Fishing Report

Upper Madison

The Upper Madison River originates in Yellowstone National Park and flows through Hebgen Lake, past the town of Ennis, Montana on its way to Ennis Lake. Because river flows are managed from Hebgen Dam, water levels remain pretty consistent throughout most of the fishing season. With gorgeous scenery and great fly fishing, anglers from all over seek out Montana's famed Madison River.

September 25, 2023

Upper Madison

fishing report

The Upper is starting to get that fall feeling. Cold mornings, with some colors changing. Fish are starting to move, and a couple browns are already sporting their fall colors! Streamer fishing have been improving every day, with small nymphs picking up fish as well. After rain, worms have been putting some quality fish in the net too. Some fish are still looking up for terresterials, but if you're wanting to focus on dries small baetis, midges, and some small black caddis have been catching fish in the slicks and shallow riffles along the bank.

Suggested Fly Patterns

  • Dry Fly

    Parachute Adams (16-20), Purple Haze (18-20), Chubbies Pink, Tan, Royal (6-16), Morrish Hopper Pink, Tan, Purple, Brown (10-14), Water Walker Peanut, Royal, September Stone (6-12), G's Ant Acid (14-16), Elk Hair Caddis Tan, Olive (12-14), X-Caddis Tan, Olive (16-18), Missing Link Caddis Dark, Olive (16-18)

  • Streamer

    Woolly Bugger Black/Olive (6-12), Mini Loop Sculpin Olive, Natural (6), Mini Dungeons Yellow/White/Black (6), Baby Dragon Sculpin/Black/Yellow/Whitey (4), Sparkle Minnow Smoke/Sculpin/Brown (2-8) Heisenberg Black/ Olive/ White (6), Kill Whitey Black/ Olive/ White (4)

  • Nymph

    Pats Rubberlegs Black/Coffee, Olive, Black, Orange (4-12), Rainbow Warrior (16-20), Copper John Red/ Copper(16-20), Pink/Natural Quilldigon (14-18), Lightning Bug (16-18), Lil Spanker (16-20), Machines (16-20), Juju Baetis (16-20), $3 Dips (14-18), Steel Worm (6-8), Matt’s Shagadelic Mop, Eggs

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