August 2025

UPDATED 8/7/2025

The Madison River is exploding with life under the Big Sky sun. We are seeing tons of terrestrials like hoppers and nocturnal stoneflies transforming the river into a feeding frenzy, still giving anglers a chance for plenty of dry fly action. Over the past few days, the river has been running hot into the afternoon, with the Cameron Water Gauge showing we have hit 70 degree water temps over some of the last few days. Looking at this week's weather forecast I wouldn't expect the river to get above 70 degrees but still holding in that high 50’s to upper 60’s. The Upper Madison is still not on hoot owl as of today, August 7th. Hoot Owl restrictions are in effect for The Lower Madison from Warm Springs BLM to the confluence of The Jefferson. The full fishing closure is still in effect on The Madison River starting at Hebgan Reservoir upstream to The Yellowstone Park boundary due to high water temperatures and low flows. For anglers looking to get out, there's still plenty of water to be had with all fishing open from Quake Lake down to Ennis.

Late summer on the Madison River is one of my favorite times to fish, as the river provides opportunities for dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, each offering a shot at hungry trout. I've had luck on hoppers at all times of the day finding that pink and yellow bottoms have been making fish in the river happy to feed on the surface. When the trout haven't wanted to rise, I’ve found they've been more than happy to smash that nymph floating below the hopper, especially in those deeper slicks just below ripples where the current slows and fish hold. Yesterday, I had an exceptional day throwing streamers with black and olive patterns being my go to’s. I've liked dead drifting streamers with the warmer water temps likely mimicking a dead sculpin or baitfish coming down the river. I’ve had better luck dead drifting my streamer patterns than quickly stripping them. The Madison River’s diversity right now makes it truly a special time to be out there connecting with awesome trout in so many different ways. With all that being said if you have any questions, please give our shop in Ennis a call (406) 682-4293.

Do you want to experience the Madison River from a drift boat? Learn more about aquatic insect life? Maybe you want to fine-tune your casting skills? Spend the day with one of our world-class guides on a Guided Fly Fishing Trip!

Hot Flies:

Streamers: Black Dungeon, Olive and Black Screamer, Olive Peanut Envy, Smoke Sparkle Minow, Olive Mini Loop Sculpin, Natural Sparring Partner.

Dry Flies: Yellow Thunder Thighs, Pink Thunder Thighs, Rio’s Juicy Hopper, Parachute adams, Purple Haze, Missing Link Caddis.

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubber legs in Olive and Brown, Frenchie, Rainbow Warrior, Hare’s Ear Blowtorch, Gold Lightning Bug, Black Perdigon.

- MTS Guide Julio Mateo