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.

River Description

• The Madison River in Ennis flows through classic freestone character with riffles, runs, and undercut banks, but winter conditions on 1/11/2026 bring low, clear water and icy edges, making it a technical fishery focused on deep nymphing and midges.
• Current flows average 851-1170 cfs across gages, slightly below normal, providing stable but skinny conditions that concentrate trout in deeper pools and seams.
• Water temps hover at 31.6-31.8°F, cold enough to slow metabolism but ideal for subsurface presentations; fishing potential is fair for rainbows and browns holding in slower winter lies, with minimal surface activity due to the season.

3-Day Forecast

• Day 1 (Jan 12): Highs near 42°F with south winds easing to 10 mph, partly cloudy skies; lighter winds will reduce drift boat challenges and improve nymph presentation accuracy.
• Day 2 (Jan 13): Warming to 45°F under clearing conditions, low chance of light snow; rising temps could spark subtle midge hatches in afternoons, boosting shallow water opportunities.
• Day 3 (Jan 14): Highs drop to 38°F with northwest gusts to 20 mph and possible flurries; cooler air may push fish deeper, favoring euro-nymphing over drifting.

Fishing Outlook

• Overall rating: Fair – Cold water temps limit aggressive feeding, but stable low flows keep fish predictable in winter haunts.
• Waning crescent moon (40% illumination) means dimmer nights, potentially increasing low-light bites near moonset around 1:50 PM tomorrow.
• Yesterday's high winds (up to 79 mph) stirred things up, but today's milder 15 mph southerlies and 46°F high allow better visibility and less spooking; expect consistent nymphing success in protected runs, though surface fishing remains tough until temps climb.

Recommendations

• Flies & Techniques: Go with small zebra midges (#18-22) in black or olive for dead-drift nymphing in riffles; add hot head sowbugs (#14-16) for scud imitations in slower water – target rainbows near the bottom with short leaders to combat clarity.
• Flies & Techniques: For any emerging activity, trail a parachute adams (#20) as a dropper, but focus on euro or indicator nymphing to reach lethargic trout.
• Best Times & Tips: Fish mid-morning to early afternoon (10 AM-3 PM) when solar warmth peaks; watch for thin ice on edges – stick to mid-channel wading with good studs, and bundle up against 54% humidity chills.
• Best Times & Tips: Avoid high winds post-noon if possible; lunar low light around moonrise (4:48 AM) could yield bonus early bites from spooky browns.
• Gear Notes: 5-6 wt rods for precise casts in windy pockets; use 4-5X fluorocarbon tippet to sink flies fast in cold flows, and pack floatants for occasional dries.

This setup favors patient anglers working the lower river sections near Ennis for steady action on winter holdovers.