Feb 24, 2026

***2026 MT LICENSE SEASON UPDATE***

As of 03/01/2026 all Montana Fishing Licenses, Conservation Licenses and all other recreation licenses are now ONLINE purchase only. Please visit FWP website to obtain your 2026 season licenses.

The lower Madison has been a bit of a roller coaster this winter. With Ennis lake being ice free for the bulk of the winter it has been getting churned up with all the wind. There has been some mud coming through the dam on odd days. That being said the fishing has been reasonable regardless of the color. On the clear water days, there have been plenty of midge dries around. Fish are eating smaller dry dropper rigs, or small bugs on the short leash if that's more your game. On the muddy days, put your little bugs away. Crayfish, Worms, sow bugs, and flashy bugs are a good way to go. The streamer bite has been aggressively mediocre, but with warming temperatures, it could get going any day. Usually March time is a good time to toss a few around on warmer cloudy days.

Winter tips:

• Fish the warmest parts of the day
• Use a wading staff for stability and to check ice thickness
• Winter fishing can be tough on the body, dress in layers and stay warm
• Keep your rod and reel out of the water to eliminate your guides and reel from freezing
• Use a net to land fish, having cold wet hands is the easiest way to end a day of fishing
• Minimize fish handling and land fish quickly.