Upper Madison River fishing report August 1st – 14th

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Beartooth Flyfishing

We would like to formally thank everyone who participated, donated, and enjoyed our 13th annual Montana Hope Project fundraising event. It was a terrific turnout as always with some of our closest friends and family from across the world; who came and supported this amazing cause in memory of Grandpa “John” Delekta. We reached better than expected as our fundraiser goal through amazing donations of money, food, and time. If you missed it and still want to donate, please call us at 406-682-7525 or send an email to info@beartoothflyfishing.com. We would be happy to help you with guidance on providing donations via check, credit card, and/or cash.

The Summer fishing on the Upper Madison River has been producing despite hot Summer days and smoke haze drifting into the valley. The buffet is still open, and the fish are coming back for thirds. The heat has displaced a lot of the large seasonal insect hatches on the Upper Madison, leaving fish to forage on larger terrestrial insects like Grasshoppers, Flying Ants, Beetles, and whatever floats on by. Additionally, nocturnal Stoneflies and Spruce Moth activity have given the fish incentive to continue to feed during hotter Summer days and nights.

Dry Fly and upper water column fishing has been some of the most productive techniques on the Upper Madison River this Summer. With tiny pseudo PMD’s, Spinners, and smaller Caddis patterns working throughout the day; with Hoppers and other flying terrestrial insects prevalent across the valley Fish seek refuge behind boulders and under cutbanks, rising on insects that drift into their feeding lane. This style of dry fly fishing is productive in targeting larger rising trout, for quality fish in the heart of Summer. Additionally, Nocturnal Stoneflies persist and can attract feeding strikes in the Nymph and adult forms.

River flows in early August have reached just above 1,400 cubic feet per second at Kirby monitoring station, and 1,550 cubic feet per second at the Cameron monitoring station. After much needed rain this past week, flows are steadily dropping to 1,000 cfs at Kirby and 1,100 cfs. Flow bumps from Hebgen lake were released more frequently when daytime temperatures in excess of 90 degrees were prolonged; which increased the quantity of cooler water entering the system to alleviate warm temperatures for fish further down river. Madison river flow rates can be viewed using The U.S. Geological Survey stream gauge at Cameron (Madison River near Cameron MT – USGS-06040000) and Kirby (Madison River at Kirby Ranch near Cameron MT – USGS-06038800).

Nymphs: Delektable Guidestone Black / Brown #8-#12; Pat’s Rubberleg Black / Brown #8-#12; Delektable Gold BH Formerly Mega Prince # 8-#10; Delektable FB Sparkle Kaboom Stone #8-#10; Gepperts Skinny Dip Crystal, Black, & Brown #14-#18; BH Lightning Bug Silver, Gold, or Olive #14-#18; Jig CDC Brown Trasher #16; JH Quill PMD Spanish Bullet #14-#18.

Dry Flies: White Cloud Hopper Peach, Tan, or Olive #10-#14; Morrish Hopper Olive, Tan #12; Mongo Hopper Tan, or Peach #12; Delektable Lil’ Chubby UV Cinnamon, Royal, or UV Black #14-#18; Delektable Slammer Cream, Yellow, or Tan / Red Thread # 8 -14; Delektable Twisted X Tan / Brown #14-#16.

Delektable Screamer Single Olive/Black Silver, Olive/Black Gold, Black, Olive/White, or Olive #6, Jr’s Conehead Streamer Olive #6, Dalai Llama Olive/White #6-#10; Coffey’s Minnow JJ, or Sparkle #6; McCune’s Sculpin Olive #4-#8.

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July 15th – 31st Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Beartooth Flyfishing

This coming weekend, August 1st & 2nd, from Noon to 5PM. We are celebrating our 13th Annual Montana Hope Project Fundraiser, in memory of John “Grandpa” Delekta! The goal of this event is to make a wish come true for the terminally ill, disease stricken, and special needs children of Montana and their families. We will be serving Marty’s famous Louisiana Gumbo, Dan & Nancy’s revered Elk Chili along with cookies and pies from our dear friends at Elle of Elle’s Belles Bakery, Vickie Noack at Country Bumpkin Bakery, and Jim & Debbie Ricks. We will also provide fly tying demonstrations and casting clinics throughout the weekend. For a $65 donation you are welcome to all you can eat food and deserts in support of a great cause to help Montana’s Families. Furthermore, all of the funds paid for the food by you and a portion of retails sales will be donated as well through the weekend. Additional donations are greatly appreciated. Contact us if you need guidance on providing a donation by mail or phone. Phone: 406-682-7525 or email: info@beartoothflyfishing.com.

The heat of Summer is starting to rise here in the Madison Valley, with many rivers experiencing higher temperatures and hoot owl restrictions, the Upper Madison River has been consistently producing good fishing. The Upper Madison River from 8-mile to Ennis Lake is under hoot owl Restrictions, prohibiting fishing from 2pm to 12 am. Fishing on the sections above McAtee & Palisades are still resulting in exciting Dry Fly and Terrestrial fishing. Daily and weekly thunderstorms create feeding periods in the afternoon and later in the day. High daily temperatures can be dangerous or even fatal to fishes if kept out of the water for extended periods; wet hands, in the water pictures, net pictures, and quick releases help ensure fish recovery and security of the future of the fishery.

River flows in late July to reach just below 1,600 cubic feet per second at Kirby monitoring station, and 1,750 cubic feet per second at the Cameron monitoring station. Fluctuating daily above 1,200 CFS at Kirby and 1,400 CFS above Cameron due to periodic rainfall events and flow bumps. These flow up bumps from Hebgen Lake persist, which increased the quantity of cooler water entering the system to alleviate warm temperatures for fish further down river. Madison river flow rates can be viewed using The U.S. Geological Survey stream gauge at Cameron (Madison River near Cameron MT – USGS-06040000) and Kirby (Madison River at Kirby Ranch near Cameron MT – USGS-06038800).

The Summer sun has provided great opportunities for terrestrial fishing with Hoppers, Flying Ants, and Beetles. With small black Caddis and Spinner hatches that keep fish looking upward. Eager anglers who are out at dawn can experience exciting streamer fishing before the sun peers over the nearby hills.

Nymphs: Hare’s Ear or Sally #14-#18; Geppert’s Skinny Dip Black, Brown or Pearl #14-#18; Pat’s Rubberlegs Black or Brown #6-#10; Delektable Guide Stone Olive/Brown, Black/Brown or Black #8-#12; Delektable Tungsten Gold B.H. Formerly Prince #16-#18; BH Lightning Bug Silver, Gold or Pearl #14-#18; Delektable Tungsten BH Big Spanker Warrior #16-#18; Jig CDC Brown Trasher #16; JH Quill PMD Spanish Bullet #14-16; Delektable Lil’ Spanker Red, Silver, Blue, PT or Gold #12-#18; Delektable Tungsten Spanker Crackback Yellow #14-#18; Jig Duracell Original #16; Delektable JH Hammerhead Prince or Hare’s Ear #14-#16; Psycho Prince Purple or Yellow #14-#16.

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness Rootbeer, Royal, Olive Brown or UV Cinnamon #12-#16; Delektable Flying Ant Black, Purple or Cinnamon #16; Bloom’s Stealth Ant Purple #14-#16; Para Ant Black & Red #14-#16; Craven’s Fat Angie Ant Gold/Cinnamon #16; Dry Humper Royal Purple, Red or Royal #14-#16; Fat Albert Tan/Red Thread #10-#14; Morrish Hopper Pink, Green or Tan #12-#14; More-Or-Less Hopper Peach, Yellow, or Tan #12-#14; White Cloud Hopper Olive, Peach, Tan #12-#14; Panty Dropper Hopper Yellow or Tan #12-#14; Delektable Lil’ Secret UV Caddis Green, Goldrush, UV Pink or Royal #16-#18; Rusty Spinner PMD #16; Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Holo Olive, Tan or Cinnamon #16-#18. Delektable Lil’ Chubby Uv Cinnamon, UV Tan, UV Black #14 -#18.

Streamers: Delektable Screamer Single Olive/White, Olive/Black in Gold or Badger #6, Dali Llama Olive/White #6-#10; McCune’s Sculpin Olive or Tan #4-#8; Trevor’s Sculpin Olive or Tan #4;  Mini-Loop Sculpin Natural or Olive #6; Flash Fry Olive/Natural #6; Zonker Natural Pearl, Natural Copper Body, Natural Tan #6-#8.

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July 1st – 14th, 2026 Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Summer is booming here in the Madison River valley, and so is the weather. Large multiday rainfall events, and almost daily afternoon thunderstorms, have resulted in elevated flows on the Upper Madison River over the past two weeks. This outshines precipitation levels received in the previous 6 months, leading to some of the best Dry Fly fishing the valley has seen in years. Nymphing and Emerging insect fishing consistently produces larger catch volumes of fish; and Streamer fishing for larger fish persists during lower light. Rapid changes in weather patterns from day to day have restricted fishing presentations for consistent profiles, despite this the feedbag is very much on.

Caddis and PMD hatches are in full swing, with occasional Yellow Sallies and Green Drakes popping off between thunderstorms. Golden Stoneflies & Crane flies provide dense high protein food items for large Trout during key life cycle stages. Flying Ants are starting to make their appearance, and Hopper fishing is showing its first glimpses from the mid-July heat.

River flows in the beginning of July are just above 1,100 cubic feet per second at Kirby monitoring station, and just above 1,300 cubic feet per second at the Cameron monitoring station. Perpetual rainfall and flow bumps peaked flows around 1,300 for Kirby and 1,450 for Cameron. Fishing higher on the Upper River is recommended, as temperatures approach 70 degrees towards Ennis Lake due to the extreme heat that plagued the valley. Madison River flow rates can be viewed using The U.S. Geological Survey stream gauge at Cameron (Madison River near Cameron MT – USGS-06040000) and Kirby (Madison River at Kirby Ranch nr Cameron MT – USGS-06038800).

Beartooth Flyfishing is located at 2925 US 287 North in Cameron, MT 59720. We are open Monday through Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. Stop by and visit us in the valley for free coffee, a current selection of proven flies, and plenty of fishing stories and advice from the Beartooth Flyfishing crew and family.

Nymphs: Delektable Jig Hook Tungsten Spanker Pale Olive PMD #14-#16, Delektable Jig Hook Tungsten Hare’s Ear or Olive Torchlight #14-#16, Delektable Prince Brandon #8-#16, BH Lightning Bug Gold, Silver or Pearl #16-#20, Tungsten Split Case PMD #18, BH Tungsten Jig FB Pheasant Tail #14-#18, Tung Drop Yellow Sally #14-#16, Delektable Kaboom Stone #6-#10, Geppert’s Skinny Dip Brown, Black or Crystal #14-#18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-#16, Delektable TGBH Sure Strike Yellow/Peacock or Sally #12-#16, and Delektable Lil’ Spanker Gold, Silver, Blue or PT #12-#18.

Dries: Delektable Chubbyness UV Purple, Olive/Brown, Royal, or Rootbeer #10-#16, Dornan’s Water Walker Peanut #10-#12, Morrish’s Fluttering Stone Salmon Fly #6, Delektable Secret Stone UV Orange, UV Salmon Fly, UV Goldenstone, Royal #6-#10, Juicy Stone Salmon Fly #6; Delektable 2Tone Chubbyness UV Goldrush or Royal #10-#14, Delektable Twisted Sister Orange Brown #4-#8, Delektable Twisted Baby Yellow with Red Butt or Brown #12-#16, Cornfed Caddis CDC Olive or Tan #16, Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan, Olive or Purple #14-#16, Delektable Halo Peacock, Tan, Dark Olive, or Purple #16-#18, Delektable Sparkle Bug Tan #16, Split Wing Parachute Purple #12-#16, Parachute PMD #16-18.

Streamers: Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Olive/White, Black, Olive, White, or Yellow #8, Delektable Screamer Double Olive/Black, Black, Olive, White, Yellow #6, Delektable Screamer Single Black, Olive/White, Olive/Black, White, Olive, or Spawning #6, McCune’s Sculpin Olive or Tan #4-#6, Zonker Dark Olive, Tan, or Natural #8, Trevor’s Sculpin Olive, Black, or Natural #4, Dali Llama Olive/White #4-#10.

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June 16th – June 30th | Upper Madison River Fishing Report

Posted on June 30, 2026 by Beartooth Flyfishing

Summer is here on the Upper Madison River, and the insects got the memo. Large volumes of early spring rain have extended runoff, and river flows to healthy levels not foreseen from the weaker winter. Insect activity is bustling and fish feeding is peaked for the season.

Salmon flies and golden stones have popped off on different sections on the river, with large fish gorging when enticed. Swarms of Caddis flies are flowing directly over sagebrush like a current. Pale Morning Duns are pushing their way up river, getting eaten along the way. Yellow Sallies and other small Stoneflies help fill in the cracks. The buffet is open, and the fish are gluttonous. Streamer fishing remains prevalent when flows increase from early summer rain we’ve received. Putting a small Nymph or Emerger behind the Streamer can be a ticket. Try that.  

River flows in the middle of June have reached just below 1,200 cubic feet per second at the Kirby monitoring station, and 1,400 cubic feet per second at the Cameron monitoring station. Tapering off until larger rainfall events at the end of June helped bump river flows again to seasonal highs. Madison river flow rates can be viewed using The U.S. Geological Survey stream gauge at Cameron (Madison River near Cameron MT – USGS-06040000) and Kirby (Madison River at Kirby Ranch nr Cameron MT – USGS-06038800).

Clients are experiencing extremely effective Nymphing & Dry Fly fishing on the Upper Madison, exaggerating feeding in the waning hours of the day, closer to dusk. Salmon fly fishing initially was extremely effective after the first three weeks of June. However, variable rainfall and colder weather have resulted in a more sporadic annual hatch throughout the whole Upper Madison. Fish are still willing to rise on Salmon flies and Golden stones, even if aggressive rises have become fewer and far between due to higher flows and colder weather days.

Beartooth Flyfishing is located at 2925 US-287 North in Cameron, MT 59720. We are open Monday through Sunday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Stop by and visit us in the valley for free coffee, a current selection of proven flies, and plenty of fishing stories and advice from the Beartooth Flyfishing crew and family.

Nymphs: Delektable Sparkle Kaboom Stone #6 – #10; Delektable Guide Stone Black/Olive #6 – #10; Pat’s Rubber Legs Black/Olive #6 – #10 Delektable BH Prince Brandon #8-#16; Delektable GTBH Hares Ear Torch Light #16 – #18; BH Lightning Bug Gold / Silver #16 – #20; Jig CDC Thrasher Copper Brown #16 – #18; Wire Worm Red or Orange #8. Pheasant Tail #12-#18; Jig Duracell Original Copper Top #16; Stoker’s Two Hot Baetis #18; Silver BH Black Spanish Bullet #16 – #18.

Streamers: Dali Lama #6-#10; Delektable Screamer Single Olive/White, Olive/Black and Yellow, or Black #6;  Trevor’s Sculpin Olive #4; Coffey’s Conehead Sparkle Minnow Smoke or Sculpin #6; Zonker Natural/Pearl, Natural/Copper #6 – #8; Sculpzilla Black, Olive/White #4 – #8; McCune’s Sculpin Olive #4 – #8.

Dry flies: Delektable Secret Stone UV Orange #6 -#8, Delektable Secret Stone Royal #6 – 8; Delektable Secret Stone UV Goldenstone #10 – #12; Delektable Chubbyness Royal, Cinnamon, or Rootbeer #14 – #18; Delektable CDC Elk Hair Caddis Tan #12 – #14, Geppert’s Skinny Dip Crystal #14 – #16; Delektable Halo Peacock, Dark Olive, or Royal #14 – #16; Carlson’s Purple Craze #16; Sparkle Dun BWO #18 – #20; Bat Wing Emerger BWO #18; Delektable Teaser BWO #18 – #20.

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June 1st – 15th | Upper Madison River

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Beartooth Flyfishing

June has arrived in the Madison Valley, and it has been a Stormy start. After receiving more precipitation in recent weeks than we saw all Winter, the River is running with healthy flows, and abundant insect hatches which are creating excellent early-Summer fishing. Caddis are active in the upper stretches, while PMD’s are emerging more consistently closer to town. Cooler, rainy days have delayed large Stonefly and Golden Stone activity, but we expect it to pick up in the coming weeks. Streamer fishing during low-light conditions remains a strong option for moving larger Trout.

River flows in early June reached just below 1,000 cubic feet per second at the Kirby monitoring station, and 1,200 cubic feet per second at the Cameron monitoring station. However, days of rain and additional late snowpack in the high peaks have resulted in bumps to 1,200 CFS at Kirby and greater than 1,400 at Cameron. Higher flows will taper as additional rain is expected throughout the month of June. We are grateful for all the moisture coming later to help our Trout. 🙂 Madison river flow rates can be viewed using The U.S. Geological Survey stream gauge at Cameron (Madison River near Cameron MT – USGS-06040000) and Kirby (Madison River at Kirby Ranch nr Cameron MT – USGS-06038800).

Dry fly fishing has been productive on the Upper Madison, especially during late-afternoon Caddis hatches when fish are feeding on emerging and adult Caddis. Smaller Pale Morning Dun Emergers should remain effective as Summer progresses and temperatures rise.

Nymphing with Caddis, Mayfly, and Stonefly patterns imitating BWO’s, PMDs, and Baetis—whether under an indicator or as dropper flies—continues to be a reliable way to produce strong catch numbers throughout the Upper Madison River.

Beartooth Flyfishing is located at 2925 US-287 North in Cameron, MT 59720. We are open Monday through Sunday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Stop by and visit us in the valley for free coffee, a current selection of proven flies, and plenty of fishing stories and advice from the Beartooth Flyfishing crew and family.

Nymphs: Delektable Sparkle Kaboom Stone #6 – #10; Delektable Guide Stone Black, Black/Brown #6 – #10, Pat’s Rubberlegs Black Black/Brown #6 – #10; Delektable BH Prince Brandon #8 – #16; Delektable Stoner Black Egghead #6; BH Lightning Bug Silver #16-#18; Delektable Balanced Stonefly Candy UV Brown/Gold #4-#8; Pat’s Rubberlegs Brown or Black #4-#8; Tungsten BH Jiggy Blow Torch #14-#16.

Dries: Delektable Mega 2 Tone Chubbyness Royal #8 – #10; Purple Haze Parachute #16 – #18; Geppert’s Crystal Dip #16 – #18; UV Goldenstone #10 – #12; Delektable Lil’ Chubby Olive UV, Cinnamon, Royal #14 -#18; Delektable CDC Elk hair Caddis Holo Olive, Purple, Olive or Tan #14 – 16; Delektable Twisted Baby Yellow With a Red Butt #12 – 16; Delektable Halo Tan, Royal #14 – #16.

Streamers: Dali Lama Olive/White #6-10; Delektable Screamer Single Olive/White, Yellow, White, Olive/Black or Badger #6; JR’s Conehead Streamer Olive #6; Delektable SS Jointed Screamer Double or Single Screamer Olive/White, Black/Olive, White #6; Zonkers Olive or Natural Copper Body #6 & #8; McCune’s Sculpin Olive #4-#8; Delektable Christmas Tree Original #6.

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