Thousands of anglers from all over the world flock to the Madison to fish its hallowed waters. Montana Outfitter License #6810 Madison River Guide Service. I turned to my rain drentched friend, Barney, and quipped “Like the boat says, fear no rock”. Water levels are kept fairly stable during the bulk of the fishing season. The Madison River is one of the most famous and recognizable names in western trout fishing. The Madison is one of Montana's premier trout rivers for rainbow and brown trout. and The Gravel Bar (fun), Lodging – Rainbow Valley Lodge, El Western, or Madison Valley Ranch, Shuttles – Trout Stalker makes suggestions on their page. Years ago, a guide explained how to fish the ‘slide’. *The link takes you to Amazon where you can read more about the titles and purchase the guidebooks if you choose. Wikipedia. To which Lisa replied “Yeah, but you should watch out for the damn boulders.”. Downstream is Ennis Lake. Today she consults for fishing and hunting operations, rents two vacation homes on Rock Creek, fishes awesome waters in the West while living in their RV, and writes about their adventures. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a galley kitchen … While there is no actual fishing access above the Raynolds pass Fishing Access, getting into the river is not hard. Numerous state and federally managed lands dot the river corridor, providing boat launches as well as wade access. A dam regulates the flow and the river spills from the bottom of the dam into the canyon. There is fantastic access for the wade angler in this section, with plenty of places to pull of the highway and jump down to the river. Go with knowledge! The Ruby Creek Campground and Boat Launch are located near herds of elk. Varney to Ennis is a full day float. This is bear country. The river upstream of McAtee Bridge to the Quake Lake outlet is closed to fishing from February 29 to the second Saturday in May to protect spawning grounds for rainbow trout. Turn off US Highway 287 to access this launch by the bridge. Share. Wade fishing is good here. We appreciate your support! There are 14 Fishing Access Sites maintained by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on the Madison River in Montana. Subscribe to our newsletter and recieve our latest fly fishing travel related article delivered to your inbox. The upper Madison River is an iconic fishing destination for trout anglers worldwide (Figure1). Cabin Creek enters the river at Campfire Lodge and fishing is always great near the spot. There are three shops in the downtown; The Tackle Shop, Trout Stalkers, and the Madison River Fishing Company. You can use a boat for transportation but all fishing must be done on foot. Flyfisher's Guide to Southwest Montana's Mountain Lakes. Give everyone the room you’d want! Great launch with lots of parking. 1 Star This. Take US Highway 287 south of Ennis to Varney Road or pick up Varney Road from MT 287 (the road to Virginia City). It is classified as a blue ribbon fishery in Montana and is one of the most productive streams in Montana for brown trout, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. This tragic event is how Earthquake Lake was formed in the late summer of that year. There are many hatches on the Madison River but none as famous as the Salmonfly. You’ll need no waders to fish this stretch – the river is far too swift to step in. The Madison River, perhaps the most famous of all the rivers in Montana, begins in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Firehole River and Gibbon River. For fewer crowds, turn in towards Campfire Lodge and bear right on the forest service road. River flows were normal for the date and an easy row was expected. There are campsites available and a boat launch. The dead standing trees in the lake are a reminder of nature’s indiscriminate powers. The river braids a bit here giving opportunities for wade fishing. Perhaps the best part of winter angling on the Upper Madison is the dry fly fishing. Fishing it before spring runoff bumps flows and dirties the water is a great time. This section of river is open to wade fishermen only. Perhaps one of the most famous fishing accesses there is, the Three Dollar Bridge on the Madison. Fishing Accesses Hiking … PLACE. Due to the heavy use, there have been many efforts to reduce angler … Keep reading. It’s the friendliness of its residents that is also attractive to us. Located in Bozeman, Montana since … All Boat Launches Camping. This is perhaps your best chance to catch huge brown trout. While you certainly can wade the river in a lot of places, I’d stick with the water below the Slide to Lyons Bridge, the Valley Garden area, and the water immediately near fishing accesses. The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. This is a great spot to fish at the end of the day as the valley is wide here and daylight is long. Upper Madison River at Valley Garden Fishing Access, Ennis MT October 19th 2013 is a day I wont forget for a long time. The best fishing will be had from $3 Bridge mainly because ice can start to form on the lower portions. Fishing the Upper Madison River in spring is worth the trip, every time. The Firehole and Gibbon Rivers Form the Madison, The Madison joins the Jefferson and the Gallatin to form the Missouri. Lakes filled with huge trout, remote, alpine lakes in amazing places, a spring creek, and nearby blue ribbon trout water. Wading is the best approach. Beaver Creek brings cold water just ahead of Quake Lake. The Gallatin River in Montana is one of the top fly fishing destinations. Access Access is outstanding along the entire length of the upper Madison—from Hebgen Reservoir to Ennis Lake. Much of the river is lined with bushes which makes staying below the high water mark and wading tough. Just downstream is the 287 Highway Bridge. RegsRules vary between stretches—having an up-to-date regulation book is always a good idea. “Get a good drift with a double nymph rig. And they have one of the best breakfast around. Listen to this podcast and discover what it takes to be successful on this famous river. Local legend Randy Brown wrote extensively on the subject and it’s worth a read. The great majority of the river is safely fished from kayaks. Spring run-off (generally May and June) and water temperatures can have short-term effects on water levels throughout the spring and summer months. 0 Likes. Heading south, my elevation drops and Ennis Lake, sparkling in the late June sun, appears. When conditions line up right, the fish will rise steadily to the frequent midge hatches and can be very captivating. From here, the Madison River braids through meadow and bushes all the way to the lake. The Madison River is one of the most famous and recognizable names in western trout fishing. Launch here for a longer day float to McAtee. The Madison River, from Madison Junction in Yellowstone to Three Forks, is a fly fishing mecca for serious anglers. Flowing north from Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin River travels ~100 miles and then joins the Jefferson River and Madison River to form the Missouri River at the Missouri Headwaters State Park in Three Forks, Montana. The Madison has lots of fishing access sites on both state land and BLM land. Hidden boulders and braids that run shallow without warning, are the challenges. Thousands of anglers from all over the world flock to the Madison to fish its hallowed waters. Be sure to stop in at a local shop for the up-to-date report. There is a really nice overlook just about a mile past the campground if you are wanting to take some nice photos. You can’t go wrong with this river any time of year. The Madison River is one of the most famous and recognizable names in western trout fishing. Use no strike indicator. Thousands of anglers from all over the world flock to the Madison to fish its hallowed waters. Follow Us on Instagram. Numerous state and federally managed lands dot the river corridor, providing boat launches as well as wade access. Just look at the photos on Slide Inn’s website for proof! If you start a float here, you’ll need to take out at one of the boat launches on the lake. The gravel road ends and a path begins for river access. The river flows through private ranch land and folks really like anglers to stay at or below the high water mark. A raft with easily work here. You’ll find numerous paths made by anglers to fishy spots. A Goober Midge or old faithful, the Griffith's Gnat fished delicately on 6X will take fish. Spend a day fishing the Madison River with ... the Jefferson River as well as the Upper and Lower Madison River. $575 - Full Day $450 - Half Day. Take Cliff Lake Road off Highway 287. The flowing Madison River formed a lake in the debris-blocked canyon. Yet another week with mild days and cold nights. Fishing is the main attraction here, but the wildlife, the alpenglow, cowboys, the mountains, and the people make the Madison Valley a truly special place. More-than-adequate snowpack this year should all but guarantee plenty of water and elbow room for fish and fishermen this summer. It has some of the most classic trout water in the country and many anglers from all over the country have called it their favorite for years. The Madison River remains one of the premier fly-fishing destinations in the American West. Despite overblown accounts of invasive aquatic species, angling pressure, inconsistent management, and drought, the Madison has managed to remain an amazing fishery. Motels, restaurants, bars, and art galleries abound in the tiny town—a perfect base of operations for an extended Madison exploration. Getting ThereGetting to and accessing the upper Madison is a fairly straightforward affair. Look for elk in early winter through late spring here. My friends and I had sacrificed sleeping in to get up early and hit the water as soon as the sun came up. 2012 CFS @ Kirby - The Upper Madison has been steadily rising over the past few days and is pretty dirty below the West Fork at the moment. Start Access Site: Three Dollar Bridge Fishing Access Site Upper Madison River - The Upper Madison has been good fishing up around Three Dollar Bridge, Raynold’s Pass Fishing Access and between the lakes. Here you will find brown trout and rainbows; cutthroats in the Park. Its mid February and The Madison River is usually frozen solid and not even considered fishable until the “The Gorge” has subsided. Turn by the Rest Area on Highway 287 to get to Lyons Bridge. Over the years we’ve been blessed with an increasing number of friends who either live in the valley or reside here seasonally. Anglers will find plenty of great access sites to wade or float along the Madison’s banks and reservoirs (including Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake). As I passed the interpretive sign at the top of Norris Hill, I wonder what it must have been like for travelers on the Bozeman Trail who must have surely marveled at the Madison Valley with its towering peaks, the distinct terraces formed from ices ages past, and the clear flowing river that divides the valley. The Madison is formed in Yellowstone National Park as the Firehole and Gibbon join at Madison Junction. Access Access is outstanding along the entire length of the upper Madison—from Hebgen Reservoir to Ennis Lake. I find myself going through the real estate listings on every visit. Also known as the 50 Mile Riffle, this section of the Madison River is known for plentiful fish and big trout. Getting There Getting to and accessing the upper Madison is a fairly straightforward affair. With the exception of a pair of rambunctous Brittanys knocking the drain plug loose just after Lyon’s Bridge, it seemed like we were off on a normal Madison River float trip. Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with … Fishing the evening hatch until dark at Three Dollar Bridge is an experience every angler should gift themselves. Upper Madison River at Valley Garden Fishing Access, Ennis MT October 19th 2013 is a day I wont forget for a long time. Repairs on the dam are ongoing and scheduled for completion by mid-summer 2015, returning cooler water temperatures and more stability to seasonal flows. Here is where the Madison River finally broke free from the newly formed Earthquake Lake and rushed out of the canyon forming new a river channel. Book a Guided Fishing Trip. By the time the river gets to Ennis, it is pretty brown. So often you are greeted with a smile in stores, on the street, or on the water. Last winter a conservation group made proposals which would have limited river access. Most fish are hanging in the slower … Upper Madison Fishing Report 12/12/2020 Date: 12/12/2020 The upper Madison is a good Wintertime fishery. Access the river upstream or down on both sides of Three Dollar Bridge. Whitefish are still relatively scarce, but research is underway to gather clues about this important trout food. Madison River Fishing Report, Upper Madison River Fishing Report, Madison River, Montana, Fly Fishing, West Yellowstone, Ennis MT, Cameron MT, Fly Shop, Yellowstone National Park, Guide Trips This section of the upper Madison River is designated as wade fishing only. Local Fishing Report – The Tackle Shop or Madison River Fishing Company, Bar / Restaurant – McAllister Steakhouse (so good!) There is no fishing from a boat until you are in the lake. Take the road to Jeffers to get to the Valley Garden Fishing Access. But the snow is around three... more feet around the river so it takes some work to get to the river. But the big fly shop is located in Cameron, right on the highway. Beware, the lake can fetch up on windy days . Beartooth Fly Fishing has quite a selection of everything, wow. Take the road to the McAtee Fishing Access off US Highway 287. the McAtee Fishing Access is located approximately 19 miles south of Ennis. If you know, you know. Fishing from a boat is allowed downstream from Lyon’s Bridge to the highway bridge in Ennis, just downstream from the Ennis Fishing Access. Upper Madison Access Map. The high bench over the river has parking while the launch puts you right into good, fishy braided water. And it is clear – Ennis is a fishing town. As we approached its entrance, I noticed a boat and two anglers wading in the channel. Sitting right on a small side channel of the Upper Madison River a few miles downstream of 3 dollar bridge, this is the perfect location for a trip with a main focus on fishing access. With its beautiful scenery and excellent fishing, a visit to the Madison River is a top priority for many angle… The river is pretty straight forward in this stretch. Fishing must be done by wading. Check out the latest Upper Madison River Fishing Report at http://www.yobiadventures.com/fishing-reports/montana/ennis/upper-madison-river-fishing-report Lyons Bridge is 33 miles south of Ennis. Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream. Take Varney Road to the access. Be the first to get our latest fly fishing posts and videos straight to your email inbox. the Varney Bridge Fishing Access is located approximately 10 miles south of Ennis. The river upstream of McAtee Bridge to the Quake Lake outlet is closed to fishing from February 29 to the second Saturday in May to protect spawning grounds for rainbow trout. I love Ennis. Millions of tons of dirt and boulders crashed into the tight valley below stopping the river flow and killing 19 who were camped at the undeveloped end of the Rock Creek Campground. This area is more sheltered from the relentless southern winds that can howl some days so if you are thinking about dry camping, this would be a great spot. There are campsites and decent places to wade fish. Here you’ll find America’s oldest national park, ghost towns, hiking trails, and amazing mountain scenery. It’s always wise to check in with the local experts. Have your bear spray handy. Fish to town for a half day float or go to Valley Garden for a half float, half wade day. It is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley in south-central Montana. A last minute descision had me digging furiously to go to the right side of the island. Consisting of two dramatically different stretches outside of Yellowstone National Park, and widespread public access along the way, this Madison River offers plenty of diversity for boat fishermen and wading anglers alike. YES, dy fly fishing. I could go on and on here. For the focus of this article, I’ll share with you our knowledge of the Madison from the outlet of Quake Lake to the Inlet of Ennis Lake. This short section begins at the dam and flows through the scenic canyon to Quake Lake. Three Dollar Bridge is 40 miles south of Ennis. Browns and rainbows predominate and there have been some very healthy specimens caught here over the past couple seasons. The Madison River is designated a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Another great option for making a longer or shorter float. Be the first to get our latest fly fishing posts and videos of some the! 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