Madison River

The Madison River defines world-class trout fishing. From its headwaters inside Yellowstone National Park to its confluence at Three Forks, the Madison offers diverse water types that hold enormous populations of wild rainbow and brown trout.

The upper Madison between Quake Lake and Ennis Lake is the most famous stretch — miles of wide, braided riffles perfect for wading. This is classic dry-fly water where you can sight-cast to rising fish during prolific hatches of caddis, PMDs, and the legendary salmonfly hatch in late June.

Below Ennis Lake, the lower Madison pushes through Bear Trap Canyon, a rugged Class IV whitewater section that also holds trophy brown trout. Below the canyon, the river slows through agricultural land before reaching Three Forks.

The Madison fishes well nearly year-round. Winter nymphing with midges and small BWOs can produce exceptional days with little competition. Spring brings the mother of all hatches — the salmonfly migration that draws anglers worldwide. Summer offers consistent dry-fly action, and fall brings aggressive pre-spawn browns to streamers.