The Madison
The Madison River is one of the world’s most iconic trout fisheries, representing the pinnacle of what Montana has to offer.
Located in southwest Montana, the Madison River is part of the Missouri River headwaters. It is formed in Yellowstone National Park, where the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers converge. From there, the Madison flows out of the park near West Yellowstone, Montana, and continues north into Hebgen Lake, then Quake Lake. From Quake Lake, it continues north toward Ennis, Montana, passing through Cameron before reaching the banks of Ennis and eventually flowing into Ennis Lake.
From Ennis Lake, the Madison River continues north, winding through a scenic canyon before emerging into open farmland, where bison can often be seen along its banks. It then flows toward Three Forks, Montana, where it joins the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers in Headwaters State Park to form the Missouri River.
The Madison River is divided into two distinct sections: the Upper Madison River and the Lower Madison River. The Upper Madison is further divided into three sections, commonly referred to by locals as “above the lakes,” “in-between the lakes,” and “the 50-mile riffle.”
Wading the Madison River
The Madison River offers plenty of opportunities for hike-in wade fishing, as well as float trips that allow anglers to get out and fish on foot. Due to the river’s rocky bottom and strong currents, using a drift boat or raft for transportation can help access more remote and productive waters.
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, there’s plenty of water that offers solitude away from the crowds. However, with its uneven rocks and swift currents, wading the Madison is best suited for nimble anglers with a sense of adventure.
The Upper Madison River
The Upper Madison River offers some of the most consistent fishing in Southwest Montana. This swift, rocky river is home to an abundance of feisty Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, which thrive on its plentiful stonefly and sculpin population. As a result, it’s an excellent river for streamer fishing and produces strong, hard-fighting fish of all sizes.
While some areas offer wading opportunities, most of the Upper Madison is best fished from a boat. The upper section, in particular, is fast-moving with a riverbed of large, bowling ball-sized rocks, making wading extremely difficult. A drift boat or raft is the preferred choice, providing a fun and accessible fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
With over a week's worth of different float options, this section of the Madison will keep you coming back year after year.
The Lower Madison River
The Lower Madison River begins at the base of Ennis Dam, flowing swiftly through the rugged Bear Trap Canyon before opening into a wide, scenic valley. With its calm, gentle flows, this section is best fished in the spring and fall and is one of the top choices for a winter float. It’s also home to some of the largest Brown Trout in the entire Madison River.
Located just 20 minutes from Bozeman, the Lower Madison is an excellent option for a half-day trip or a quick fishing session before catching an afternoon flight.