Madison River - Below Ennis Dam - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Madison River – Below Ennis Dam - Water Flow Chart
Madison River – Below Ennis Dam - Weather report & radar
Madison River – Below Ennis Dam - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning and Late Afternoon | 18-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Morning and Late Afternoon | 18-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| March | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Midday | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive, Zebra Midge |
| April | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Midday | 16-20 | Blue Winged Olive, Zebra Midge |
| May | Blue Winged Olives, Caddis | Midday and Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Blue Winged Olive |
| June | Salmonflies, Green Drakes, Caddis | All Day | 8-14 | Rogue Foam Stonefly, Green Drake Parachute |
| July | Yellow Sallies, Caddis, Hoppers | All Day | 10-18 | Yellow Sally, Elk Hair Caddis, Pink Pookie Hopper |
| August | Hoppers, Ants, Beetles | All Day | 10-16 | Pink Pookie Hopper, Foam Beetle, Hi-Vis Ant |
| September | Hoppers, Ants, Beetles, Tricos | All Day | 10-22 | Trico Parachute, Hi-Vis Ant, Foam Beetle, Pink Pookie Hopper |
| October | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Midday | 16-24 | Blue Winged Olive, Zebra Midge |
| November | Midges | Morning and Late Afternoon | 18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | Morning and Late Afternoon | 18-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
Madison River – Below Ennis Dam Access Points
The Madison River features some unique fly-fishing spots filled with colorful trout. Below the Ennis Dam, there are several access points worth exploring:
- Valley Garden Fishing Access: Situated about 5 miles south of Ennis, it’s an ideal spot for beginners and experts alike.
- Ennis Fishing Access: Just below the Ennis Dam, this site offers diverse trout varieties.
- McAtee Bridge: Approximately 12 miles downstream from Ennis, notable for its wild brown trout.
- Varney Bridge: Provides abundant fishing opportunities especially during spring and fall.
- Eight Mile Ford Fishing Access: A popular spot located in the Madison Valley segment of the river.
Each of these access points has its unique features, providing diverse fly-fishing experiences. Above all, each caters to different skill levels – from novices to seasoned anglers.
Madison River – Below Ennis Dam Fishing Spots
The Madison River, below Ennis Dam, is internationally recognized as a premier location for fly fishing. Some of the top spots include:
- Valley Garden Fishing Access: Encompassing both the upper and lower river, this spot offers miles of spectacular fishing.
- Eight Mile Ford Fishing Access: An exceptional locale for hatching insects, making it highly desirable for avid fly fishers.
- Ennis Bridge Fishing Access: Close proximity to the town of Ennis, and ideal for catching brown trout.
- Varney Bridge Fishing Access: With its slower moving water, it is particularly suited to beginners.
Madison River – Below Ennis Dam Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: Renowned for their fight and size, Rainbow Trout are a favorite among many anglers.
- Brown Trout: Crafty and elusive, these native fish make them a challenging catch.
- Mountain Whitefish: Often ignored by fly fishers, Whitefish can be fun to catch and often abundant in the river.
- Brook Trout: Although not as common in the Madison River, Brook Trout can be found and are a delight to catch.
- Cutthroat Trout: A native species to the area, Cutthroat Trout can be rare but rewarding to catch.
- Arctic Grayling: These unique and beautiful fish are a favorite for their delicate fight and beautiful coloration.
- Yellowstone Cutthroat: A subspecies of Cutthroat, the Yellowstone Cutthroat is particularly prized by anglers.
- Golden Trout: Known for their stunning coloration, Golden Trout can be a rare and exciting catch on the Madison River.
About the Madison River – Below Ennis Dam
The Madison River, below the Ennis Dam, is a section of this renowned river in Montana with a rich influence on modern fly fishing. The Madison River has long been celebrated for its clear, cold waters and abundant Trout, ideal for fly fishing.
Historically, the river’s significance goes back to 1805, when it was discovered by Lewis and Clark. The river was named after James Madison, 4th US president.
Milestones in the Madison River’s History
- In 1898, the Madison River was stocked with Trout.
- In 1927, Ennis Dam was built for irrigation purposes, creating Ennis Lake and separating the Upper and Lower Madison.
- In 1950’s, the area witnessed the growth of “catch-and-release” fishing philosophy.
- In 2008, Madison River was declared a Blue Ribbon Trout fishery.
Today, the section below Ennis Dam provides some of the best fly fishing in the world, attracting anglers globally to experience its bountiful waters.
Community Contributions
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