Free Resource · Updated 2026

Madison River Fly Hatch Chart

The Madison River between Ennis and Varney Bridge is one of the most iconic stretches of fly water in Montana. Wide, wadeable, and full of rising fish, it draws anglers from around the world. The Salmonfly hatch in late May is the marquee event, but the Madison produces consistently from early spring through fall.

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout Freestone Ennis to Varney Bridge, SW Montana Current Month Highlighted

About Madison River

The section from Ennis down to Varney Bridge is the most popular and productive stretch. Current pushes through shallow riffles into deep, clear runs where browns and rainbows hold year-round. The river is big enough that you can always find uncrowded water if you are willing to walk.

Spring fishing starts in March with midges and Blue-Winged Olives during warm afternoons. The Skwala stonefly hatch in late March and April is an underrated opportunity before the crowds arrive. By May, flows are rising with snowmelt and savvy anglers target the banks with streamers.

The Salmonfly hatch tracks runoff and water temperature. When flows drop and water clears in late May or early June, it fires. The hatch moves upriver over several weeks so timing matters. July through September brings PMDs in the mornings, hoppers along the banks, and Trico spinner falls on flat sections.

See the full Montana Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Montana's top trout streams.

Check Conditions Near Madison River

What to Fish

Madison River Key Hatches

Salmonfly

Late May to Early June

The Salmonfly hatch is the biggest event of the Madison year. It tracks runoff and when flows drop and water temps climb into the low 50s, it fires. Adults crawl onto streamside vegetation and fall onto the water. Fish a large dry along the banks and expect aggressive takes.

Recommended: #4-6 Salmonfly, Chernobyl Ant

Skwala Stonefly

Late March to April

The Skwala is the first real dry fly opportunity of the Madison season. It hatches when afternoon temps warm into the 40s and 50s. Fish the warmest parts of the day and target slower water near the banks. Crowds are thin and the river is fishing before most anglers arrive for the season.

Recommended: #8-10 Chubby Chernobyl, Skwala Adult

Pale Morning Dun

June to August

PMDs hatch in the mornings during the summer months. Look for consistent rises in the flat, clear stretches between Ennis and Varney. A well-presented Sparkle Dun or CDC Dun works well. Fish get selective during heavy hatches so match the size carefully.

Recommended: #16-18 Sparkle Dun, Comparadun

Hopper

July to September

July and August are hopper season on the Madison. Cast large foam patterns tight to the grassy banks and expect explosive surface takes from brown trout. The afternoon wind blows hoppers onto the water and fish stay in feeding lanes close to shore.

Recommended: #10 Parachute Hopper, BC Hopper