The legendary trout waters of the Madison River originate at Madison Junction inYellowstone National Park where the Gibbon and Firehole come together to form the Madison. It was here inlate summer of 1870 in what is known as National Park Meadows that the Langford-Washburn-Doane expedition conceived making Yellowstone a national park.
The Madison River is a headwater tributary of the Missouri River and is approximately 180 miles long starting in Yellowstone and flows to its confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers near Three Forks Montana to join the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers at The Missouri River Headwaters State Park. Meriwether Lewis at Three Forks named the Madison River in July 1805. The central fork of the three, it was named for U.S. Secretary of State James Madison, who would succeed Thomas Jefferson as President in 1809.
It's logical to think that the river's origin in the high plateau region of Yellowstone Park, which is notoriously cold, would keep the river cold, however, the Madison and its upper tributaries run right through the most thermally active region in the United States, the water temperature on most sections of the river is remarkably warm for a high mountain river, often more than seventy degrees in the summer. Despite its high, mountain environment, which usually leads to low nutrient content, the Madison has an amazingly high nutrient level fostering great fishing.
The upper stretch of the Madison is characteristic of slower dry fly pools catering to wade fishermen. It is easily waded and provides exceptional fishing throughout much of the season. It also has runs of spawning trout that run up the Madison annual journey from Hebgen Lake. The rainbows spawn in the spring while the browns spawn in the fall. These trout can reach weights of six pounds or more.
After the Madison River takes its leave from Yellowstone Park, it meanders out into the beautiful ranch lands of southwestern Montana. It is here that its true character is revealed and its reputation as a world-class fishery is secured. The Madison rolls majestically through cottonwood lined banks and over riffles and quiet runs that harbor large rainbows and trophy browns.
The Madison River flows along Yellowstone’s West Entrance road into Hebgen Lake outside the park. In 1959, the Hebgen Lake earthquake formed Quake Lake just downstream from Hebgen Dam.
Just below Quake Lake the Madison turns from its westward course and begins a 50-mile run due north to Ennis Lake. The upper Madison, as this section is known flows between willow-lined banks, bordered on either side by miles-wide grassy benches. Above these benches, to the west, rise the magnificent 10,000-foot peaks of the Madison Range to serrate the eastern sky; to the east are the timbered slopes of the Gravelly Range. This section of the Madison is known as the "fifty mile riffle." It seems as if the water between Quake Lake and Ennis Lake never changes. You will not find any slow pools, boulders, fallen trees, or tumbling runs. What you will find is a strait wide river characteristic of a long giant riffle. There are no boulders to break currents or changes in the gradient to slow it enough to create a pool.
From Varney Bridge to Ennis Bridge, the river is a little brushier, with a little more cover in stream and along the banks. There are some large trout in this stretch and it is fished less.
Beartrap Canyon below Ennis Lake can be a surprising treat; a stretch filled with dangerous rapids, nice, trout pocket water, pools, brushy banks, and stretches of slower water. The fishing certainly isn't as good as the river above Ennis Lake, but the canyon is scenic and has some large trout worthy of fishing.
The Madison is Montana's river of superlatives, with a list including highest trout density, most consistent action, best dry fly fishing, and the most spectacular scenery. Not surprisingly, this southwestern Montana jewel is also the second most heavily used river fishery in the state.
The Madison River's fame as an exceptional fishery stems from the Madison's role as a living laboratory for wild trout management. In 1968, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks initiated a two-year project to assess the effects of its artificial stocking program on trout populations in the upper Madison. The results of this pioneering research led to the inescapable conclusion that the stocking of thousands of hatchery-reared trout each spring was actually reducing fish in the river. Fisheries researcher Dick Vincent reasoned that the influx of hatchery fish was displacing the resident population from the limited number of holding areas, but the hatchery fish couldn't survive more than a short time in the demanding river environment, hence, wild trout management was more productive than introducing fish that hadn’t run the gauntlet of Darwin’s theory.
The Madison lacks many of the usual trout haunts of many western freestone rivers. One noticeable traditional lie the river lacks is the deep pool a staple of western freestone rivers. There just aren't many deep pools or much still water on the rushing Madison River. The banks aren't cluttered with roots or rocks or moss. Still, the angler needs to look for any slower water available, any current seams, behind and in front of boulders, in the back eddies, against the banks, and in the braided channels. And of course, in the riffles, which many fishermen who have fished the Madison believe is the only type of water on the river.
In recent years, no river fell harder than southwest Montana's Madison and, no river took longer to be rediscovered. After whirling disease was discovered in the Madison in the mid- to late-1990s, visiting anglers declined dramatically. Locals who fished the river during that time enjoyed some awesome fishing for an increasing number of browns and a few tenacious survivalist rainbows, and they experienced a level of solitude no fly-fisher will likely see again on the Madison. Two-dozen fish a day with a few specimens stretching to 20 inches or more.
Fly-fishing isn’t the only game on the Madison River. This river system has a few good paddling sections, and the Hebgen Reservoir to Quake Lake section is one of them. A good workout and just being out on the river for a while will have you coming back for more. The average Montana whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be easier to run than those in other states, so if you're not from around here don't forget that quite a few of the sections here are pretty easy.
Getting some good exercise and hanging out under Montana's big sky have many people coming here. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking in this general area you won't find many other paddling places. If you've been out of state whitewater rafting and kayaking you might find the rivers here more forgiving, so keep in mind that many sections here are safe for beginners.
In conclusion, In Charles Brooks book “The Living River” he aptly described the upper Madison as one of the loveliest river valleys anywhere, and I have to agree.
West Yellowstone Fishing Outfitters
Madison River Outfitters • Native cutthroats rising for hoppers along a grassy cut bank on the Yellowstone… Big brown trout slashing at emerging caddis in a broad riffle on Montana’s Madison… Wild rainbows sipping tiny blue winged olives in a setting of incomparable beauty on the Firehole… This is just a sample of the action that takes place somewhere in our ‘backyard’ each day of the season! Madison River Outfitters, featuring an impressive selection of quality fly fishing tackle, custom flies, rugged outdoor clothing and hiking and backpacking equipment, is one of the finest fly shops in the Rocky Mountain West. We offer guide service in Montana and Yellowstone National Park and our friendly guides are committed to providing you with a great fly fishing experience on the world class fisheries surrounding West Yellowstone.
Fly-fishing Tower Creek below Tower Falls in Yellowstone
"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon
all existence seems to fade to a being with my soul, and memories. And
the sounds of the Big Black Foot River, and a four count rhythm, and the
hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and
a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and
runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless
raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.
I am haunted by waters."
Sound-bite from a River Runs Through it.
The Yellowstone Teton Region fly-fishing is blessed with
a plethora of blue ribbon trout waters that host prolific hatches of Mayflies,
Caddis Flies and Stone Flies. Dozens of rivers and hundreds of lakes and
streams, all world-class fisheries that attract anglers from around the world.
The Henry’s Fork, the Snake, the Madison, and the Yellowstone Rivers have
been elevated to legendary status by the movies made about them and the books
and articles that have been written about them.
If you believe what you read, fly-fishing requires the
touch of a surgeon and the spirit of a Zen master. Well, it might help but
it certainly isn’t required around here. Forget about what you’ve heard about
fly-fishing in the past, if you really want to fly-fish all you need are
the right tools, proper technique, and a positive attitude. With these essential
elements, you can begin to enjoy the sport of fly-fishing in no time.
Some time spent with a guide can enhance your skills exponentially in a very short time, as they are all trained to be teachers. A day discovering the best techniques for fly-fishing with a guide on one of our regional rivers or legendary spring creeks gives you the foundation for many years of productive fly-fishing enjoyment of the future. Many regional guides have spent a lifetime fly-fishing the rivers and streams of Yellowstone Teton Region. Their instruction of the best flies, how to read the water, presentation, and all aspects of fishing the Yellowstone region can greatly enhance your fly-fishing experience.
For those of you who already know how to fly-fish, or
do not want to hire a fly-fishing guide, all you need is a map, the proper
seasonal fly selection, and some current fly-fishing advice, all which can
be found for the price of a handful of flies at a local fly shop.
Most rental shops of the Yellowstone Teton region have drift boats rafts and float tubes for rent for those of you that wish to escape the confines of the bank of your river, lake, or stream, because as we all know, the big one is in the eddy on the far side of the river.
Cutthroat Trout soon to be returned into the Snake River south of Jackson Hole Wyoming.
Spin-cast fishing is popular around the area also and
is a very productive way to wet a line. Although spin fishing doesn’t require
the finesse and learning curve of fly-fishing, a guided trip with a guide
that knows spin-fishing can really improve our catch rate. Remember to keep
in mind to de-barb your hooks to improve your catches chance of survival
upon release. We also encourage lure fisherman to cut their treble hooks
down to a single hook.
The Snake River Drainage is home to a unique subspecies of cutthroat trout known
as the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout. This outstanding game fish
is indigenous to the Snake River drainage and relies totally on natural reproduction.
Having a wild trout fishery with indigenous trout is not something we take
for granted and we highly encourage catch and release fishing to protect this
valuable resource.
Fly-fishermen enyoy fall fishing on the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park.
The Yellowstone Cutthroat, as the name implies, are native to the Yellowstone River drainage of southwest and south-central Montana and northwest Wyoming. In general, The relation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout to Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout is problematic. Early genetic analyses could not distinguish these subspecies, but recent attempts have been more successful.
Whether you are fishing for one of the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat our Yellowstone Cutthroat you will find their most endearing qualities is their fondness for feeding on top sipping mayflies flies or attacking stoneflies, drakes, and hoppers. Large dry flies like size eight Turck Tarantulas, Royal Wulffs, Club Sandwiches, and hoppers are all popular and good choices. Size six and even four stone fly patterns sometimes are also effective.
Actress Heather Thomas improves the scenery as she floats down the Snake River beneth the Grand Tetons as she competes in the One Fly Fishing Contest in Jackson Hole Wyoming.
Rainbow and Brown Trout can be found throughout the area as well a few sub-species of cutthroat trout, and some of our lakes are home to Kokanee Salmon.
Many of our lakes are gifted with giant Lake Trout, but you usually need to be an expert or lucky to get one in the 20 to 50 pound category. Most are taken by trolling with spoons or minnow-like plugs attached to wire-line rigs or downriggers. They can also be taken by bottom fishing with whole or cut fish. In summer they often move to depths of 50 to 100 feet, but in spring and fall you can find them at depths of 20 feet or less. When ice fishing you can catch Lake Trout in hardly any water at all.
Many of our lakes are put and take fisheries and are planted by the Idaho, Montana or Wyoming Game and Fish, but most of our rivers and streams are wild trout fisheries and do not receive planted fish.
What appears to be dueling fly-fishiners make an interesting photo as the compete in the One Fly Fishing Contest on the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley Idaho
Our wild trout fisheries, due to the law of survival of
the fittest, produce a hardier, smarter game fish, and is a resource worthy
of protection. Catch and release although not mandatory on many waters is
often the practice. Many of the fish of the region are caught and released
40 times per year and if everyone kept their fish there wouldn’t be any here
except inferior hatchery fish.
I used to keep my big ones because they were such trophies, and I used to keep some to eat until I realized that I can buy a trout for two dollars in the store and that fish in the river provides has a much greater value than two dollars as a recreational resource.
Events
Chuck Yeager & Guide
Mike Lawson - One Fly Fishing Contest
Jackson
Hole One Fly Fishing Contest • Each year
in September, flyfisherman from around the world gather in Jackson
Hole Wyoming to participate in one of fly fishing's most unique events.
It
is a weekend filled with fun, challenges, adventures and of course,
the famous
Snake River Cutthroat trout.
Give
the Cutt-slam a try. • If you want to see some breathtaking
country, do a little camping and accomplish something that only around
300 people have done, you might
want to give Wyoming’s Cutt-Slam program a try. This year
marks the 10th anniversary of the program that recognizes anglers for
catching Wyoming’s four subspecies of cutthroats in their native
range. Back in the mid-90s, Wyoming fisheries coordinator, the late Ron
Remmick, had an idea to try to bring more public awareness to Wyoming’s
cutthroat trout and the management efforts benefitting these fish. The
Cutt-Slam was hatched and a program was developed to recognize anglers
for making the effort to catch the Snake River, Bonneville, Colorado
River and Yellowstone cutthroat subspecies.
Stories
Fly-fisherman shows off Cutthroat Trout he just caught in Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park.
Jackson
Hole's Flat Creek • By Scott
Sanchez
All
of us have waters that have made a special connection
to us. Wyoming's Flat Creek is one of mine. Part
of the attraction is nostalgic, since this is where I
learned the intricacies of spring creek fishing.
This stream was my schoolroom for spotting subtle rises,
sneaking up on the fish, picking a good imitation,
and then presenting a drag-free drift. Flat Creek
is
also special because its scenic location a few miles
north of Jackson, Wyoming, on the National
Elk Refuge.........more
Fly-fishers
go crazy saving flies • By D Dave Strege
One fly-fisher stripped his clothes off and swam naked into the river
to retrieve his fly that got snagged. Another stood on the shoulders
of the
guide and used pruning shears to cut down the branch where his fly was
lodged. A lucky one hooked a big fish that snapped his line, losing fish
and fly, only to wait five minutes before the fly somehow dislodged from
the trout's
mouth and popped to the surface. He netted it — the fly, that is. What
would lead a fly-fisher to go to such extremes to save a fly caught
in a tree limb or a log in the riverh.................More
Henry's Heaven •
By Jack Ballard
Lake or river -- take your pick. The world-renowned Henry's Fork
country of eastern Idaho boasts some of the finest trout fishing
in the nation. Who's Henry? That's the question that kept buzzing
through my head the first time I motored through a mesmerizing
mountain valley just southwest
of Yellowstone National Park. The name seems to be ubiquitous in
eastern Idaho, with landmarks such as Henry's Lake and the Henry's
Fork of the Snake River...............................more
Fishing
Henry's Fork of Island Park • By Ben Arellano
Fly Fishing the rivers and lakes
around Island Park is an experience that an angler seldom
forgets. The spring fed tributaries, creates an ideal situation
for
enjoyable and unparalleled fly fishing. Not only will you
experience the exceptional fly fishing of this area, but you
are surrounded
with the beauty of the Targhee National Forest, the wildlife
and history of people and the life they lived. ...........................more
Fishing The Famous South Fork of the Snake River • By Ben Arellano
It
is between the Henry's Fork confluence and Palisades Dam that
the South Fork is known as one of the finest dry fly rivers
in North America. All of the Fish in the South Fork are wild
and fish between eight and sixteen inches must be released
because they are the prime breeders. The South Fork typically
becomes fishable for the fly fisher sometime between the first
week of July and the middle of July, depending on the spring
run off. This year (2001) the run off was for a very
short period, thus fly fishing was productive in the middle
of June.
Yellowstone National Park and surrounding waters offer world-class
fly-fishing- a fly-fisher's nirvana • By Dave Strege
WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONT. – A bartender in town gave a hint
as to the essence of West Yellowstone on the fishing landscape."
There's as many fly shops here as bars, and we're a hard-drinking
town," quipped Thor from behind the bar at The Gusher.
West Yellowstone is a town of fewer than 1,000 residents yet
features
six fly-fishing shops, evidence supporting the claim
this is the mecca of fly-fishing. Each year, more than 50,000 anglers drop a line in 220 lakes
and 1,000 streams that make up 2,650 miles of running water
- and that's just in Yellowstone National Park.........more
Follow the bugs to a good day of fishing for trout • by
Chester Allen
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — The
noon sun blasted down and through the gin-clear water of the
small
meadow stream.Long strands of water weeds twisted
like big, green snakes in the gentle current, and you could
see every pebble and rock on the bottom. Not one trout was
in sight. But they were there —..........................more
Fishing Yellowstone • By Daniel D. Lamoreux
With a bit of research and boot leather, you can escape
the crowds that invade Yellowstone National Park each
summer and catch trout that rarely ever see humans.....................................Roughly
3 million people visit Yellowstone National Park each year.
While that number may seem staggering, the reality is that
its piscatorial treasures are often underestimated and usually
overlooked...................................Fewer than three
of every 100 people who enter the park buy a fishing permit,
and not all of those bother to go fishing. And more than
97 percent of the caught fish are released to fight another
day......................................more
Fly
fishing Backcountry Yellowstone • By Mark D. Williams
Don't let Yellowstone National Park's 3 million visitors
spoil your idea of high-elevation trout fishing. There's
a virtual fishing paradise just a short hike away from
all those crowds..............................You would think
that with over 2.2 million acres and 1,000 miles of rivers,
there wouldn't be any crowded water. But most anglers fish
near access points, road crossings, parking lots, campgrounds,
bridges, anywhere a river parallels road.........................more
Greater Yellowstone Region Fishing Outfitters
Fly-fishermen try their luck on the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole River is one of the first in the region fishable with dry flies in the Spring.
East Slope Outdoors • (Big Sky Montana) East Slope Outdoors provides three types of guided trips, all based out of Big Sky, Montana, your Blue Ribbon River fly fishing headquarters. Whether you want to introduce yourself to the sport, hone your skills with fly fishing professional, or simply enjoy a great day on the river, you're sure to appreciate the company of our friendly expert guides.
Jackson Hole Outdoors • (Jackson Hole Wyoming) Don Wackerman offers anglers the fishing adventure of a lifetime with half-day and full-day float trips on one of North America's top trout streams, the legendary Snake River in the shadow of the breathtaking Grand Teton mountain range.
Henrys Fork Anglers • (Island
Park Idaho) Henry's Fork Anglers is located on the banks of the Henry's
Fork of the Snake River in Last Chance, Idaho. The Henry's Fork is
one of the most famous and diverse fly fishing rivers in the world,
with plenty to offer the advanced fly fisher as well as the beginner.
Its prolific aquatic insect hatches draw fly fishers from around
the globe to test their skills against highly selective rainbow trout.
South
Fork Lodge & Outfitters • (Swan Valley) Located
in the heart of eastern Idaho's premier fishing waters,
specializes in fly-fishing on the South Fork and Henry's
Fork of the Snake River and Blackfoot River. Our experienced,
knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will do everything
to make your trip an enjoyable one.
Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters • (Paradise Valley Montana) Big Sky Flies and Guides Outfitting Co. has merged with Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters! We continue to offer the same fantastic guide service you've come to know and trust, and the finest selection of flyfishing equipment and quality outdoor apparrel at our Emigrant flyshop location. We are the premier Paradise Valley flyfishing outfitter. Come visit us and do so often!
The River’s Edge • ( Bozeman Montana) Bozeman Montana’s premier fly fishing outfitter and fly shop. With the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers a short drive away and a store that carries only the finest in fly fishing products including Simms, Winston, Sage, Ross and Galvan, we’re confident we will provide the very best Montana trout fishing experience. Come see for yourself...
Madison River Outfitters • (West Yellowstone MT) Native cutthroats rising for hoppers along a grassy cut bank on the Yellowstone… Big brown trout slashing at emerging caddis in a broad riffle on Montana’s Madison… Wild rainbows sipping tiny blue winged olives in a setting of incomparable beauty on the Firehole… This is just a sample of the action that takes place somewhere in our ‘backyard’ each day of the season! Madison River Outfitters, featuring an impressive selection of quality fly fishing tackle, custom flies, rugged outdoor clothing and hiking and backpacking equipment, is one of the finest fly shops in the Rocky Mountain West. We offer guide service in Montana and Yellowstone National Park and our friendly guides are committed to providing you with a great fly fishing experience on the world class fisheries surrounding West Yellowstone.
T.K. Guide Service • (Star Valley Wyoming) T.K. Guide Service has been a resident of the Snake River area for 15 years and has guided anglers of all abilities for over 40 years. Tom Kelly now exclusively floats the Salt River in Wyoming's spectacular Star Valley. If you are looking for a quality guided fly fishing float trip on the Salt river in Wyoming, we will tailor your trip for your abilities and experience. The Salt River is a fly or spin fisherman's dream. My experience and love of the Salt river will ensure a fantastic day catching wild brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Let me make this a float trip to remember and insure that you have the best possible fishing experience.
My Boys Cody and Scott fishing for brook trout in the Gardiner River in Yellowstone National Park.
Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers • (Cody Wyoming) Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers is the premier Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishing Headquarters! Seen on ESPN, TNN Outdoor and other outdoors fly fishing programs, this fly shop is always a must stop destination for all anglers wanting the latest information on hatches, conditions, and the right equipment before they head out to explore the waters of the region. Tim Wade, owner and outfitter, has been guiding and instructing anglers in the Cody Wyoming / Yellowstone region for more than 20 years. During those years he has taught or written about fly fishing, fly tying, fly casting and entomology, sharing his knowledge of water and fish behavior with thousands of during that time. He still lovesto see one of his guests on a guided trip get hooked up with a wily brown, or untangle knots when needed, because it is all part of the job as guide or outfitter. "This is a job that is a privilege for me," Tim says. "My office is not bad either.
Two Rivers Emporium • (Pinedale Wyoming) Two Rivers Emporium offers some of the finest rainbow and brown trout fishing in the state of Wyoming. Our guides are extremely efficient and up to date on hatches and which flies and lures are working. We are here to help you in any way to make your fishing vacation more memorable. If there is any thing we can do, please contact us at our E-Mail address, or call our toll free number.
Reel
Deal Anglers • (Jackson Hole Wyoming) Reel Deal Anglers is Jackson
Hole’s
Premier fishing guide service, don’t wait in a fly-fishing shop (we
provide all the flies), we pick you up and take you right to the river.
We guide
on the Snake River, Green
River, Henry’s Fork River, South Fork River, Madison River, New Fork
River, Salt River, Gros Ventre River and the Teton River as well as numerous
backcountry streams, popular spring creeks, and exclusive private water
opportunities, so we can put you on the hottest water available at any
given time. Our guides are superb and are experts onthe water they specialize
in. With Reel Deal Anglers, you’ll float and wade fish on beautiful
rivers, encounter surprised wildlife, catch native trout while entertaining
chance encounters with elk, moose, bison osprey and bald eagles fishing
the same waters as you.
Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing • (Thermopolis, Wyoming) Experience an exclusive fly fishing adventure in the Wind River Canyon, or on the Upper Big Wind River near Crowheart, Wyoming. There are no crowds as Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing is the only licensed outfitter on the entire river! The Wind River Canyon is trophy style water with many of the catches well over 20 inches. The predominate species in Wind River Canyon are Brown and Rainbow with Cutthroat also being present. Guided fishing trips are also available on the Big Horn River north of the Wind River Canyon, which flows into Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Fisheries Conservation Organizations
Curt Gowdy & Lee Wulff fishing the One Fly Fishing Contest
Jackson
Hole One Fly Capital Foundation • The
Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation (One Fly) and the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) established a new partnership in 2003
to leverage both organizations’ funding and interest in cold
water fisheries conservation, particularly in the tributaries and mainstem
Snake and Yellowstone
Basins. The One Fly and NFWF have a long history in fisheries conservation
throughout the greater Snake River and Yellowstone region.
Trout Unlimited • Trout
Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s
trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Trout
Unlimited accomplishes this mission
on local, state and national levels with an extensive and dedicated volunteer
network. TU’s national office,
based just outside of Washington, D.C., and its regional offices employ
professionals who testify before Congress, publish a quarterly magazine,
intervene in federal legal proceedings, and work with the organization’s
125,000 volunteers in 500 chapters nationwide to keep them active and involved
in conservation issues.
Federation of Fly Fishers •The
Federation of Fly Fishers, an international service organization dedicated
to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing
through Conservation
and Education. The FFF and its Councils are the only organized advocate
for fly fishers on the national and regional level. By joining you will
have the opportunity to contribute, with your membership and your voice,
to fishery conservation and restoration for all fish in all waters.
The Blue Water Task Force • The Blue Water Task Force is a lcally-led nonprofit (501c3) watershed group, headquarteredalong the famous Gallatin River in Big Sky, Montana. The Task Force is governed by aboard of community members representing a wide variety of stakeholders, including homeowners, recreational business owners, developers, and local water resource managers.
The upper stretch of the Madison is characteristic of slower dry fly pools catering to wade fishermen. It is easily waded and provides exceptional fishing throughout much of the season. It also has runs of spawning trout that run up the Madison annual journey from Hebgen Lake. The rainbows spawn in the spring while the browns spawn in the fall. These trout can reach weights of six pounds or more. 
From Varney Bridge to Ennis Bridge, the river is a little brushier, with a little more cover in stream and along the banks. There are some large trout in this stretch and it is fished less. 
The Madison lacks many of the usual trout haunts of many western freestone rivers. One noticeable traditional lie the river lacks is the deep pool a staple of western freestone rivers. There just aren't many deep pools or much still water on the rushing Madison River. The banks aren't cluttered with roots or rocks or moss. Still, the angler needs to look for any slower water available, any current seams, behind and in front of boulders, in the back eddies, against the banks, and in the braided channels. And of course, in the riffles, which many fishermen who have fished the Madison believe is the only type of water on the river. 
