Home Forums Fishing Flyfishing Madison River regs

Might be headin up to MT on some business, like to add some fishin.

Is all of the Madison flies only?

The river's divided up into areas, each with their own regs.

Been lookin, but I can't find out whether or not there's a lure area, a bait area, etc.

Anybody know?

I'd check the Montana regs to be safe but here's the short story from this article.

http://www.outsidebozeman.com/activities/fishing/mythical-madison

Regulations

Besides the areas set aside for wade fishing, the Madison has a few special regulations for fishermen to keep in mind. First, the river upstream from McAtee Bridge to Quake Lake is closed from the end of February until the second Saturday in May to protect spawning rainbow trout. From Varney Bridge to Quake Lake, the river is catch-and-release and restricted to artificial lures or flies only. Below Varney Bridge, anglers are allowed to keep brown trout as well as fish with bait. As always, check the annual regulations before hitting the river.

Thanks for the link, Pugs.

My google-fu sucks, and there's so much out there for each section of the river, that it's hard to figure out.

I'll use your reference as a start to figure out what's going on.

Anyone ever fish the west branch of the Madison? Heading out in August and thought about trying it out. Any thoughts/ recommendations appreciated!

I have

Expect lots of people

Go early morning or in evening if you can

Think small as fish receive a lot of pressure

Lightning bugs in 18, pats stone 12, prince nymphs 14 to 18

Bring hopper patterns, purple haze 16 18, stimis 14 16 orange, ant patterns, king caddis, comparaduns 16 18

Big streamers for Browns early morning at night with sink tip