The Lower Madison is a very consistent option for winter fishing near Bozeman and Big Sky right now. The Lower Madison has been outstanding on good days and good enough on slow days. This is always a good winter choice as long as the wind isn’t blowing too hard. Severe cold snaps can also cause the river to slush up but the weather has still been mild enough to produce good fishing and even a few rising fish during the random midge hatches that can occur in winter on the Lower Madison. Check out a recent blog post on more tips for fly fishing in winter: Winter Fly Fishing Tips That Go Beyond Just Dressing Warm.
The flows are good for walking and wading and covering a good bit of water. The fishing in Bear Trap Canyon can be good as the dam helps to regulate water temps some. However, any reports of decent dry fly fishing are pretty much done for the season, but if the wind stays down the fish might be looking up for midges in the slower backeddies or slower runs. The streamer bite is ok as well. It isn't gangbusters but for anglers wanting to feel the tug of a quick strike, persistence might pay off. For more tips, read some of our recent blogs 5 Tips to Improve Your Streamer Fishing or Winter Fly Fishing in Montana to learn more about catching more fish when the snow flies and the temps freeze.
The Lower Madison is one of the best winter options for fly fishing in the Big Sky and Bozeman areas. It can fish very well especially on overcast days. Look for the buckets and deeper runs. Crayfish, sculpins, worms and eggs are the norm, with baetis and midges trailing. Streamer/swing fishing can be quite productive as well. If you are headed into Beartrap Canyon, be sure to read our blog on Fishing Big Canyon Waters.
After all is said and done, the best way to find fish right now on the Lower Madison is by fishing tandem nymph rigs or dragging streamers and crayfish. Small beadheads paired with a large morsel like a crayfish or sculpin are the best options right now. Our Montana fishing guides like size 14 Lightning bugs or PTs or size 16 Perdigons or Green Machines for nymphs and Clouser or Turkey crayfish and a variety of streamer patterns.
Flies for the Lower Madison River Right Now:
Lightning Bugs in sizes 16-18
Firebead and hot bead SJ wormies in sizes 10-14
Zebra Midges in red or black in sizes 18-22
Sawyer PTs in sizes 18-22
Clouser crayfish in size 8-12
Pheasant Tails in sizes 16-20
Little Spankers in sizes 18-20
Pat's Rubberlegs in sizes 12-14
Sparkle Minnows in bright colors in sizes 2-6
Home Invaders in purple or olive in sizes 2-6
The Month Ahead:
The Lower has been outstanding on good days and good enough on slow days. This is always a good winter choice as long as the wind isn’t blowing too hard. Severe cold snaps can also cause the river to slush up but the weather has still been mild enough to produce good fishing and even a few rising fish over midge hatches.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Lower Madison is a very solid winter fishery. Just watch the weather and look for no wind. Midge fishing along with pink nymphs are a solid bet. Winter fishing on the Lower Madison and winter fishing near Bozeman is a time to enjoy getting out and fishing rather than fishing when racking up numbers is the goal.