Top 5 Fly Fishing Tips from Tackle Shop Guides for Success on the Madison River
If you’re dreaming of a day spent casting on the legendary Madison River, you’re not alone. Anglers from around the globe travel to Ennis, Montana to experience some of the best fly fishing anywhere. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or a seasoned fisherman looking to sharpen your skills, a little local advice goes a long way.
At The Tackle Shop in Ennis, our guides have been fishing the Madison for decades—rain, shine, snow, or third winter (yes, it’s a thing here). Today, they’re sharing their top five tips to help you make the most of your next Montana fly fishing adventure.
1. Read the Water, Not Just the Surface
One of the biggest mistakes we see—even among experienced anglers—is fishing only the obvious spots. Sure, that big swirling pool looks fishy, but Madison trout love to hang out in all kinds of water: seams, soft edges, shallow riffles, and behind rocks.
Our guides recommend keeping an eye out for "structure"—places where fast water meets slow, or where a boulder breaks the current. Fish these transitions carefully. It's amazing how many hungry browns and rainbows tuck themselves into small holding spots you might otherwise walk right past.
Pro Tip: Watch the bubbles! If the surface bubbles are moving slower than the current around them, you’ve found a prime trout lane.
Want to see where we fish? Check out our Madison River fly fishing trips.
2. Size Down Your Flies When the River Gets Tough
When the Madison gets pressured—especially during peak summer season—big flashy flies can sometimes spook more fish than they attract. That’s when our guides recommend going small and subtle.
Think size 18 or 20 mayfly nymphs, tiny midges, and slim-profile dry flies.
Matching the hatch becomes even more important, so if you’re not seeing results, downsize your pattern before giving up on a spot.
Top Flies for the Madison:
Size 18 Pheasant Tail Nymph
Size 20 Zebra Midge
Size 16 X Caddis (for those epic Mother's Day Caddis hatches)
For expert recommendations on flies that work best, visit our Fly Shop.
3. Mend Early and Often
Proper mending is the secret sauce to a natural drift—and a natural drift is what gets fish to bite.
As soon as your line hits the water, look for any drag and make a small upstream mend to straighten your line. Don’t wait until your fly starts swinging wildly—by then, it’s too late. A soft, early mend keeps your fly drifting naturally longer and fools more fish.
The Madison’s currents can be tricky because of the river’s boulder gardens and side channels. A good drift often means the difference between a long, fishless day and a day you’ll be telling stories about for years.
Need help fine-tuning your technique? Our experienced guides can show you how it’s done.
4. Don’t Overlook the Banks
Most people wade right into the river and start casting toward the middle. Big mistake.
In the Madison, especially early or late in the season, many trout hang tight to the banks where there’s cover and food.
Before stepping into the river, fish the near bank thoroughly. Cast parallel to the shore, place a fly under an overhanging willow, or drift close to a sunken log.
Some of the biggest brown trout we see every season are caught just a rod’s length away from the edge.
Curious about what trout species you’ll find here? Read more in our Fishing Reports updated weekly.
5. Fish Early, Fish Late (and Bring Layers)
Montana weather is famous for its...mood swings. One minute it's sunny, the next minute you're in a sideways snowstorm. And the fish adjust right along with the weather.
During the summer, water temps rise during the day, making early morning and late evening the best times to fish. Trout get more active when the light is low, the water is cooler, and hatches pick up.
Our guides recommend starting at sunrise or waiting for the golden hours before sunset—and always, always bring a rain jacket.
Need a quick gear check? Swing by our Tackle Shop store before your trip to grab what you need.
Learn more about Montana's unpredictable fishing seasons in this seasonal fishing guide.
Book Your Madison River Fly Fishing Adventure Today!
Ready to put these tips into action? Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or an expert refining your skills, our seasoned guides at The Tackle Shop are here to help you have the trip of a lifetime on the Madison River.
🎣 Book your guided fly fishing trip with The Tackle Shop now ➔
