Madison River

Type: Tailwater, Montana (West)
Designation: Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey) · Special-regulation trout water
USGS gauges: 2 live
Guides: 21 name it
Shops: 6 nearby

Today on the Madison River

Good: Good trout conditions: fish normally

Flow now: 915 ft³/s
Vs normal for Nov 5: Below normal
Water temp: 44.1°F (6.7°C)
Trend: Steady over 24 h
Last reading: Nov 5, 4:15 PM MST

At Madison River near Cameron MT (USGS 06040000) · 1 of 2 gauges below Provisional USGS data

The Madison River is a tailwater in Montana, listed as Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey) by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

More about the Madison River

2 USGS gauges on the water report flow; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lists 15 species, including arctic grayling, brook trout and brown trout. 21 guides and 6 shops nearby are listed here; the nearest destination hub is Ennis & the Madison Valley.

Updated 5 Nov 2026 · Sources: Montana's most-fished waters (FWP statewide angling pressure estimates, 2023 license year, top 250 by state rank), FISHMT :: Waterbody Details, USGS Water Data

The Madison River running green through a rocky channel below Earthquake Lake, with forested slopes above — Photo credit
The Madison River flowing out of Earthquake Lake, Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo: USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it is

Madison River is a tailwater in Montana. Our destination hub Ennis & the Madison Valley is 8 mi away in a straight line and lists it among its waters.

Flow now at 2 gauges

Madison River near Cameron MT

USGS 06040000 · NWS CMNM8

Good: Good trout conditions: fish normally

44.1°F now, 45.1°F at most in 24 hours: under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Flow 915 ft³/s: below normal for Nov 5, over 21 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
Cold water, 44.1°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 915 ft³/s
Gauge height: 2.15 ft
Water temp: 44.1°F (6.7°C)

Reading Nov 5, 4:15 PM MST · provisional USGS data

Below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 915 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:15 PM MST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS Water Data API continuous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 4:15 PM MST	915	2.15	44.1
Nov 5, 3:15 PM MST	915	2.15	44.6
Nov 5, 2:15 PM MST	915	2.15	44.4
Nov 5, 1:15 PM MST	915	2.15	44.1
Nov 5, 12:15 PM MST	915	2.15	43.3
Nov 5, 11:15 AM MST	915	2.15	42.6
Nov 5, 10:15 AM MST	915	2.15	41.2
Nov 5, 9:15 AM MST	926	2.16	40.5
Nov 5, 8:15 AM MST	926	2.16	40.1
Nov 5, 7:15 AM MST	915	2.15	40.3
Nov 5, 6:15 AM MST	926	2.16	40.5
Nov 5, 5:15 AM MST	915	2.15	40.8
Nov 5, 4:15 AM MST	926	2.16	41
Nov 5, 3:15 AM MST	915	2.15	41.2
Nov 5, 2:15 AM MST	915	2.15	41.5
Nov 5, 1:15 AM MST	915	2.15	41.7
Nov 5, 12:15 AM MST	915	2.15	41.9
Nov 4, 11:15 PM MST	915	2.15	42.1
Nov 4, 10:15 PM MST	926	2.16	42.3
Nov 4, 9:15 PM MST	915	2.15	42.6
Nov 4, 8:15 PM MST	915	2.15	43
Nov 4, 7:15 PM MST	915	2.15	43.3
Nov 4, 6:15 PM MST	915	2.15	43.9
Nov 4, 5:15 PM MST	926	2.16	44.4
Nov 4, 4:15 PM MST	926	2.16	45.1
Nov 4, 3:15 PM MST	926	2.16	45.3
Nov 4, 2:15 PM MST	926	2.16	45.1
Nov 4, 1:15 PM MST	926	2.16	44.4
Nov 4, 12:15 PM MST	926	2.16	43.2
Nov 4, 11:15 AM MST	926	2.16	41.9
Nov 4, 10:15 AM MST	926	2.16	40.8
Nov 4, 9:15 AM MST	926	2.16	39.9
Nov 4, 8:15 AM MST	926	2.16	39.7
Nov 4, 7:15 AM MST	926	2.16	39.9
Nov 4, 6:15 AM MST	926	2.16	40.1
Nov 4, 5:15 AM MST	926	2.16	40.5
Nov 4, 4:15 AM MST	926	2.16	40.6
Nov 4, 3:15 AM MST	926	2.16	41
Nov 4, 2:15 AM MST	926	2.16	41.2
Nov 4, 1:15 AM MST	926	2.16	41.4
Nov 4, 12:15 AM MST	915	2.15	41.5
Nov 3, 11:15 PM MST	915	2.15	41.7
Nov 3, 10:15 PM MST	915	2.15	41.9
Nov 3, 9:15 PM MST	915	2.15	42.3
Nov 3, 8:15 PM MST	915	2.15	42.4
Nov 3, 7:15 PM MST	915	2.15	43
Nov 3, 6:15 PM MST	915	2.15	43.3
Nov 3, 5:15 PM MST	926	2.16	44.1
Nov 3, 4:15 PM MST	938	2.17	44.8
Nov 3, 3:15 PM MST	938	2.17	45
Nov 3, 2:15 PM MST	938	2.17	44.8
Nov 3, 1:15 PM MST	938	2.17	43.9
Nov 3, 12:15 PM MST	938	2.17	43
Nov 3, 11:15 AM MST	938	2.17	41.7
Nov 3, 10:15 AM MST	938	2.17	40.6
Nov 3, 9:15 AM MST	938	2.17	39.9
Nov 3, 8:15 AM MST	938	2.17	39.6
Nov 3, 7:15 AM MST	938	2.17	39.9
Nov 3, 6:15 AM MST	938	2.17	40.1
Nov 3, 5:15 AM MST	938	2.17	40.3
Nov 3, 4:15 AM MST	949	2.18	40.6
Nov 3, 3:15 AM MST	949	2.18	41
Nov 3, 2:15 AM MST	949	2.18	41.2
Nov 3, 1:15 AM MST	949	2.18	41.5
Nov 3, 12:15 AM MST	949	2.18	41.9
Nov 2, 11:15 PM MST	949	2.18	42.3
Nov 2, 10:15 PM MST	949	2.18	42.8
Nov 2, 9:15 PM MST	960	2.19	43.2
Nov 2, 8:15 PM MST	960	2.19	43.5
Nov 2, 7:15 PM MST	960	2.19	44.1
Nov 2, 6:15 PM MST	960	2.19	44.4
Nov 2, 5:15 PM MST	960	2.19	44.6
Nov 2, 4:15 PM MST	971	2.2	45
Nov 2, 3:15 PM MST	971	2.2	45.1
Nov 2, 2:15 PM MST	971	2.2	44.8
Nov 2, 1:15 PM MST	983	2.21	44.8
Nov 2, 12:15 PM MST	983	2.21	44.6
Nov 2, 11:15 AM MST	983	2.21	43.7
Nov 2, 10:15 AM MST	983	2.21	43.3
Nov 2, 9:15 AM MST	983	2.21	43.3
Nov 2, 8:15 AM MST	994	2.22	43.3
Nov 2, 7:15 AM MST	983	2.21	43.5
Nov 2, 6:15 AM MST	994	2.22	43.7
Nov 2, 5:15 AM MST	994	2.22	43.9
Nov 2, 4:15 AM MST	994	2.22	44.1
Nov 2, 3:15 AM MST	994	2.22	44.1
Nov 2, 2:15 AM MST	1,010	2.23	44.2
Nov 2, 1:15 AM MST	1,010	2.23	44.4
Nov 2, 12:15 AM MST	994	2.22	44.6
Nov 1, 11:15 PM MST	1,010	2.23	45
Nov 1, 10:15 PM MST	1,010	2.23	45.1
Nov 1, 9:15 PM MST	994	2.22	45.3
Nov 1, 8:15 PM MST	994	2.22	45.5
Nov 1, 7:15 PM MST	983	2.21	45.7
Nov 1, 6:15 PM MST	983	2.21	45.9
Nov 1, 5:15 PM MST	971	2.2	46
Nov 1, 4:15 PM MST	971	2.2	46.2
Nov 1, 3:15 PM MST	971	2.2	46.4
Nov 1, 2:15 PM MST	971	2.2	46.2
Nov 1, 1:15 PM MST	960	2.19	46.2
Nov 1, 12:15 PM MST	960	2.19	46
Nov 1, 11:15 AM MST	960	2.19	45.7
Nov 1, 10:15 AM MST	949	2.18	45.7
Nov 1, 9:15 AM MST	949	2.18	45.5
Nov 1, 8:15 AM MST	949	2.18	45.5
Nov 1, 7:15 AM MST	949	2.18	45.5
Nov 1, 6:15 AM MST	949	2.18	45.5
Nov 1, 5:15 AM MST	938	2.17	45.5
Nov 1, 4:15 AM MST	938	2.17	45.5
Nov 1, 3:15 AM MST	938	2.17	45.7
Nov 1, 2:15 AM MST	938	2.17	45.7
Nov 1, 1:15 AM MST	938	2.17	45.7
Nov 1, 1:15 AM MDT	938	2.17	45.9
Nov 1, 12:15 AM MDT	938	2.17	46
Oct 31, 11:15 PM MDT	938	2.17	46
Oct 31, 10:15 PM MDT	938	2.17	46.2
Oct 31, 9:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46
Oct 31, 8:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46
Oct 31, 7:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46.2
Oct 31, 6:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46.4
Oct 31, 5:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46.6
Oct 31, 4:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46.8
Oct 31, 3:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46.9
Oct 31, 2:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46.8
Oct 31, 1:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	46.2
Oct 31, 12:15 PM MDT	926	2.16	45.9
Oct 31, 11:15 AM MDT	926	2.16	45.3
Oct 31, 10:15 AM MDT	926	2.16	45
Oct 31, 9:15 AM MDT	926	2.16	44.4
Oct 31, 8:15 AM MDT	926	2.16	44.4
Oct 31, 7:15 AM MDT	926	2.16	44.6
Oct 31, 6:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	44.6
Oct 31, 5:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	44.6
Oct 31, 4:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	44.6
Oct 31, 3:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	44.4
Oct 31, 2:15 AM MDT	926	2.16	44.4
Oct 31, 1:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	44.2
Oct 31, 12:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	44.1
Oct 30, 11:15 PM MDT	904	2.14	44.1
Oct 30, 10:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	43.9
Oct 30, 9:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	43.9
Oct 30, 8:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	43.9
Oct 30, 7:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	44.1
Oct 30, 6:15 PM MDT	904	2.14	44.2
Oct 30, 5:15 PM MDT	904	2.14	44.4
Oct 30, 4:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	44.6
Oct 30, 3:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	44.4
Oct 30, 2:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	44.2
Oct 30, 1:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	43.9
Oct 30, 12:15 PM MDT	915	2.15	43.3
Oct 30, 11:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	42.4
Oct 30, 10:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	42.1
Oct 30, 9:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	41.9
Oct 30, 8:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	41.9
Oct 30, 7:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	41.9
Oct 30, 6:15 AM MDT	904	2.14	41.9
Oct 30, 5:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	41.9
Oct 30, 4:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	41.9
Oct 30, 3:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	42.1
Oct 30, 2:15 AM MDT	915	2.15	42.3
Oct 30, 1:15 AM MDT	904	2.14	42.3
Oct 30, 12:15 AM MDT	904	2.14	42.3
Oct 29, 11:15 PM MDT	904	2.14	42.4
Oct 29, 10:15 PM MDT	894	2.13	42.6
Oct 29, 9:15 PM MDT	894	2.13	42.8
Oct 29, 8:15 PM MDT	894	2.13	43
Oct 29, 7:15 PM MDT	894	2.13	43.3
Oct 29, 6:15 PM MDT	894	2.13	43.9
Oct 29, 6:00 PM MDT	894	2.13	43.9

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 1,050–2,190 ft³/s (middle half of 21 years of record). Now: 915 ft³/s, below normal.

Below normal for this date. 915 ft³/s is between the 10th and 25th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 21 years of record: 10th 893, 25th 1,050, median 1,490, 75th 2,190, 90th 2,764 ft³/s.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 858 ft³/s, highest 4,120 ft³/s.

Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).

Steady over 24 hours (−1.2% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

NWS observed 2.15 ft stage at Nov 5, 3:15 PM MST (NWS gauge CMNM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.

Forecasts are not available. Only observed stages are available for this point.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 44.1°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 45.1°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)

Species

Species the agency lists for Madison River: Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Common Carp, Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Sucker, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Stonecat, Utah Chub, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, White Sucker, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.

Source: FISHMT :: Waterbody Details (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks).

Safety

Cold water. Water 44.1°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Madison River bl Ennis Lake nr McAllister MT

USGS 06041000 · NWS MADM8

Good: Good trout conditions: fish normally

42.3°F now, 42.4°F at most in 24 hours: under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Flow 1,250 ft³/s: below normal for Nov 5, over 83 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
Cold water, 42.3°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 1,250 ft³/s
Gauge height: 3.69 ft
Water temp: 42.3°F (5.7°C)

Reading Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST · provisional USGS data

Below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 1,250 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS Water Data API continuous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST	1,250	3.69	42.3
Nov 5, 3:00 PM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 5, 2:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 5, 1:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 5, 12:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 5, 11:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 5, 10:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 5, 9:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 5, 8:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.3
Nov 5, 7:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 5, 6:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.3
Nov 5, 5:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 5, 4:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 5, 3:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 5, 2:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 5, 1:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 5, 12:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 11:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 10:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 9:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 8:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 4, 7:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 6:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 5:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 4:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 3:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.6
Nov 4, 2:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 1:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 4, 12:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.4
Nov 4, 11:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 4, 10:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 4, 9:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 4, 8:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 4, 7:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 4, 6:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 5:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 4:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 4, 3:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 4, 2:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 4, 1:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 4, 12:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.4
Nov 3, 11:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 10:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 3, 9:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 3, 8:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 3, 7:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 3, 6:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 3, 5:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 4:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 3:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 2:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.4
Nov 3, 1:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 3, 12:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 11:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 10:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 9:00 AM MST	1,310	3.79	42.4
Nov 3, 8:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 7:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 3, 6:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 3, 5:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 3, 4:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 3, 3:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 3, 2:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 3, 1:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 3, 12:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 11:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 10:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 9:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 8:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 7:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 6:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	43
Nov 2, 5:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	43
Nov 2, 4:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	43
Nov 2, 3:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	43
Nov 2, 2:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	43
Nov 2, 1:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	43
Nov 2, 12:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	43
Nov 2, 11:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	43
Nov 2, 10:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 9:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 8:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 7:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 6:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 5:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 4:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 3:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 2:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 1:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 2, 12:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 11:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 10:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 9:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 8:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 7:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 6:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 5:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 4:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 1, 3:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 1, 2:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 1:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 12:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 11:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 10:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.6
Nov 1, 9:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 8:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 7:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 6:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 5:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 4:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 3:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 2:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 1:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 1:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 12:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 11:00 PM MDT	1,260	3.71	42.6
Oct 31, 10:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 9:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 8:00 PM MDT	1,260	3.71	42.6
Oct 31, 7:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 6:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 5:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 4:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.8
Oct 31, 3:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.8
Oct 31, 2:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.8
Oct 31, 1:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 12:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 11:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 10:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 9:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 8:00 AM MDT	1,260	3.71	42.6
Oct 31, 7:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 31, 6:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 31, 5:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 31, 4:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 31, 3:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 31, 2:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 31, 1:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 31, 12:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.52	42.6
Oct 30, 11:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 30, 10:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.55	42.6
Oct 30, 9:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 30, 8:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 30, 7:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 30, 6:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 30, 5:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.8
Oct 30, 4:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.8
Oct 30, 3:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	43
Oct 30, 2:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	43
Oct 30, 1:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	43
Oct 30, 12:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	43.2
Oct 30, 11:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	43.2
Oct 30, 10:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	43.2
Oct 30, 9:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	43.2
Oct 30, 8:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	43.2
Oct 30, 7:00 AM MDT	1,220	3.63	43.2
Oct 30, 6:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.3
Oct 30, 5:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.72	43.3
Oct 30, 4:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.5
Oct 30, 3:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.69	43.5
Oct 30, 2:00 AM MDT	1,260	3.71	43.5
Oct 30, 1:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.7
Oct 30, 12:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.69	43.7
Oct 29, 11:00 PM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.7
Oct 29, 10:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	43.7
Oct 29, 9:00 PM MDT	1,260	3.71	43.5
Oct 29, 8:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	43.5
Oct 29, 7:00 PM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.5
Oct 29, 6:00 PM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.5

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 1,450–2,280 ft³/s (middle half of 83 years of record). Now: 1,250 ft³/s, below normal.

Below normal for this date. 1,250 ft³/s is between the 10th and 25th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 83 years of record: 10th 1,248, 25th 1,450, median 1,790, 75th 2,280, 90th 2,752 ft³/s.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 950 ft³/s, highest 4,160 ft³/s.

Steady over 24 hours (+0% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

NWS observed 3.69 ft stage, 1,130 ft³/s at Nov 5, 3:00 PM MST (NWS gauge MADM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.

Forecasts are not available. Only observed stages are available for this point.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 42.3°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 42.4°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)

Species

Source: FISHMT :: Waterbody Details (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks).

Safety

Cold water. Water 42.3°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Checked Nov 5, 4:45 PM MST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.

Reading the gauges…

Check any river's flow

Follow Madison River for flow alerts

Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.

Follow this water

Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.

Where to fish

Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Montana FWP fishing access sites

Madison River on the map

Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles

Restrooms Access map

Map of Madison River with 2 USGS gauges, and shops and guides with an exact address within 40 miles.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles

Restrooms near Madison River

Restrooms within 2 miles of Madison River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.

Skip the map; every place is in the list below

Map of 2 restrooms near Madison River, numbered as in the list, with the water’s point marked.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles

Restroom at a boat ramp
0.2 mi away in a straight line
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · flush or vault? · free? · open to everyone? · step-free? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Flush or vault?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
- Step-free?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map
Restroom
0.2 mi away in a straight line
- Vault or pit toilet (mapped)
Not rated yet — be the first to tell other anglers if it's clean.
Directions
We don't know yet: is it clean? · free? · open to everyone? · step-free? — tell other anglers: show the questions
- Is it clean?
- Free?
- Open to everyone?
- Step-free?
Mapped on OpenStreetMap · see or fix it on the map

Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.

More water near Madison River

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
Photo credit
Ennis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
Ennis Lake
Montana · about 14 mi
Rainbow, brown & brook trout
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
Photo credit
The upper Ruby River, Beaverhead County, Montana. Photo: Mike Cline, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ruby River
Montana · about 34 mi
Rainbow, brown & brook trout
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
Photo credit
The confluence of the Ruby and Beaverhead rivers near Twin Bridges, Montana. Photo: Mike Cline, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Beaverhead River
Montana · about 49 mi
Rainbow, brown & brook trout
Running well now
Photo credit
The Big Hole River near Twin Bridges, Montana, in October. Photo: Mike Cline, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Hole River
Montana · about 50 mi
Rainbow, brown & brook trout
591cfsFlow now · normal for the date
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Ruby River Reservoir
Photo credit
Henrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Ruby River Reservoir.
Ruby River Reservoir
Montana · about 18 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Willow Creek Reservoir
Photo credit
Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Photo: icetsarina, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Willow Creek Reservoir.
Willow Creek Reservoir
Montana · about 32 mi

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
Photo credit
Ennis Lake, Montana, in March, with the Madison Range beyond. Photo: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
Ennis Lake
Montana · about 14 mi
Rainbow, brown & brook trout
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
Photo credit
The upper Ruby River, Beaverhead County, Montana. Photo: Mike Cline, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ruby River
Montana · about 34 mi
Rainbow, brown & brook trout
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
Photo credit
The confluence of the Ruby and Beaverhead rivers near Twin Bridges, Montana. Photo: Mike Cline, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Beaverhead River
Montana · about 49 mi
Rainbow, brown & brook trout
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
Photo credit
The Big Hole River near Twin Bridges, Montana, in October. Photo: Mike Cline, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Hole River
Montana · about 50 mi
Rainbow, brown & brook trout
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Ruby River Reservoir
Photo credit
Henrys Lake from Henrys Lake State Park, Idaho. Photo: James Postema, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Ruby River Reservoir.
Ruby River Reservoir
Montana · about 18 mi
Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)Representative photo · not Willow Creek Reservoir
Photo credit
Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon. Photo: icetsarina, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Willow Creek Reservoir.
Willow Creek Reservoir
Montana · about 32 mi

Regulations

Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.

2 official designations

Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under trout.

Among the state's most-fished waters (agency angler survey)
On the Montana's most-fished waters (FWP statewide angling pressure estimates, 2023 license year, top 250 by state rank) list (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation
- Section 2A: state rank 2, 121,912 angler days (2023)
- Section 01: state rank 9, 71,645 angler days (2023)
- Section 2B: state rank 12, 62,053 angler days (2023)
Special-regulation trout water
On the District Exceptions to Standard Regulations (trout / gear rules) list (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, read 2026-11-05). All waters with this designation

The water on the map

Measured from the NHDPlus High Resolution (flowlines and waterbodies) (U.S. Geological Survey, read 2026-11-04) for this water’s own mapped feature. Rounded figures; they describe the channel, not today’s conditions.

Length: 148 mi (132.8 in MT)
Drains: 2,230 sq mi
Drop: 2,754 ft · 18.6 ft/mi
Watershed: Madison, Yellowstone Headwaters

Public land along it

Areas the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US), public access (U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Project, read 2026-11-05) lists as owned or held in easement and open to the public, crossed by the mapped channel. Boundaries are mapped, not surveyed. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.

36.5 of 144.6 mi on public land

Gallatin National ForestForest Service · 16.1 mi
Yellowstone National ParkNational Park Service · 12.5 mi
Montana State Trust LandsUnknown · 4.4 mi
Cobblestone Fishing Access SiteState Fish and Wildlife · 1.5 mi
Valley Garden Fishing Access SiteState Fish and Wildlife · 0.9 mi
Dillon Field OfficeBureau of Land Management · 0.4 mi
Burnt Tree Hole Fishing Access SiteState Fish and Wildlife · 0.3 mi
Eight Mile Ford Fishing Access SiteState Fish and Wildlife · 0.2 mi

+1 smaller areas

Nothing on this page grants or implies access.

Guides and shops near Madison River

Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.

21 guides name it on their website

Guides

Camp Creek Outfitters
Ennis, MT · 5 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Madison & Blackfoot
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
HO
Hooked Outfitting
Ennis, MT · 8 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Madison & Missouri
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
AV
All Valley Anglers Outfitting Co.
Cameron, MT · 10 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Madison & Ruby
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
Wild Ace Outfitters
Ennis, MT · 10 mi
Beginners & lessons · Madison & Yellowstone
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
MR
Madison River Guides LLC
Mc Allister, MT · 15 mi
Madison River
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
ES
East Slope Outdoors
Big Sky, MT · 22 mi
Float trips · Wade trips · Madison & Gallatin
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
Montana Fishing Guide School
Gallatin Gateway, MT · 24 mi
Wade trips · Drift boat · Madison & Gallatin
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide
Four Rivers Fishing Company
Twin Bridges, MT · 35 mi
Beginners & lessons · Multi-day trips · Madison & Missouri
- Unclaimed
Names this water
View guide

All Montana guides

6 shops nearby

Frontier Anglers
Dillon, MT · 43 mi
Fly shop · Guided trips · Wade trips
- Unclaimed
View shop
BF
Beartooth Flyfishing
Cameron, MT
Fly shop · Lodging · Guided trips
- Unclaimed
View shop
Dream Drift Flies - Fly Shop / Convenience Store and Motel
Cameron, MT
Fly shop · Lodging
- Unclaimed
View shop
Madison River Fishing Company
Ennis, MT
Fly shop · Guided trips · Lodging
- Unclaimed
View shop
The Tackle Shop
Ennis, MT
Fly shop · Guided trips · Float trips
- Unclaimed
View shop
Trout Stalkers
Ennis, MT
Fly shop · Guided trips · Lodging
- Unclaimed
View shop

All Montana shops

Species and hatches

The species the agency lists here; presence varies by reach and season.

Listed by the state agency

Rainbow trout
Species guide
Photo credit
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), illustration by Duane Raver for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Duane Raver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Brown trout
Species guide
Photo credit
Brown trout (Salmo trutta), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service illustration. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Brook trout
Species guide
Photo credit
Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), illustration by Duane Raver for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Duane Raver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Cutthroat trout
Species guide
Photo credit
Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), photographed by James E. Johnson for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: James E. Johnson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Arctic grayling
Species guide
Photo credit
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), painting by Robert W. Hines for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Robert W. Hines, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Common carp
Species guide
Photo credit
Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), illustration by Duane Raver for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo: Duane Raver, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Longnose Dace
Longnose Sucker
Mottled Sculpin
Mountain Sucker
Mountain Whitefish
Stonecat
Utah Chub
White Sucker
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

When the bugs come off

Regional hatch months: Northern Rockies

5 hatches charted for the region, not measured on this water. From Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

January: no charted hatch
February: no charted hatch
March: no charted hatch
April: no charted hatch
May: 3 charted hatches
June: 2 charted hatches
July: 2 charted hatches
August: 1 charted hatch
September: 1 charted hatch
October: no charted hatch
November: no charted hatch
December: no charted hatch

Mother's Day caddis (Grannom) (May) · Salmonfly (May to June) · Salmonfly (May to July) · Salmonfly (July) · Trico (August to September)

Northern Rockies hatch chart

Plan your stay

Fishing lodges nearby

All lodges

Lure Me Inn | Cabin, Hotel, Stay in Ennis
Ennis, Montana
River cabins · 7.5 mi
- Unclaimed
Rainbow Valley Lodge
Ennis, Montana
Fishing lodge · 7.6 mi
- Unclaimed
- Guided fishing
El Western Cabins & Lodges
Ennis, Montana
Fishing lodge · 7.7 mi
- Unclaimed
Riverside Motel & Outfitters
Ennis, Montana
Fishing lodge · 8.1 mi
- Unclaimed
Madison Valley Ranch
Ennis, Montana
Guest ranch · 10 mi
- Unclaimed
- Guided fishing
Centennial Guest Ranch
Ennis, Montana
Guest ranch · 12 mi
- Unclaimed

Getting there

BZN · Bozeman · 48 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
WYS · West Yellowstone · 49 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)
BOI · Boise · 249 mi straight-lineFlights (opens in a new tab)

About this

Miles are straight-line distances, not drive times.
Airports: scheduled passenger service, from OurAirports (public domain) (2026-11-04).
Lodges are listed when their own website talks about fishing. Prices and availability are the lodge's own.

Ennis & the Madison Valley

Ennis is the town on the Madison River between Quake Lake and Ennis Lake, with the Ruby, Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson rivers to the west.

Destination hub · 8 mi away in a straight line

Open the hub Plan a trip here

Fish these abroad

Matched on the fish the agencies list for both waters first, then the same water type, an official designation or flagship listing on both, and a similar mapped size where USGS hydrography covers both.

At most two waters per country. A shared fish is a listing, not a promise: presence varies by reach and season.

Like the Madison River? Same fish, overseas.

Flagship water
Photo credit
The Meander River in Deloraine, Tasmania. Photo: Gary Houston, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Meander River
Tasmania, Australia
Same fish: rainbow & brown trout · also a tailwater
Tailwater
Photo credit
The Grand River just north of Paris, Ontario, looking upstream. Photo: JustSomePics, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand River
Ontario, Canada
Same fish: rainbow & brown trout · also a tailwater
Flagship water
Photo credit
The Tekapo–Pukaki hydro canal, Mackenzie Country, Canterbury. Photo: Avenue, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hydro Canals
Canterbury, New Zealand
Same fish: rainbow trout · also a tailwater
Tailwater
Photo credit
The lower Clutha River / Mata-Au and Inch Clutha from Kaitangata. Photo: Andrewrutherford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lower Clutha River / Mata-Au
Otago, New Zealand
Same fish: rainbow & brown trout · also a tailwater
TailwaterRepresentative photo · not Río Calcurrupe
Photo credit
The Río Toltén at Pocoyán. Photo: Maxbalter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río Calcurrupe.
Río Calcurrupe
Los Ríos, Chile
Same fish: rainbow & brown trout · also a tailwater
TailwaterRepresentative photo · not Brumbys Creek
Photo credit
The South Esk River, Tasmania. Photo: Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Brumbys Creek.
Brumbys Creek
Tasmania, Australia
Same fish: rainbow & brown trout · also a tailwater

Fish it when it's winter here

Southern seasons open while ours close.

Flagship water
Photo credit
Lake Taupō. Photo: Ériugena, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Taupō
Waikato, New Zealand
Season open all year · DOC
Flagship water
Photo credit
Penstock Lagoon, Central Highlands, Tasmania. Photo: Mike Cline, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Penstock Lagoon
Tasmania, Australia
Season open Aug–May · Inland Fisheries Service
Tailwater
Photo credit
The Río Limay, Argentina. Photo: P. Hughes, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Río Limay
Río Negro, Argentina
Season open Nov–May · Patagonian fishing regulation
Freestone riverRepresentative photo · not Río Petrohué
Photo credit
The Río Puelo at Las Gualas, Cochamó. Photo: Nicolás from seno de reloncaví, Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río Petrohué.
Río Petrohué
Los Lagos, Chile
Season open Nov–May · SERNAPESCA
Lake or reservoirRepresentative photo · not Lago Llanquihue
Photo credit
The Río Simpson passing Coyhaique, Aysén. Photo: Manxuc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Lago Llanquihue.
Lago Llanquihue
Los Lagos, Chile
Season open Nov–May · SERNAPESCA
Lake or reservoir
Photo credit
Lago Nahuel Huapi from Llao Llao. Photo: David, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lago Nahuel Huapi
Río Negro, Argentina
Season open Oct–May · Patagonian fishing regulation
Flagship waterRepresentative photo · not Mataura River
Photo credit
The Oreti River near Lumsden, Southland. Photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons Not Mataura River.
Mataura River
Southland, New Zealand
Season open Oct–Apr · Fish & Game NZ
Flagship water
Photo credit
Great Lake, Tasmania. Photo: Peripitus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Yingina / Great Lake
Tasmania, Australia
Season open all year · Inland Fisheries Service

Gear checklist

A wade-fishing checklist for big western trout rivers: a 9 ft 5–6 weight outfit, nymph, dry and streamer setups, waders, boots and a wading staff, with estimated prices by tier and where to buy.

A woman in waders and a sun hat wades a broad river and casts, bluffs on the far bank

Big western rivers (wade fishing)

9′ rod, 5–6 weight, floating line · Rainbow and brown trout, whitefish

Open the checklist

Videos for this water (5)

Watch: reading a trout stream

Seams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

How I Learned to Read Water (Fly Fishing)Embedded from YouTube · Mad River Outfitters · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
How To Read The Water with Tom RosenbauerEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Reading the Water to Successfully Locate TroutEmbedded from YouTube · Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on reading water

Watch: nymphing basics

Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.

Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.

90° Nymph RigEmbedded from YouTube · Huge Fly Fisherman · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube
Casting with an Indicator & Better Nymphing TechniquesEmbedded from YouTube · The New Fly Fisher · not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear. Watch on YouTube

Not sponsored All videos on nymphing

Fish Tales

Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Madison River.

No stories from here yet.

Write the first story Share your day

Sources for this page

Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.

Something wrong?

All 20 sources and dates

A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.

Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge Madison River near Cameron MT. Water type is our own classification.

Madison River bl Ennis Lake nr McAllister MT

USGS 06041000 · NWS MADM8

Good: Good trout conditions: fish normally

42.3°F now, 42.4°F at most in 24 hours: under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Flow 1,250 ft³/s: below normal for Nov 5, over 83 years of USGS record. U.S. Geological Survey
Cold water, 42.3°F. NWS: cold shock is dangerous at 50-60°F and colder; “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.” National Weather Service

What the agencies suggest

Carry a stream thermometer. Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature National Park Service

General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.

Discharge: 1,250 ft³/s
Gauge height: 3.69 ft
Water temp: 42.3°F (5.7°C)

Reading Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST · provisional USGS data

Below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h

Discharge · last 7 days

Discharge, about hourly
Latest: 1,250 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST

USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS Water Data API continuous values.

View data as a table

Discharge, last 7 days: readings, about hourly, newest first. USGS provisional data may be revised. Missing hours or days are not filled in.
Time	Discharge (ft³/s)	Gauge height (ft)	Water temp (°F)
Nov 5, 4:00 PM MST	1,250	3.69	42.3
Nov 5, 3:00 PM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 5, 2:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 5, 1:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 5, 12:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 5, 11:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 5, 10:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 5, 9:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 5, 8:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.3
Nov 5, 7:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 5, 6:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.3
Nov 5, 5:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 5, 4:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 5, 3:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 5, 2:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 5, 1:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 5, 12:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 11:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 10:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 9:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 8:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 4, 7:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 6:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 5:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 4:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 3:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.6
Nov 4, 2:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 1:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 4, 12:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.4
Nov 4, 11:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 4, 10:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 4, 9:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 4, 8:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 4, 7:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 4, 6:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 5:00 AM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 4, 4:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 4, 3:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 4, 2:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 4, 1:00 AM MST	1,250	3.69	42.4
Nov 4, 12:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.4
Nov 3, 11:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 10:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.4
Nov 3, 9:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 3, 8:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 3, 7:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.3
Nov 3, 6:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	42.3
Nov 3, 5:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 4:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 3:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 2:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.4
Nov 3, 1:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 3, 12:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 11:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 10:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 9:00 AM MST	1,310	3.79	42.4
Nov 3, 8:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.4
Nov 3, 7:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 3, 6:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 3, 5:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 3, 4:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 3, 3:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 3, 2:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 3, 1:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 3, 12:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 11:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 10:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 9:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 8:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 7:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 6:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	43
Nov 2, 5:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	43
Nov 2, 4:00 PM MST	1,250	3.7	43
Nov 2, 3:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	43
Nov 2, 2:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	43
Nov 2, 1:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	43
Nov 2, 12:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	43
Nov 2, 11:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	43
Nov 2, 10:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 9:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 8:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 7:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 6:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 5:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 4:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 3:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 2, 2:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 2, 1:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 2, 12:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 11:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 10:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 9:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 8:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 7:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 6:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 5:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 4:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 1, 3:00 PM MST	1,260	3.71	42.8
Nov 1, 2:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 1:00 PM MST	1,270	3.73	42.8
Nov 1, 12:00 PM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 11:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.8
Nov 1, 10:00 AM MST	1,270	3.73	42.6
Nov 1, 9:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 8:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 7:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 6:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 5:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 4:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 3:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 2:00 AM MST	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 1:00 AM MST	1,260	3.71	42.6
Nov 1, 1:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Nov 1, 12:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 11:00 PM MDT	1,260	3.71	42.6
Oct 31, 10:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 9:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 8:00 PM MDT	1,260	3.71	42.6
Oct 31, 7:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 6:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 5:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 4:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.8
Oct 31, 3:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.8
Oct 31, 2:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.8
Oct 31, 1:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 12:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 11:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.73	42.6
Oct 31, 10:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 9:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.72	42.6
Oct 31, 8:00 AM MDT	1,260	3.71	42.6
Oct 31, 7:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 31, 6:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 31, 5:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 31, 4:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 31, 3:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 31, 2:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 31, 1:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 31, 12:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.52	42.6
Oct 30, 11:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 30, 10:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.55	42.6
Oct 30, 9:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 30, 8:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 30, 7:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.6
Oct 30, 6:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	42.6
Oct 30, 5:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.8
Oct 30, 4:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	42.8
Oct 30, 3:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	43
Oct 30, 2:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	43
Oct 30, 1:00 PM MDT	1,170	3.54	43
Oct 30, 12:00 PM MDT	1,160	3.53	43.2
Oct 30, 11:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	43.2
Oct 30, 10:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	43.2
Oct 30, 9:00 AM MDT	1,160	3.53	43.2
Oct 30, 8:00 AM MDT	1,170	3.54	43.2
Oct 30, 7:00 AM MDT	1,220	3.63	43.2
Oct 30, 6:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.3
Oct 30, 5:00 AM MDT	1,270	3.72	43.3
Oct 30, 4:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.5
Oct 30, 3:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.69	43.5
Oct 30, 2:00 AM MDT	1,260	3.71	43.5
Oct 30, 1:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.7
Oct 30, 12:00 AM MDT	1,250	3.69	43.7
Oct 29, 11:00 PM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.7
Oct 29, 10:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	43.7
Oct 29, 9:00 PM MDT	1,260	3.71	43.5
Oct 29, 8:00 PM MDT	1,270	3.72	43.5
Oct 29, 7:00 PM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.5
Oct 29, 6:00 PM MDT	1,250	3.7	43.5

What this level means general guidance

Normal for Nov 5: 1,450–2,280 ft³/s (middle half of 83 years of record). Now: 1,250 ft³/s, below normal.

Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 950 ft³/s, highest 4,160 ft³/s.

Steady over 24 hours (+0% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

NWS observed 3.69 ft stage, 1,130 ft³/s at Nov 5, 3:00 PM MST (NWS gauge MADM8; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).

NWS has not set flood categories for this gauge.

Forecasts are not available. Only observed stages are available for this point.

Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Under Montana FWP's 68°F line. Water 42.3°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 42.4°F. Montana FWP cites a study in which trout “caught and released from water with a temperature above 68 degrees F were far more likely to perish than those taken from cooler water.” Water warms through the day: “Fish in the cool morning hours.”
“Giving a hoot”, Montana Outdoors (July–August 2024) (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks) Drought and fishing (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)

Species

Source: FISHMT :: Waterbody Details (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks).

Safety

Cold water. Water 42.3°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”
Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)
Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.
Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)

Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.

Open the USGS gauge page

Madison River

Today on the Madison River

Good: Good trout conditions: fish normally

What this level means general guidance

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Species

Safety

Good: Good trout conditions: fish normally

What this level means general guidance

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Species

Safety

Follow Madison River for flow alerts

Where to fish

Madison River on the map

Restrooms near Madison River

1Restroom at a boat ramp

2Restroom

More water near Madison River

Regulations

The water on the map

Public land along it

Guides and shops near Madison River

Guides

6 shops nearby

Species and hatches

When the bugs come off

Plan your stay

Fishing lodges nearby

Getting there

Ennis & the Madison Valley

Fish these abroad

Fish it when it's winter here

Gear checklist

Big western rivers (wade fishing)

Watch: reading a trout stream

Watch: nymphing basics

Fish Tales

Sources for this page

Good: Good trout conditions: fish normally

What this level means general guidance

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Species

Safety

Good: Good trout conditions: fish normally

What this level means general guidance

Official flood stage · National Weather Service

Conditions for fishing general guidance

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

Species

Safety

Plan your stay

Fishing lodges nearby

Getting there

Restroom at a boat ramp

Restroom