From below Ennis Lake to the headwaters of the Missouri River is the stretch known as the lower Madison River. It cruises through the Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness Area and can get gnarly before calming down and widening out on its final stretch into Three Forks. There, it meets the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers to form the Missouri River.
***HOOT OWL CLOSURE IN EFFECT*** Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight. As a tailwater fishery, the Lower will begin to fish consistently at an earlier date than most of our other area rivers. There will be more boat traffic as a result, but for good reason. With the water warming up, fish are actively searching for food and willing to move for the fly. Nymphing Crawfish, Leeches, and Worms followed up by your favorite Caddis Pupa/Larvae patterns, Mayfly patterns, slim-body euro nymphs, and hot-bead nymphs are all great options. On calm overcast days, also watch for fish raising on small midges and mayflies.
Elk Hair Caddis Black/Olive (14-18), X-Caddis Olive (12-18), Corn Fed Caddis (14-18), Parachute Adams (16-20), Purple Haze (16-20), Sparkle Dun (16-20), Challenged BWO, Peeking Caddis (14-16), Bubbleback CDC Caddis (14-18), Griffiths Gnat (16-20), UV Sparkle Midge (18-20), Chubby Royal/Pink/Tan (8-12)
Mills Cowbell Cray 6, Dead Drift Cray 6, Beadhead Rubber Leg Krystal Bugger Brown/Olive/Black (6-10), Fruit Roll-up (8), Goldie (4-8), Trombone (4-8), Tungsten Grinch (6-8), Tungsten Thin Mint (8-12)
Pheasant Tail (12-20), BH Hare’s Ear (8-20), Lightning Bug, Zirdle Orange/Olive (6-12), Black Blowtorch (12-16), Hare's Ear Blowtorch (14-16), Machines (16-20), Lil Spankers (16-20), Juju Baetis (16-20), Worms, Eggs, Mops
