The following fishing report is by Fins and Feathers out of Bozeman:
The Upper Madison scores a 5/5 for fishing!
The Upper Madison River has been fishing great, with hopper season heating up across the system. Fish are spread out from pocket water and riffles to mid-river runs, and plenty are willing to eat big foam. By late morning, we’re seeing steady surface activity on larger dries, with patterns like the thunder thigh and water walker in tan, pink, or yellow drawing consistent attention. Terrestrial action builds as the day warms, and pairing a flashy perdigon 2–3 feet below the hopper is a smart way to pick up fish holding mid-river that aren’t quite ready to rise.
Spruce moths, ants, and smaller terrestrials are also showing in certain stretches, especially near shaded banks and timber. These hatches can produce fast action. Keeping leaders light with 4x to the lead fly and 5x fluorocarbon to the dropper, especially in the clearer water above the valley.
When the dry-fly bite softens, nymphing remains reliable. rubberlegs, smaller stonefly patterns, PMD-style perdigons, and slim emergers are finding fish under an indicator, especially when fished on shorter rigs through riffle drop-offs and pocket seams.
Streamers are also producing, particularly in deeper runs and the braided channels outside of Ennis. Olive and white articulated patterns have been our top choices, with the best action coming during overcast afternoons or in shaded water when the sun is high.
Hoot-owl restrictions are in effect from Ennis Lake upstream to 8 Mile Ford, prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight in that section. In addition, Yellowstone National Park has closed the Madison above Hebgen Lake due to warm temperatures and low flows.
Additional Resources:
– Upper Madison River Fishing in August
– A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in August
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Golden Morrish Hopper
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Giant Orange Rogue Foam Stone
Olive Inferno Gons
Blaze Infernogon
