Henry's Fork Anglers Madison River Details

The Madison is only 45 minutes away, just over the Continental Divide in Montana. Many of our clients don't realize that the river is as close to our shop as it is to West Yellowstone, Montana. The Madison has been called "the longest riffle in the world" because the entire river from Hebgen Dam downstream to Ennis Lake is fast pocket water.

- Upper River -

The Madison starts in Yellowstone Park at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers. The river flows quietly through open meadows and pine forests where it eventually enters Hebgen Lake just north of West Yellowstone. The upper stretch provides excellent dry fly fishing early in the season and again in the autumn. The most productive time on this stretch is in September and October when large Browns and Rainbows move up from Hebgen Lake on their annual spawning run. There are times when the deep pools are literally stacked with large trout. These fish are most aggressive in the early morning hours and on dark, stormy days.

- Raynolds Pass -

The river flows fast out of Hebgen Lake Dam until it enters Quake Lake, about 2 miles below. This short section is also an excellent spot to fish for trout moving up out of Quake Lake at spawning time. The most productive reach of the river stretches from Quake Lake downstream to the confluence of the West Fork. This section is closed to fishing from a boat and is very popular with wade fishermen. There are Browns and Rainbows lurking behind almost every rock. Some of the best mayfly, stonefly and caddis hatches occur during June and July and they provide excellent dry fly fishing. Even though the water is fast and rough, the larger trout can be very selective.

- Lower Madison, Float Fishing Section -

The river is open to fishing from a boat from Lyons Bridge, just below the West Fork to Ennis. There are several great float-fishing sections in this area. The season really gets going on the Madison when the big salmonflies start moving up the river in mid June. This hatch can provide excellent dry fly fishing until early July. July brings the best mayfly and caddis hatches. Terrestrials are the top choice later in the summer.

About Whirling Disease

There has been a great deal of negative publicity regarding the Madison River due to Whirling Disease. Whirling Disease, caused by a parasite which attacks juvenile trout, has had a devastating affect on the Madison River. Fish & Game studies report that up to 90% of the Rainbow Trout population has been lost in some areas of the river. In spite of such grim news, there is still a healthy trout population in the river. The Madison has always been one of the most productive trout streams in the world. Even though the Rainbow trout fishery has been severely impacted, there appear to be more Brown Trout than ever. These trout also seem to be living longer and growing larger. Today there are a good number of trout over 20 inches in length.