Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
9/25/26
Walk Wade Stretch (Between the Lakes, Upriver of Lyon's Bridge, Downriver of Ennis):
The Upper Madison is settling into its fall rhythm. Cooler nights and clear water have fish transitioning toward smaller fall food sources, with baetis becoming increasingly important. Don’t feel like you need to be on the water at first light right now. Fishing has generally been improving around 10–11 a.m. as things warm up.
Fall tip: The river is clear and the fish have seen plenty of flies, so longer leaders, lighter tippet, good depth, and clean presentations are becoming increasingly important.
Float Stretch(Downriver of Lyon's Bridge to Ennis):
The float stretch is fishing similarly, with nymphing and streamers being the most consistent ways to find fish. Ants are still worth having, but smaller Baetis dries and emergers are becoming more important when fish start looking up. Hoppers are still possible on warmer afternoons, but the larger foam bite is fading.
Streamers, especially early in the morning and during periods of lower bug activity. Sculpins, baitfish patterns, and smaller streamers are moving fish. Play with color and profile throughout the day, and don't be afraid to dead drift a streamer under an indicator.
Dries: Chubby Chernobyl (Royal, Purple, Royal Tan) #12-14, Bionic Ant #14-16, Parachute Ant #14-16, Parachute Adams #16-20, Sparkle Dun BWO #18-20, Jojo's BWO #18-20, Elk Hair Caddis (Tan) #16-18, Morrish Hopper #12-14.
Nymphs: San Juan Worm #12-16, Pat's Rubber Legs #10-14, Lightning Bugs #16-18, Zebra Jig (Purple, Rusty Brown, Red) #16-20, #16-20, Olive or Pearl Perdigon #16-18, Yellow Hotspot Perdigon #16-18, small Pheasant Tails and Hare's Ears #16-18.
Streamers: Mini Dungeons, Barely Legals, Sparkle Minnows, Zonkers, and smaller Sculpin patterns will move fish for you. Start with smaller profiles and adjust throughout the day. Play with color as well — dark vs. light, natural vs. flashy. Slow it down when the fish aren't willing to chase.
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Thanks for checking out our Madison River Fishing Report brought to you from Big Sky, MT.
