areas, the Upper Madison and the Lower Madison. The Madison begins its journey in Yellowstone National Park and flows 140 miles before joining the Missouri River near Three Forks. On its journey it passes through some of the most scenic places in America.

The Upper section is shallow but fast flowing and is best fished from a drift boat. The waters are crystal clear and have some spectacular views. The Upper section originates in Yellowstone National Park and travels through the park for over 20 miles before leaving the park and flowing through Hebgen and Quake Lakes and then it runs north to the town of Ennis.

About three miles below Quake Lakes the river turns into a raging river with class III and class IV rapids. Just below this section, near the Highway 87 bridge it turns into a great fly fishing stream, probably the best section of the river near the town of Ennis.

The section of the Madison River between Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake get a lot of fishing pressure. This is because of the many access points along the river as Highway 287 runs along side most of this stretch. If you can find a piece of real estate in this section you should still have a great day. From Beartrap Canyon to Three Forks, the lower section of the river is shallow and can be fished by drift boat or wading. The insects are abundant in this area so the fish get to be 24” or bigger. The Lower section starts at Ennis and flows about 35 miles north to wear it joins the Missouri River.

The Lower section of the river holds some of the bigger fish on the Madison. After June the fishing will slow down to hit and miss until the fall when the fishing picks back up and produces well again.

Most often you will catch fish below the water surface instead of on top with a dry fly. Caddis and Salmon fly hatches occur in June and that brings in the anglers. Streamers in black or olive are usually a great choice.

Click here to see a map of the surrounding area.



Leave Madison River page and return to Montana page.











Sign up for Fish On News Letter

Receive regular newsletters about fly-fishing. Featuring great specials from our affiliate sponsors, new fish photos, tactics, product reviews and other fly-fishing articles. Fill out the form below to subscribe. Fish On!

Enter your E-mail Address
Enter your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Fish On! News Letter.

MONTANA RIVERS


Gallatin River
Madison River
Missouri River
Rock Creek
Yellowstone River

Montana Fishing Regulations
Montana Fly Fishing Guides


Stock Assault
Revolutionary Stock Trading Software proven to generate profitable winning trades on Autopilot in only one hour a day. State-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence. Click Here!

ROULETTE SYSTEM
Very best manual showing how to profit from online or real Casino’s Click Here!

Attract & Seduce Women
Learn how to meet, attract and seduce women -- from a woman. Best selling attraction and seduction guide for over 8 years. Click Here!

Trading Pro System
Make money regardless of whether the market goes up or down. Better that forex, penny stocks, day trading and swing trading. Over 24 hours of video. Click Here!

Local Business