Madison River Guided Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Halfday guided fly fishing on Montana's Madison RiverExpert instruction with personalized guidance for all skill levelsSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests
The Madison River isn't just another Montana stream – it's where fly fishing legends are made. This blue-ribbon water has been serving up some of the best trout action in the lower 48 for decades, and our 4-hour guided trips put you right in the heart of it all. You'll work classic runs and pocket water that have been producing fish since before most of us picked up a rod. With just two anglers per guide, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and one you'll be talking about for years. We're not running a cattle boat operation here – this is quality time on quality water with guides who know every bend, every holding spot, and exactly what the fish want on any given day.
Your morning starts at first light when the Madison is coming alive. We'll meet you at one of our favorite launch points, and within minutes you'll understand why this river has such a reputation. The scenery alone is worth the trip – rolling hills, big sky country, and water that runs crystal clear over gravel beds where trout stack up like cordwood. Our guides have been working these waters for years, and they know where the fish hold during different seasons and water levels. You'll learn to read the water like a local, picking up on subtle current breaks and feeding lanes that most folks walk right past. We keep groups small because that's how you really learn – no shouting instructions over a crowd or waiting your turn for the good spots. This is your river for the day, and we're going to make every cast count.
The Madison calls for a mixed bag of approaches depending on what Mother Nature serves up. Early season means working the deeper runs with weighted nymphs – Prince Nymphs, Hare's Ears, and Pheasant Tails that get down where the big fish are holding. When the hatches fire up, we switch gears to dry fly action that'll get your heart pumping. Pale Morning Duns, Blue Winged Olives, and the legendary Salmonfly hatch all make regular appearances here. Our guides carry fully stocked fly boxes and know exactly what patterns work in each section of river. We'll set you up with the right rod weight – usually a 5 or 6 weight that handles the Madison's flow without overpowering smaller fish. If you're new to the fly game, don't sweat it. We start with basic casting fundamentals and build from there. Seasoned anglers appreciate the local knowledge our guides bring – which pockets hold fish when the water's up, where to find risers during slow periods, and how to work streamers through the deeper holes when nothing else is working.
The Madison River system supports four distinct trout species, each bringing its own personality to the fight. Rainbow trout are the river's workhorses – aggressive, acrobatic, and always ready to eat. These fish average 12-16 inches with plenty of chunky 18-20 inch specimens mixed in. They love current breaks and will smash streamers with authority that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall produces consistent rainbow action, but the best fishing happens during overcast days when they move shallow to feed. Brown trout are the river's ghost fish – smart, selective, and built like footballs. Madison browns grow fat on smaller fish and aquatic insects, with most fish running 14-18 inches and occasional monsters pushing the 20+ inch mark. They're most active during low-light periods and love undercut banks where they can ambush prey. Fall brings the best brown trout fishing when they're bulking up for winter and become surprisingly aggressive. Cutthroat trout add a native flavor to your day with their distinctive red slash marks and willingness to rise to dry flies. These fish typically run 10-14 inches but make up for size with pure enthusiasm – they'll eat patterns that browns and rainbows ignore. Brook trout round out the crew as the river's prettiest residents. Their vibrant colors and delicate fins make every catch a photo opportunity. Most Madison brookies run smaller at 8-12 inches, but they inhabit the most scenic pocket water and provide consistent action when larger fish are being finicky.
The Madison River delivers world-class fishing just a short drive from some of Montana's most popular destinations, making it perfect for anglers who want maximum results in minimum time. Our 4-hour format gives you a genuine taste of blue-ribbon water without eating up your entire day. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisher looking to add a legendary river to your logbook or someone just getting started who wants to learn from the best, this trip delivers exactly what you're after. We provide all the gear, all the flies, and all the local knowledge you need to make it happen. The only thing you need to bring is a fishing license and the desire to experience some of the finest trout water in North America. Book early because prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and everyone wants a piece of Madison River magic.
Our 2022 Clackacraft drift boat is your ticket to exploring the legendary Madison River's prime fishing waters. This 14-foot vessel handles like a dream as we navigate the current, giving you and one other angler perfect positioning for those trophy trout lies. The shallow draft design lets us access spots bigger boats can't reach, while the stable platform gives you solid footing when fighting fish. With our expert guide at the oars, you'll drift silently through productive runs and eddies where browns and rainbows love to feed. The boat's layout maximizes your casting room whether you're working nymphs through deep pools or laying down dry flies along undercut banks. Built specifically for Montana's demanding river conditions, this craft handles everything from gentle glides to technical boulder fields with ease.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the jewels of smaller tributaries feeding the Madison - stunning fish with olive-green backs, wavy lines, and bright orange spots circled in blue. Most run 8-12 inches, preferring the coldest, cleanest water you can find. Spring and early summer are peak times before water temperatures climb too high. What makes brookies special is their beauty and the remote spots where you'll find them - it's as much about the experience as the fish. They're scrappy fighters for their size and excellent eating. These fish are extremely temperature sensitive, so focus on shaded areas, undercut banks, and anywhere cold spring water enters. A simple approach works best - small dry flies or tiny spinners in the morning when they're most active.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the crafty veterans of the Madison - typically running 14-20 inches with golden-brown backs covered in black spots. These wary fish prefer deeper pools and undercut banks where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, though they bite year-round if you're patient. Browns are prized for their wariness and powerful fight once hooked - they'll test your drag and make long runs. They're also top-notch eating with mild, flaky white meat. The challenge is what draws most anglers back. My advice: fish the deeper water early morning or late evening, and don't be afraid to use bigger streamers. Browns often want a substantial meal, especially the trophy-sized ones lurking in those deep holes.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroat trout are Montana natives with those distinctive red slashes under their jaws - pure mountain fish that typically run 10-16 inches in the Madison system. They stick to the cleaner, well-oxygenated water and love hanging around rocky structure and gravel bars. Early summer through fall gives you the best shots, especially when aquatic insects are active. Cutthroats are eager fighters and willing biters compared to their brown trout cousins, making them perfect for newer fly fishers. They're beautiful fish with great table fare too. The key with cutthroats is matching the hatch - they're suckers for a well-presented nymph that mimics what's currently emerging. Try a beadhead prince nymph or elk hair caddis during active feeding periods.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the Madison's bread and butter - beautiful fish averaging 12-18 inches with that classic pink stripe along their silver sides. You'll find them throughout the river, but they love the faster runs and deeper pools, especially during our cooler morning hours. Spring through fall offers the best action, with late evening hatches bringing them up to feed on mayflies and caddis. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked, giving you a real show. The meat is excellent too, with that firm pink flesh. Here's a local trick: when you see them rising in the evening, cast your dry fly about 3 feet upstream from where they surfaced - they're usually moving and feeding as they go.
5 Wilson La, Sheridan MT 59749