Madison River Fishing Report: April 24, 2026
Summary
The Upper Madison continues to fish well on steady early-season flows, with Hebgen holding at 665 cfs and clear water from Valley Garden through Raynolds Pass. Nymphing is the most productive approach, with a midge drift up high and lead patterns trailing BWO and caddis nymphs in the float. Caddis are showing early on the lower river, setting up a promising Mother's Day window.
At a glance: Hebgen Dam 665 cfs | Kirby 788 cfs | Varney 960 cfs | Water clear, early-season flow | Ennis Lake ice-free
The Upper Madison continues to fish well. Hebgen flows are holding steady at 665 cfs and aren't expected to rise meaningfully until mid to late June barring extraordinary precipitation; most fluctuation through spring will come from creek input rather than the dam. Water is clear with good early-season flow, Ennis Lake is fully ice-free, and both shops describe the bite as more late-April than mid-April, consistent action from Valley Garden through Raynolds Pass.
Spawning note: Active spawning throughout the river system. Be mindful of where you wade and where you drop anchor. If you see cleared gravel (a redd), walk in front of it rather than behind, since most eggs settle 3 to 10 ft downstream of the actual spawning bed.
Best techniques
- Nymphing dominates. A double nymph rig under an indicator is the most productive setup.
- Upper wade stretch: midge drift is the play, zebra midges, jujubees, and small dips.
- Float stretch: bigger lead patterns (stonefly nymphs, worms) trailing BWO and caddis nymphs.
- Timing: bite typically comes on 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.; no rush at first light.
- Streamers: hit-or-miss in the float, nymph small Zonkers and Dolly Llamas right in fishes' faces. Wade-streamer (Ennis Bridge to the lake; Quake to Lyons) is currently better for stripping.
Hatches and flies.
- Midges (Upper, foundation hatch): Zebra Midge, Jujubee, Three Dollar Dip.
- BWOs (spreading from mid and lower up to Raynolds and Three Dollar): Tungsten Redneck, Juju Baetis, Kelly's BWO Nymph, Dark BPs, Olive Hot Spot, Barr's Emerger; Antonio's Adult BWO, Johnson's Mimic May BWO, Parachute Adams, Mini Hot Mayfly (Black / Garcia Yellow) on top.
- Caddis (early, Varney to Ennis Lake, bodes well for Mother's Day): standard caddis nymphs trailing larger leads in the float.
- Nymph staples (year-round): Pat's Rubber Legs, Pheasant Tail, Spanish Bullet, Blow Torch.
- Streamers: Jig Zonker (Black/White), Dolly Llama, Jiggy Pine Leech, Lil' Kim, Woolly Bugger, Sparring Partner; Barely Legal, Mini-Dungeon, Peanut Envy, Double Screamer for the bigger meat.
Outlook. Flows should hold through mid to late June. Caddis activity is ramping early on the lower reaches, and Mother's Day fishing could be exceptional. Streamer bite will improve as water temps climb into the high 40s and low 50s.
Sources and Thanks
| Shop | Report date | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Madison River Fly Fishing Company (Ennis) | April 8, 2026 | Madison River |
| Slide Inn (Galloup's) | April 20, 2026 | Madison River |
