Fly Fish the Madison River
Montana’s Best Tailwater!
The Madison had reached legendary status for every fly fisherman, and deservedly so. A blend of freestone and tailwater, it’s hatches are impressive: swarms of Mother’s Day caddis, PMDs, terrestrials, and the mighty Salmon Fly are all on the menu for these hungry trout.
With 5000+ browns and rainbows per mile in the Pine Butte section and 2500+ residing in its swift currents throughout the rest of the river, the Madison is stuffed with wild trout.
The Madison River is the ‘August King’ of our system, and we treat its stewardship with professional precision. FishTales Outfitting LLC is a licensed Outfitter #6864 with the State of Montana’s Board of Outfitters. To provide the broadest access to Madison’s legendary runs, permitted water is outfitted by Michael Stack (#6864) and Cooper Hoffman (#68879). This partnership ensures our guests receive expert-level placement on the most productive stretches of the river while maintaining strict adherence to all state and federal regulations.
The Madison may look like a simple float and cast-to-the-bank river, but truly she is the siren of Southwest Montana’s rivers. To uncover her secrets takes time, discipline and many years of experience. The guides at FishTales Outfitting know this well and they’ll prove it to you by coaxing impressive trout from lies that you would think no sizable trout would ever think to call home.
The Madison River is born inside Yellowstone Park at the junction of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers. It flows 140 miles due north, where it is joined by the Gallatin and Jefferson Rivers to form the Missouri River in Three Forks Montana.
Recommended Flies
Dry Flies
Elk Hair Caddis
PMD Pull Over, PMD cripple,
Rusty spinners
Blue Winged Olive extended
body parachute,
BWO cripple, Trico adults
and spinners
Terrestrials
Nymphs
Sow Bug, Ray Charles
Split Back may fly olive and
brown
Czech Nymph
Hunchback Infreqeuens
Psycho May
San Juan Worm
Copper John
Pat’s Rubber Leg Stonefly
Nymph
Hare’s Ear Nymph
Streamers
Boogie Man
Sparkle Minnow
Dragon
Zonker
Sex Dungeon
FAQ
Why should I hire a fly fishing guide on the Madison River?
Hiring a professional on the Madison gives you access to decades of technical records. We specialize in specific triggers like the “Wind Vector Equation” for terrestrials and the use of cinnamon flying ants, which Michael refers to as “trout crack” due to their addictive formic acid response.
What is the "Dawn Patrol" on the Madison River?
On the Madison, we monitor the 65-degree trigger and USGS real-time records. Our “Dawn Patrol” strategy ensures we are on the water at first light to capitalize on the cool-water window and active hatches before the afternoon heat.