Madison River Fishing
A Montana Blue Ribbon Trout Stream
The Madison River is an amazing fishery. Boasting 2900 – 3500 fish per mile, the Madison River is home to big rainbows and huge brown trout. And plenty of smaller fish too.
The scenery is fantastic. To the east, the Madison Mountains tower over the valley floor. Some peaks reaching more than 11,000′. To the west, the Gravelly Mountain Range rises and separates the Madison Valley from the Ruby River Valley.
Guided Fishing
At the Rainbow Valley Lodge, fly fishing the Madison is our passion. We offer guided fishing trips on the Madison River. Our O’Dell Creek Fly Shop is stocked with fly patterns that work on the river. Stop in and get an up-to-date fishing report from our staff – we all fish and we love to talk about fishing!
Lodging
Our rooms and cabins are the best lodging options in Ennis, Montana. Our 24 lodge rooms and suites offer amenities such as free wifi, continental breakfast. Some rooms offer complete kitchens.
Our 10, uniquely different, cabins offer more room to spread out and are perfect for extended stays. Cabins can sleep 2 or more.
Fly Fishing Packages Starting At
- Three Nights Lodging, Two Days Guided Fishing on the Madison River
About the Madison River
The Madison River is formed by the confluence of the Gibbon and the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. As the Madison flows from the Park, it enters Hebgen Lake. Cool water exits the lake and begins the “50 Mile Riffle” to Ennis Lake.
In this section of the Madison River, you’ll find good populations of rainbow and brown trout that average 14-16 inches. Larger, 20+ inch fish are not uncommon.
Wading the River
From below Hebgen Lake to Lyons Bridge, the river is wade-able with several access points. Good wading shoes/sandals are recommended. In the slide-area, wading can be tough as the current is swift. No fishing from boats is allowed in this stretch.
The Hatches
The Madison River is blessed with numerous hatches over the course of the season. Most notably is the Salmonfly hatch which occurs mid to late June. Anglers fish with large dry fly patterns during the hatch that fish smack hard on the water’s surface.
Blue Winged Olives and Midges start the season in late March or April giving pre-runoff anglers a chance to catch fish on top as winter winds down. Through the season, Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, Golden Stones along with Hoppers and Ant bring trout to the surface to feed on top.
Floating the Madison River
Perhaps the best way to experience the Madison River is by drift boat. Cast to the banks while your guide expertly angles the boat towards hidden seams, feeding lanes, and back eddies filled with trout dimpling the surface.
The river from Lyons Bridge to Ennis Lake is our home water. Our expert fishing guides spend more than 100 days a year on the water. Get to know the Madison River with the help of our professional guides.
Why Fish the Madison River?
The Madison River is one of the most famous trout streams in the world—and for good reason.
From the famous “50 Mile Riffle” below Hebgen Lake to the productive runs between Lyons Bridge and Ennis Lake, the Madison offers anglers an unforgettable combination of healthy wild trout, spectacular scenery, and nearly endless fishing opportunities.
Whether you’re making your first trip to Montana or returning for your twentieth season, the Madison delivers exciting dry fly action, productive nymph fishing, and streamer opportunities throughout the year. Rainbow Valley Lodge has welcomed fly anglers for decades and is proud to help guests experience one of America’s truly legendary trout rivers.
What You’ll Catch
The Madison River is home to healthy populations of wild trout, including:
• Brown Trout
• Rainbow Trout
• Mountain Whitefish
While many trout average 14–18 inches, every season produces impressive fish exceeding 20 inches. The river’s incredible insect life and cold, fertile water make it one of Montana’s premier blue-ribbon fisheries, attracting anglers from around the world.
The Rainbow Valley Lodge in Ennis, Montana is a Montana Fly Fishing Lodge that offers great accommodations, fly fishing guide service along with advice and tips in its fly shop, O’Dell Creek Fly Shop.
Make Rainbow Valley Lodge Your Madison River Headquarters
After a full day on the water, there’s nothing better than returning to a comfortable room, cabin, or suite just minutes from the river.
Start your morning with our complimentary continental breakfast before meeting your guide from River Borne Outfitters. Stop by the O’Dell Creek Fly Shop for the latest fishing report, proven fly patterns, and local advice from anglers who fish the Madison every chance they get.
Whether you’re booking a guided trip, bringing your own drift boat, or planning a week of walk-and-wade fishing, Rainbow Valley Lodge has been welcoming Madison River anglers for decades and looks forward to helping make your next Montana fly fishing vacation unforgettable.