Madison River Fishing Report August 29, 2026

By John Way
/ 29th August 2026

River Conditions

The Madison River continues to produce and is in good shape for this time of year. The current flow is 897 CFS at Kirby Ranch with a temp of 62. At Varney Bridge it is 983 CFS with a temp of 62. While it is lower than we have come to expect this year it is right in the good spot for both floating and wading. The Madison is about perfect for dry fly fishing right now. The wade fisherman can get around and it is not so low that the boats can float almost all places. The temps are still a little elevated. This will change. We are seeing less daylight with each passing day along with cooler nights. The fall feeling is starting .

Dry Fly

The dry fly fishing has been hit or miss. On the sunny warm days it is game on. On the days with clouds and overcast not so much. Fish know when the hoppers are around and active. Usually on warm afternoons with sun. If you find yourself on one of these days it can be good. Think a small hopper with an ant trailer. We like the pink chubby, cinnamon chubby, thunder thigh, and juicy hopper. For the ants the Arricks ant, ant acid, and CFO ant have been the best producers. If the dry fly bit is so so try hanging a dropper. We like spanish bullets, tundippity, duracels, and lightning bugs.

Nymph Fishing

For the bobber followers it has been good. Try spanish bullets, french dippity, duracels and lightning bugs. If you can not get them try some san juan worms, or even small rubber legs. Start fishing nymphs on smaller tippet and you will get more bites. It is clear water and the fish have seen everything already this year. We like smaller indicators along with 4X this time of year. Try the palsa pinch on indicators as they are a guides favorite.

Streamers

The streamer guys are getting a few. Think early morning, late evening or days with clouds and storms. We like zonkers, and olive sculpin imitations this time of year. This will only get better as fall approaches and settles in. For right now try an olive Tackle Shop minnow. We like em and the fish do to.

Lots of end of season specials at the store right now. Getting ready for our local appreciation 50% off fly sale middle of next month. Stay tuned.