Disclaimer: The following report is compiled using artificial intelligence from current available data. Accuracy is not guarenteed. Always check local laws and regulations before fishing.

The Madison River in Ennis, Montana, flows through the scenic Madison Valley as a classic freestone river, renowned for its clear, fast-moving waters teeming with trout and surrounded by the Absaroka and Gravelly mountain ranges.

Overall Fishing Conditions

Fishing conditions are rated 9 out of 10, excellent due to the comfortable water temperatures around 59°F promoting active trout feeding, combined with normal flow levels that maintain good river stability under sunny skies and light winds.

Insect Hatches and Their Timing

Late September hatches on the Madison River are shifting to fall patterns, with midges and small mayflies emerging in the cooler mornings and evenings as temperatures drop. Terrestrials like ants and beetles may also appear near the banks during warmer midday hours.

Species to Target

Focus on rainbow and brown trout, which are the most abundant and actively feeding in these conditions, with larger browns potentially holding in deeper pools as fall approaches.

Top 5 Fly Patterns to Use

• Try a size 16-18 Parachute Adams for imitating mayfly hatches on the surface.
• Use a size 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis to match caddis adults skittering across riffles.
• Opt for a size 16-20 Beadhead Pheasant Tail nymph to probe the productive deeper runs.
• Go with a size 18-22 Zebra Midge for mimicking the abundant midge larvae in slower waters.
• Select a size 12-14 Hopper pattern to entice fish with terrestrial imitations along the banks.

Best Times of Day to Fish

Early mornings around sunrise offer the best hatches and less angling pressure, while late afternoons provide another prime window as insects become active again before sunset.