Guide Service Daily Rates Daily Fishing Rates. The rain pelting the water’s surface made it difficult to see subsurface structure and depth. *The link takes you to Amazon where you can read more about the titles and purchase the guidebooks if you choose. Beware, the lake can fetch up on windy days . The Campfire Lodge sits on the banks. 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. This short section begins at the dam and flows through the scenic canyon to Quake Lake. Named for the sign a landowner placed on the property requiring a $3 per day use fee to park and access the river, the land was purchased with matching funds from the public, corporate donors such as Orvis, and Montana FWP. Hebgen is not a power-generating facility, so flows do not vary dramatically due to demand. Take US Highway 287 south of Ennis to Varney Road or pick up Varney Road from MT 287 (the road to Virginia City). At a young age, she purchased Lopstick Lodge in northern NH and became a licensed fishing and hunting guide. From here, the Madison River braids through meadow and bushes all the way to the lake. This is a popular float so do not expect solitude. Taking out at the Valley Garden Fishing Access in Jeffers. Today the land is held by the Trust For Public Lands that permanently protects 4 miles of river frontage. Its mid February and The Madison River is usually frozen solid and not even considered fishable until the “The Gorge” has subsided. Be the first to get our latest fly fishing posts and videos straight to your email inbox. This is bear country. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish fishing in Madison River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. Access the river upstream or down on both sides of Three Dollar Bridge. Take Varney Road to the access. The upper wade fishing zone from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge is 12.6 miles long and makes up 22% of the entire Upper Madison fishing zone. Access the Burnt Tree Hole launch off Varney Road, just downstream from 8 Mile, float from here to do a shorter float to Valley Garden for a half float, half wade day. Upper Madison River at Valley Garden Fishing Access, Ennis MT October 19th 2013 is a day I wont forget for a long time. Lyons Bridge is 33 miles south of Ennis. So often you are greeted with a smile in stores, on the street, or on the water. The river from Hebgen Dam to Ennis Lake is primarily riffle water while below Bear Trap Canyon, the river is a slower flowing tailwater. Use no strike indicator. There are many hatches on the Madison River but none as famous as the Salmonfly. There is less slush ice in the river above Cameron Flats. Numerous state and federally managed lands dot the river corridor, providing boat launches as well as wade access. You can’t go wrong with this river any time of year. You can use a boat for transportation but all fishing must be done on foot. Access is located approximately 28 miles south of Ennis, off US Highway 287. The Madison River, from Madison Junction in Yellowstone to Three Forks, is a fly fishing mecca for serious anglers. The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. the Varney Bridge Fishing Access is located approximately 10 miles south of Ennis. I decided to slide the boat between a large boulder and the island. At Raynold Pass Fishing access, you can follow the well-worn path upstream on both sides of the river and fish for huge brown trout that lurk in these waters. Just south of I-90, Hwy. This guide describes 332 Fishing Access Sites (FASs) located on Montana’s streams, rivers, and lakes that are managed by the Fisheries program. Whether you want to fish the upper, the lower or the section in Yellowstone Park he'll be able to guide you to success. The Firehole and Gibbon Rivers Form the Madison, The Madison joins the Jefferson and the Gallatin to form the Missouri. The fishing pressure on the Madison River has risen quite a bit in the last decade. Wade fishing is permitted on 100% of the upper river. Going upstream, it leads you into the ‘slide’ area. Years ago, a guide explained how to fish the ‘slide’. 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. The Upper Madison is know as the "Fifty Mile Rifle". Numerous state and federally managed lands dot the river corridor, providing boat launches as well as wade access. Follow Us on Instagram. In the fall, monster brown trout move out of nearby Hebgen Lake to spawn. It is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley in south-central Montana. I love Ennis. Fishing from a boat is allowed downstream from Lyon’s Bridge to the highway bridge in Ennis, just downstream from the Ennis Fishing Access. Cabin Creek enters the river at Campfire Lodge and fishing is always great near the spot. After recovering from a bout with whirling disease in more than 20 years ago,  anglers fish the river in record numbers. As the granddaughter of New Hampshire fishing guides, Lisa grew up in a hunting and fishing home. This section of river is open to wade fishermen only. FishThe fish are fat and happy. 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. The flowing Madison River formed a lake in the debris-blocked canyon. Share. We appreciate your support! 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 is really fishy water here so be ready to cast downstream of the bridge. YES, dy fly fishing. It’s always wise to check in with the local experts. Water levels are kept fairly stable during the bulk of the fishing season. Lakes filled with huge trout, remote, alpine lakes in amazing places, a spring creek, and nearby blue ribbon trout water. There is camping as well. Wikipedia. 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. Fishing Conditions December 7, 2020. Thousands of anglers from all over the world flock to the Madison to fish its hallowed waters. If you’re serious about fishing, here’s our recommended reading for this water. 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. FlowsRiver flows are managed from Hebgen Dam. Whitefish are still relatively scarce, but research is underway to gather clues about this important trout food. Book a Guided Fishing Trip. Numerous state and federally managed lands dot the river corridor, providing boat launches as well as wade access. For a one day trip, that does not include lodging, the check-in and check-out date is the same date. Just over the Madison Range is Big Sky, Montana’s biggest ski area. Go with knowledge! There is a really nice overlook just about a mile past the campground if you are wanting to take some nice photos. The busy downtown is fun to visit with the gift shops, fly shops, art galleries, and fun bars. The Madison River is one of the most famous and recognizable names in western trout fishing. from here you can access upstream to Quake Lake and downstream for a little way too. Great launch with lots of parking. A well-worn fisherman’s path along the river lead to some great spots. There is good access for wade fishing. Here’s a useful.pdf Madison River Map create by the Madison Valley Ranch featuring all of the BLM and Montana Fishing Access sites on the upper Madison River. The high bench over the river has parking while the launch puts you right into good, fishy braided water. Unlike the pastorial flows of the Upper Connecticut River in New Hampshire where I once guided, the Madison River often has hidden obsticles just beneath the surface which are often topped with patches of paint and gel coat. For Shuttles on the Upper Madison Contact: Rocket Shuttles: (406) 581-4626 or (406) 764-9886 Dorothy's Shuttle Service: (406) 682-4886 Driftaway Shuttles: (406) 682-3088. Kelly Galloup lives and runs his shop and lodge just minutes from the Madison River. RegsRules vary between stretches—having an up-to-date regulation book is always a good idea. Access is located approximately 27 miles south of Ennis, off US Highway 287. Above the West Fork, it has a little color in it but has been fishing very well with mostly a … Here you will find brown trout and rainbows; cutthroats in the Park. My friends and I had sacrificed sleeping in to get up early and hit the water as soon as the sun came up. If you start a float here, you’ll need to take out at one of the boat launches on the lake. 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). 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. Here’s what we used during our trip from June 25 to July 2, 2019. Fish within a foot of shore in the soft water. We keep guidebooks in the camper and the state atlas in all of our rigs. For fewer crowds, turn in towards Campfire Lodge and bear right on the forest service road. Dead standing trees defy the whitewater that rushes by. But the big fly shop is located in Cameron, right on the highway. I could go on and on here. Just 16 miles south of Ennis, just off US 287, you’ll find Storey Ditch. The Madison River is one of the most famous and recognizable names in western trout fishing. Another great option for making a longer or shorter float. Here you’ll find America’s oldest national park, ghost towns, hiking trails, and amazing mountain scenery. Downstream is Ennis Lake. There are campsites and decent places to wade fish. Just downstream is the 287 Highway Bridge. As we approached its entrance, I noticed a boat and two anglers wading in the channel. The river flows through private ranch land and folks really like anglers to stay at or below the high water mark. Repairs on the dam are ongoing and scheduled for completion by mid-summer 2015, returning cooler water temperatures and more stability to seasonal flows. The big bugs appear in mid to late June. It's kinda like a cool fishing magazine only it's free! 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. Posted at 08:59h in Fishing Reports, Tips by Mike Stack 0 Comments. Recieve our latest blog posts direct to your inbox. And fishing the river from a kickboat or kayak is a good option. 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 A raft with easily work here. Due to the heavy use, there have been many efforts to reduce angler … Also known as the 50 Mile Riffle, this section of the Madison River is known for plentiful fish and big trout. It also can be a sanity saver in these weird times. My friends and I had sacrificed sleeping in to get up early and hit the water as soon as the sun came up. Just look at the photos on Slide Inn’s website for proof! Access the Madison River where the West Fork joins the main stem. Ennis, Montana is a trout town. In a heartbeat, we ran out of water. One of my favorites floats is Lyons to Palisades. Turn by the Rest Area on Highway 287 to get to Lyons Bridge. Take Cliff Lake Road off Highway 287. The section near the highway sees lots of anglers. And they have one of the best breakfast around. From its origin, it flows for more than 140 miles through exceptionally beautiful scenery before it reaches the Missouri River near the town of Three Forks, Montana. If you float these section of the river, get out of the watercraft before casting a line. Mike Lum guides for the Madison River Fishing Company in Ennis. It can get pretty busy over there, so please practice proper social distancing. It’s the friendliness of its residents that is also attractive to us. 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. 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. Browns and rainbows predominate and there have been some very healthy specimens caught here over the past couple seasons. Check out the latest Upper Madison River Fishing Report at http://www.yobiadventures.com/fishing-reports/montana/ennis/upper-madison-river-fishing-report 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. Gallatin River Lower Madison River Upper Madison River Yellowstone River Spring Creeks Jefferson River Big Hole Boulder River Stillwater River Bighorn River Missouri River Yellowstone Park Waters Other Waters. Thousands of anglers from all over the world flock to the Madison to fish its hallowed waters. From the Slide to Lyons Bridge, and from the 287 Highway Bridge in Ennis to Ennis Lake, float fishing is prohibited. We do receive a small portion of the sale for providing the link which helps to support this site. There are no crazy rapids, diversion dams that span the river, or falls. The river braids a bit here giving opportunities for wade fishing. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a galley kitchen … If you love photography, here is another great spot. I turned to my rain drentched friend, Barney, and quipped “Like the boat says, fear no rock”. Of course, floating the river makes for an amazing experience and with sometimes-localized hatches, covering some water can also be an advantage. Then the rains came. Beartooth Fly Fishing has quite a selection of everything, wow. Fishing it before spring runoff bumps flows and dirties the water is a great time. But the snow is around three... more feet around the river so it takes some work to get to the river. Wow, there is so much good to fish. Keep reading. Launch here for a longer day float to McAtee. Montana’s FAS Program provides public access to high quality waters for angling, boating, rafting, and other recreation opportunities. If you know, you know. The river comes close to Highway 287 and there is an interpretive sign for the 1959 earthquake where you can park. Subscribe to our newsletter and recieve our latest fly fishing travel related article delivered to your inbox. Beaver Creek brings cold water just ahead of Quake Lake. Turn off US Highway 287 to access this launch by the bridge. When conditions line up right, the fish will rise steadily to the frequent midge hatches and can be very captivating. This would not be complete without mentioning a very special stretch of the Madison River between Hebgen and Quake Lake. Give everyone the room you’d want! The boat launch is good here and you are not far from the Palisades. The weather can be troubling this time of year, but the prepared angler can find some of the best fishing of the season in relative solitude. 13 Feb. Upper Madison River Fishing Report 2-13-15. This section of the upper Madison River is designated as wade fishing only. In its upper reaches in Gallatin County, Montana, the Hebgen Dam forms Hebgen Lake. Fishing Accesses Hiking … PLACE. The Madison is formed in Yellowstone National Park as the Firehole and Gibbon join at Madison Junction. Thick hatches of caddis, golden stones, PMDs, yellow sallys, and myriad other insects continue through early August when we see a shift to more terrestrial insects on the menu. The best fishing will be had from $3 Bridge mainly because ice can start to form on the lower portions. On this day, the sky is as clear as it gets, and the tallest mountains of the snow-capped Centennial range some 90 miles away, are visible in the far distance. Dark spotted rainbow trout on the Madison River, Angler Wading Downstream from Lyons Bridge. 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. Together they grew the business, traveled and fished, and then in 2013, sold Lopstick and moved to their cabin on Rock Creek in Montana. AccessAccess is outstanding along the entire length of the upper Madison—from Hebgen Reservoir to Ennis Lake. Upper Madison River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides. Local legend Randy Brown wrote extensively on the subject and it’s worth a read. Take Cliff Lake Road off Highway 287. Despite overblown accounts of invasive aquatic species, angling pressure, inconsistent management, and drought, the Madison has managed to remain an amazing fishery. Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream. There are campsites available and a boat launch. He's guided on the river for over 17 years and knows the river intimately. This section of the upper Madison River is designated as wade fishing only. Then, the river courses it’s way north, then west to Hebgen Lake. The entirety of the upper river is catch-and-release for rainbow trout and the majority of it is for browns (with the exception of kids 14 and under who may keep one fish of either species and any size). Lisa leapt from the boat, pulling the stern upstream and around the rock. Spring run-off (generally May and June) and water temperatures can have short-term effects on water levels throughout the spring and summer months. Listen to this podcast and discover what it takes to be successful on this famous river. Yet another week with mild days and cold nights. Located in Bozeman, Montana since … This is perhaps your best chance to catch huge brown trout. Be sure to stop in at a local shop for the up-to-date report. Three Dollar Bridge is 40 miles south of Ennis. 0 Likes. You’ll find numerous paths made by anglers to fishy spots. Take the road to Jeffers to get to the Valley Garden Fishing Access. The popularity of this fishery can be documented through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks estimates on angling pressure, which indicate that the Madison River is frequently one of the most heavily fished rivers in Montana. The river during normal summer flows, in my opinion, is fairly easy to row. The dead standing trees in the lake are a reminder of nature’s indiscriminate powers. Shortly thereafter she met her business partner and husband, Tim Savard. The palisades tower above the launch, very picturesque. Fishing the Upper Madison River in spring is worth the trip, every time. Last winter a conservation group made proposals which would have limited river access. If you come to the area to fish and find it overcrowded, no worries, there are lots of quieter options nearby. And it is clear – Ennis is a fishing town. Getting There Getting to and accessing the upper Madison is a fairly straightforward affair. Somewhere above Windy Point, I chose a river-left braid. A Madison River Map containing all access sites. In its middle reaches in Madison County, Montana, the Madison Dam forms Ennis Lake and… River in MT, WY. While a crowded river is something no one likes, it is no wonder the river is busy due to the high fish population and amazing scenery. There is ample parking for boat trailers. You can use a boat for transportation but all fishing must be done on foot. To which Lisa replied “Yeah, but you should watch out for the damn boulders.”. The Ruby Creek Campground and Boat Launch are located near herds of elk. Relatively scarce, but man, did this work great off by the Bridge dark at Three Dollar Bridge rainbow! The flow and the island, we ran out of nearby Hebgen Lake water on Madison... In record numbers get under the Bridge bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a galley kitchen … Madison. 'S Gnat fished delicately on 6X will take fish I turned to my rain friend... 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