Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Ennis, Madison County, Montana · Last Updated: May 31, 2026
A classic Montana trout stream known for its consistent hatches and large populations of brown and rainbow trout. It offers a variety of water types, from fast riffles to deep pools, making it suitable for both wading and floating.
Today's Fishability
Conditions at a Glance
The Madison River near Ennis is running well above normal at 1860 cfs (+70% vs average) with water temperatures at 52°F.
- Heavy rain likely
How Do You Fish a 7.6/10 Day?
See the fly patterns built for today's conditions, where the fish are holding, and how to work the 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM window. The full read takes 10 seconds to unlock.
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USGS Water Monitoring
Real-time data from 5 monitoring stations
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Madison River Fly Fishing — FAQ
Is the Madison River fishing well right now?
DriftWise scores the Madison River every morning on a 0–10 fishability scale that weighs real-time USGS flow and water temperature, National Weather Service forecasts, and lunar data. Check the live fishability score and condition summary above for today's rating before you head out.
What is the current water flow on the Madison River?
The Madison River's flow is tracked by USGS streamflow gauges near Ennis, Madison County, Montana and refreshed daily in the condition summary above. Flow is reported in cubic feet per second (cfs) and compared against the seasonal average so you can see whether the river is running high, low, or normal.
What is a good water temperature for trout on the Madison River?
Trout feed most actively when water temperatures sit roughly between 48°F and 62°F. DriftWise reads live Madison River water temperature from USGS sensors near Ennis, Madison County, Montana — see the summary above for the current value.
When is the best time of day to fish the Madison River?
The most productive windows shift with the season: cold months fish best around midday (10 AM–2 PM) once the water warms, while summer rewards early mornings and evenings. Each Madison River report factors in the current season.
Do I need a fishing license to fly fish the Madison River?
Yes. A valid Montana fishing license is required to fish the Madison River. Check current Montana regulations for seasons, limits, and any special catch-and-release or fly-fishing-only sections before you go.
Is the DriftWise Madison River fishing report free?
Yes. The daily Madison River condition summary — flow, water temperature, weather, and fishability score — is free. A free account (3 reports per month) unlocks the full AI analysis with fly-pattern recommendations and a detailed hatch forecast.
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