When you talk western flyfishing the Madison is probably the most famous river in Montana. The section between Slide and Ennis Lake is called “The 50 Mile Riffle”. This is Big Sky Country to say the least. Western scenery that you have to experience to believe. Be prepared because the Madison can produce some browns that will make you think twice about swimming. This River gets just about every major western hatch there is, from 3” long Samonflies to size 24 midges. And don’t forget the streamers, the hogs don’t get to be hogs by eating midges all year.

The river holds browns, rainbows, cutthroats and grayling. Most trout average between 12 and 18 inches. A few fish top the five-pound mark. The Madison has portions of its waters open year round. For the stretch between Quake Lake and McAtee Bridge the season is the third Saturday in May to the end of February. The Madison has over 100 river miles of good access and the only place that is not advisable to fish is Beartrap Canyon.

From the Madison River Location if you prefer you can fish a different river every day. Also close by is famous Henry’s Lake which is one of the best fisheries in Idaho for large trout.