Greater Yellowstone, Montana
Madison River Fishing Report: May 17, 2026
Madison River is in a useful fishing window today.
- Status
- good
- Flow trend
- stable
- Best window
- Late afternoon into evening
- Best methods
- nymphs, dry flies
Quick Summary
Madison River is in a useful fishing window today. USGS showed 762 cfs and 1.65 feet at 7:30 AM, with the flow trend stable. Water temperature was 41 F. Start subsurface, then watch for late-day mayfly, caddis, or midge activity where the water settles. Wade conservatively and avoid pushy crossings; softer edges and boat or bank access are safer than mid-channel moves.
Conditions Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Status | Good |
| Flow | 762 cfs at 7:30 AM |
| Gauge Height | 1.65 feet |
| Water Temp | 41 F |
| Clarity | Not reported |
| Trend | Stable |
| Best Window | Late afternoon into evening |
| Best Method | nymphs; dry flies |
| Wadeability | Limited |
Weather
For Ennis, MT, the National Weather Service forecast says: Today: A chance of snow between 9am and 2pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 2pm and 3pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. North northwest wind 2 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Plan around wind, changing light, and any showers or storms rather than assuming a full-day dry fly window.
River Notes
The best starting point is water that matches the current gauge: inside seams, protected banks, riffle drop-offs, and slower buckets rather than the heaviest current. A stable trend is worth watching through the day; if the hydrograph turns sharply upward, clarity and wade safety can change before hatch timing does. Missing field values are left as Not reported rather than filled from guesswork.
Hatch Activity
Current hatch guidance is based on seasonal May patterns for this river system, recent public report context where available, and today’s official gauge/weather check.
| Hatch | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Cloudy-day chance |
| Midges | 18-24 | Tailwater/upper river option |
| Caddis | 14-18 | Carry pupa and adults |
| Stonefly nymphs | 6-10 | Good anchor in pocket water |
Recommended Flies
| Category | Fly | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Pat’s Rubber Legs | 6-10 | Pocket water anchor |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail | 14-18 | Dropper fly |
| Dry | BWO dry | 18-22 | Soft edge risers |
| Streamer | Sculpin | 4-8 | Banks and deeper buckets |
| Streamer | Woolly Bugger | 6-10 | Search with color |
Tactics
Start with nymphs in defined lanes and adjust weight before changing flies. If fish begin rising, simplify to a single dry or dry with an emerger/dropper and lengthen the leader. In bright or windy periods, return to subsurface presentations along protected banks and broken water.
Gauge Links
| Gauge | Flow | Temp | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison River at Kirby Ranch nr Cameron MT | 762 cfs | 41 F | USGS 06038800 |
| Madison River bl Hebgen Lake nr Grayling MT | 383 cfs | 47 F | USGS 06038500 |
Sources
Official sources checked: USGS stations 06038800, 06038500 and the National Weather Service forecast for the Ennis, MT area. This report is an original Custom FlyBox summary based on current official gauge and weather data, with local public conditions reports reviewed separately for hatch, access, and method context.