Life On the Madison

2021 Fishing Update

May 16, 2021
After a mild winter and below average snowfall the Madison drainage is currently 85% of historical average snowpack. Early season flows are trending slightly below normal for this time of year but with managed output from Hebgen reservoir the Madison is expected to have adequate flows for the summer fishing season.  If anything the lower early season flows should provide easier wading during the salmon fly hatch while still allowing late season floating and fishing.   The Jefferson, Ruby,  and Big Hole drainages are substantially lower than average (as low as 60% in areas) and, absent timely rain, could have some late season fishing restrictions due to low flows and resulting higher stream temperatures.

The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is implementing new regulations starting in 2021 and taking effect over the next several years to minimize fishing impacts from increasing angler pressure on the Madison.  Please check the FWP website for specific details, including restrictions on floating sections of the river from Lyons Bridge to Ennis Lake. 

After a disruptive experience in 2020 due to Covid-19 we welcome all of our guests and look forward to a more normal fishing experience in 2021.  

Posted by Linda Chirdon.

 

Fishing Update 2020

June 9, 2020
Winter snow pack accumulation for the Madison Range and May rains were slightly below normal for this time of year but Northwestern Energy had enough reservoir capacity in Hebgen to support flushing flows this spring.  The Madison is expected to have normal conditions through the salmon fly hatch and with anywhere near normal summer rainfall we should excellent fishing conditions in 2020, especially since outflow from Hebgen has been restored to historical conditions.

For those interested in f...
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Posted by Linda Chirdon. Posted In : Fishing Reports 

 

Pandemic Covid-19 2020

June 9, 2020
In addition to our regular cleaning, we have added additional procedures to clean during Covid19.  We will continue to add bleach to the washer when cleaning between guests (towels & linens).  We will clean all surfaces with a 5% bleach solution and/or Lysol.  We will clean all utensils and glasses in dishwasher on the hot cycle between guests.  We will pay close attention to door knobs, light switches, window hardware, remote when cleaning.

If you have stayed with us in the past, you will not...
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Posted by Linda Chirdon.

 

2019 Fishing Report

January 5, 2019
2019 is shaping up to be a lot like 2018 with projected higher than normal snow pack which, along with Hebgen spillway repairs and return to historical operations, should provide excellent seasonal flows and water temperatures on the Madison.  2018 was the first year since 2008 that Hebgen returned to its historical operating profile and conditions were excellent all season.  The Madison is fortunate to have a lot of attention focused on it by Montana Department of Fish and Game, due to its i...
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Posted by Linda Chirdon. Posted In : Fishing Reports 

 

2016 Fishing Update

July 18, 2016
The salmon fly hatch is over and the Madison is returning to summer conditions with cool water temperatures and long term average flows.  Storage in Hebgen and Ennis Lakes should be adequate to maintain these conditions throughout the summer.  Northwestern Energy spillway replacement at Hebgen has been carried over through 2016 and the Madison has not returned to its historic operation of cooler bottom discharge but is scheduled to be fully restored in 2017.  In the meantime the aquatic condi...
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Posted by Guy Chirdon. Posted In : Fishing Reports 

 

2016 Fishing Report

May 2, 2016
With the effects of El Nino SW Montana is experiencing a mild spring and fishing on the Madison is picking up early as was the case in 2015.  March Browns started appearing in late April and the famous 'Mothers' Day' caddis hatch is underway as of May 2nd.   The rainbows had been active earlier in the month but are now spawning and browns are now more active as the water temperature are warming into the 50's already.  

Spillway work still needs to be completed on Hebgen this summer so there ma...
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Posted by Linda Chirdon. Posted In : Fishing Reports 

 

2015 Fishing update

June 12, 2015
Fishing is off to an excellent early season start due to the mild winter and minimal spring runoff.  Salmon flies began arriving on the Madison June 10th and river conditions are lining up well for the hatch.  Caddis and little yellow stone flies are also showing up in good numbers for what looks to be a great fishing season.   More as the summer progresses but with Hebgen having maximized water storage in response to the low snow pack this year we expect conditions on the Madison to be only ...
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Posted by Linda Chirdon. Posted In : Fishing Reports 

 

Non stops to BZN

May 5, 2015
Alaska Airlines has non stops to Seattle/Tacoma and summer non stop to Portland OR
Allegiant has twice weekly non stop to Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Delta has daily non stop to Minneapolis and Salt Lake City with summer Sat non stop to New York LaGuardia as well as summer non stop to Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Frontier has non stop to Denver
United has daily non stop to Denver and offers seasonal non stop to Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Seasonal  service to New York/Newark operates W...
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Posted by Linda Chirdon. Posted In : Life In Ennis 

 

Spring 2015 Fishing Report

September 9, 2014
May 5, 2015
Fishing is off to an early and robust start on the Madison.   An unusually mild winter has supercharged the early season and with expected minimal runoff due to the low snow pack and continued unseasonably warm weather we may have an early salmon fly hatch in 2015.  Even better news is the most recent biologist data which shows this years' average size and number of trout in the Madison is improving and near historic highs, notably for rainbows in the upper sections and browns in t...
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Posted by Guy. Posted In : Fishing Reports 

 

StayOnMadisonRiver, LLC - Owner Operated

September 9, 2014
As of September 12, 2014, we will be booking directly with our guests on vrbo.com/398212 or flipkey.com/356001.  Our property will no longer be managed by Apex.  We will also be able to take credit cards directly.  We will take a deposit and remaining payment 30 days prior to arrival. We will refund your deposit if cancelled 30 days prior to arrival.   We have added a key pad lock to the front door and we will be able to assign and delete numbers for improved security for you.

An important par...
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Posted by Linda Chirdon.

 
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About Me


Thanks for stopping by. Montana holds a very special place in our hearts. We will share with you our riverside reflections and our tips on things to do in Montana. Leave us a comment or let us know what we can post to help you plan a trip to this special place!