Fishing Report for the Madison River 9/15/25

By John Way
/ 15th September 2025

Madison River Conditions

The Madison River is currently flowing at 875 CFS at Kirby Ranch, 1040 CFS at Varney Bridge and 1080 at Ennis. All of the mid afternoon water temps are around the 60 degree mark. While this looks good it is slightly low. The boat guys are complaining as the bottom gel coats are getting a work out on rocks. The wade guys are loving the flows. Everyone is loving the water temps. In fact there is no rush to get on the river in the morning. Let it warm up a little and fishing will be better.

Dry Fly?

You can still get some fish on the dry fly. We have been having luck mid afternoon with small hoppers in pink along with ant patterns. This is an afternoon thing and not river wide. One section will provide several strikes and then you will float for half a mile before the next strike. We like the smaller hopper patterns with a small dropper behind. Lately it has been in the BWO nymph family. We like the psyco may, stockers BWO and the Micro May. All have been having good luck.

Nymph Fishing

The nymph fishing has been pretty good as of late. We have been liking the simple stuff like a black or coffee pats rubber leg followed by a worm or BWO nymph. Fish these under a bobber with about 6 feet to the first fly. We have been fishing 3X on the underwater demolition stuff. It has been good and if your looking to stay bent this is the best way.

Streamers

The streamer fishing has not taken off as of late. Yes we are catching some fish early and late on the bunny fur but not gangbusters. This will improve as the month rolls along. Our best streamers have been olive and white in the smaller sculpin size. Soon the fish will notice it is fall and tune into the big protein. Keep fishing it as it will find the biggest fish in the river. Shortly we will be in fall streamer mode and it will be the go to.

Lots of great sales happening at the store. Stop by and get the best friendly advice along with great prices on gear and bugs. Winter is coming get out and fish while the weather is nice.