Madison River
Main Species Present: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish

The Madison River is truly one of the country’s finest. Originating at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park, it earns its reputation as a legendary trout stream. It is no mistake that this river resides in the dreams of trout fisherman across the continent.

The Madison River’s upper reaches lie in Yellowstone National Park. The stretch from the headwaters to Hebgen Lake is generally known as the Upper Madison. Fishing is phenomenal for resident rainbow trout, and lake run brown trout during the fall. Trout in the five to ten pound range are very possible, especially when brown trout run upstream from Hebgen Lake.  This section fishes pretty well from the time it opens in the spring until mid- July, when hot springs in the Firehole River basin warm up the river significantly. The fishing can be good in late July and August, but the river is sometimes closed during this time period to protect the heat sensitive trout.

Below Hebgen Lake, the stream is quite different. Warm water is no longer a problem during the summer, as Hebgen Lake dilutes the effects of the hot springs. The short stretch of stream between Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake is an excellent area to fish for both rainbow and brown trout, and it is an excellent spawning ground as well. Below Quake Lake, the Madison begins what is commonly referred to as the “Fifty Mile Riffle”. This long stretch of water is, as the name indicates, basically one long riffle. Few dangerous rapids exist, but almost all the water is at least moderately fast. This part of the river is the most popular place to fish the Madison, and for good reason. First and foremost, the fishing is beyond world-class for rainbow and brown trout. Massive fish are possible, and several thousand trout reside in each mile of stream. There is excellent wading access to this stretch, but most people like to float it.

This “Fifty Mile Riffle”, finally comes to an end at Ennis Lake. Below the lake, fishing is an early and late season affair. From September to late June, the fishing can be epic for brown trout, but during the summer, the fishing really slows down. Water temperatures can raises into the mid-seventies, which occasionally causes fish kills. Still, this part of the Madison is beautiful, and if you happen to get here in the early season, you could have a great day. The Madison finally ends at the confluence with the Gallatin and Jefferson River. This of course forms the beginning of the great Missouri River.

Every trout fisherman owes it to themselves to fish the Madison River at least once in their lifetimes. It is one of the true great, wild trout streams in America, and the beauty of the river is unmatched anywhere.