Fishing Report Updated May 8, 2023
This Madison River fishing report is valid from May 8 through May.
Lower Madison: Still clear down to Cherry Creek, though they are jerking the flows around quite a bit. So far there haven’t been any reports of caddis (we saw no sign of any on a May 1 guide trip), but there have been plenty of midges and BWO. Look for risers on cloudy days. If there’s no risers, nymph with crayfish, worms, BWO nymphs, and caddis larvae and pupae. The real program will begin in the afternoons SOON when the caddis start hatching. The Mother’s Day Caddis on the Lower Madison always offer the most consistent dry fly fishing of the season here.
Before floating downstream of Black’s Ford, it’s best to check its clarity. “Murky” is fine. If it’s really howling with mud, the fishing will be poor once the Cherry Creek mud fully mixes in with the river. Also note that Warm Springs Access is closed until early June while the boat ramp is rebuilt, so you’ll have to launch at California Corner if floating.
No recent reports from the Upper Madison. Check in with shops in Ennis or West Yellowstone.
Our next Madison River fishing report will drop around June 1.
Learn more about fishing the Lower Madison River.