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.
The Upper Madison is another consistent Fall/Winter Fishery. Fish will stack up in the slower water. Look for buckets and behind/around boulders. Fish will readily take small Pheasant Tails, Perdigons, and various midge imitations. Streamer fishing can be hit or miss, although the reward can be very sizeable trout. Dry fly fishing can be great on calm/overcast days. Look for fish to be taking Midge imitations in the slowest water. Blue Winged Olive patterns can also produce at the right place and time. The name of the game is small (#18-#24) for the nymphs and dry flies. Be sure to keep an eye out for redds and spawning fish. Make sure to admire from afar, as stressing these fish can create diminished returns for new recruitment. Also be sure to avoid walking on, downstream, or immediately above the redds to avoid damaging the eggs.
Para Adams (16-20), Purple Haze (16-20), Sparkle Dun (16-20), Para Extended Body BWO (16-20), Smith's BWO Emerger (18-20), Film Critic (16-20), Smoke Jumper (16-20), Griffith’s Gnat (16-20), UV Sparkle Midge (18-20)
Olive Trombone (4),Whitey/Olive Mini Dragon (8), Olive/Brown/Black Woolly Bugger (4-12), Sculpin/Royal Sparkle Minnow (4-8), Olive/Natural Sculpzilla (4-8), Rainbow/Olive Gonga (2), Rainbow/Olive/Black Baby Gonga (8), Olive Mini Dungeon (6), Olive Articulated Trombone (4), Olive Flash Fry (6), Olive Urchin Bugger (4)
Copper John (14-18), Quilldigon (18-20), Pat’s Rubber Legs (8-12), Pheasant Tail (14-20), Hare’s Ear (14-20), Lightning Bug (14-20), Prince Nymph (12-18), Zebra Midge (16-20), Pheasant Tail Jigs (14-16), Machines (16-20), Juju Beatis (16-20), 3$ Dip (14-18), Tan Shagedelic Mop, Jig Bugger (10), Worms
