The Upper Madison River is fishing fairly well right now and has been a good option with the mild stretch of weather we’ve had. There’s no snow to deal with, and most sections remain easy to access. Wind has been the biggest factor, so timing your day has mattered. Late morning into the afternoon has been the most comfortable and consistent window.
Nymphing has been the best way to catch fish. Rubberlegs and small stonefly patterns have worked well as lead flies, followed by zebra midges, pheasant tails, and slim perdigons like spanish bullets or duracells. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X has been a solid setup. Getting your flies down has mattered more than changing patterns.
Fish have been holding in deeper water where the current isn’t pushing too hard. Spending time fishing those sections has been more effective than covering a lot of ground. Shallow water hasn’t produced much lately.
Streamer fishing is still worth trying when the wind allows. Smaller sculpin-style and compact baitfish patterns have moved some fish during the warmer part of the day. A shorter leader of 5–6 feet of heavier fluorocarbon helps keep things manageable.
Dry-fly fishing has been limited. Midges are around at times, but surface activity has been minimal.
Overall, the Upper Madison River remains a workable December option. Pick your timing carefully, focus on deeper water, and keep your approach simple.
On the morning of June 14, 2025, Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel received a report that a cow moose had been shot in a confrontation with an angler on the North Tongue River in the Bighorn National Forest near Bear Lodge Resort. When game wardens responded, they found the moose deceased from her injuries.
