Winter has finally hit the Upper Madison. With the latest cold snap and snow, winter is here to stay in the Madison Valley. The fishing is now going to shift to winter-like fishing compared to what we've seen the past several weeks. Hatches of Blue-Winged Olives are done and the streamer bite has slowed down as well. Most fish are going to be caught on tandem subsurface nymph rigs fished in the slowest and deepest water you can find.
Because trout in winter on the Madison River are not going to feed for a long duration during the day, plan your fishing for the warmest part of the day between Noon and 4 PM. Our Montana fly fishing guides that fish the Madison River in winter stick primarily to the walk-and-wade section because the river downstream of Palisades can become choked with shelf ice and as it gets closer to Ennis the potential for ice dams and unsafe conditions increases.
The Upper continues to be a good option. Trout are avoiding the fast water that makes up a lot of this section of the river so if you can find some slower runs they will be filled with trout. The water near Ennis is a little more diverse than the “50 mile riffle” upstream and has some great holding water. Nymphing stoneflies trailed by smaller baetis nymphs has been effective. Eggs and some of the larger midge larva patterns such as 3 dollar dips are also a good option.
Flies for the Madison Right Now:
Rainbow warriors in sizes 14-20
Firebead or hot bead SJ wormies in sizes 8-12
Zebra Midges in sizes 16-20
Beadhead PTs in sizes 18-22
Juju beatis in flash or tan in sizes 16-20
The Month Ahead:
The Upper Madison River is in winter mode until March. The fishing has been OK for streamer fishing, but nymphing big protein flies like stoneflies, worms, sculpins, and eggs has been producing and will be the primary method and flies for the foreseeable future. Fish are in the slower deeper runs, so concentrate on deep, slow water and be patient--if you find one fish are you are likely to find more. Most brown trout are done spawning or will be done in the next few weeks, but please keep an eye out for redds and avoid walking on them or targeting them.
Up in the wade section around Raynold's pass the fishing will continue to be solid into the winter as fish hold over in the deeper runs and wells in and around rocks or structure.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Upper Madison is a very consistent winter fishery. This report should hold into December.