Southwestern Montana
SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA
ReportOCT 7 — 14, 2026
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Flow
778CFS
Madison River bl Hebgen Lake nr Grayling MT
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Water Temp
57.2°F
Updated 2026-10-07
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Weather
37–72°F
Sunny
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Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
The Madison River below Hebgen Lake is running at 778 CFS and 57.2°F — ideal fall conditions as brown and rainbow trout push in from Hebgen Lake. Sunny skies and a high near 72°F set the table for a strong afternoon caddis showing.
From the ShopBruce Staples · October 7, 2026
Terrestrial insect patterns work best during daytime hours on the Madison River, with caddis life cycle patterns taking over during afternoons with nice weather.
Brown and rainbow trout are migrating from Hebgen Lake into the Madison River within Yellowstone Park. They are also migrating into the river between Quake and Hebgen Lakes. Both places tend to become crowded with anglers, so the earlier one can arrive to fish, the better.
Streamer fishing early in the day or during unsettled weather is the best strategy for encountering these trout.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ants / Terrestrials | #12–16 | Moderate–Good | Midday through afternoon |
| Hoppers | #12 | Moderate | Late morning through early afternoon |
| Caddis (adults & emergers) | #12–20 | Good on sunny afternoons | Afternoon |
| Baitfish / Sculpin (streamer forage) | #4–6 | Best early or in unsettled weather | Early morning / overcast periods |
Best Time Window
- EARLY MORNING (first light to 9 AM): Streamer fishing — best shot at migratory browns and rainbows before crowds arrive; use a Sculpzilla or Sparkle Minnow on a sink-tip
- MIDDAY (9 AM to 2 PM): Terrestrial patterns — ants and hoppers produce well through the warmest daytime hours
- AFTERNOON (2 PM onward, sunny days): Caddis life cycle patterns take over — switch to CDC caddis dries and emergers as activity builds
Guide's Tip
From the benchBeat the crowds at both the Yellowstone Park stretch and the Quake-to-Hebgen section by arriving as early as possible — these spots fill up fast during the fall migration. Start your morning with a streamer on a sink-tip to intercept aggressive migratory browns and rainbows, then transition to terrestrials through midday and watch for the caddis to fire up on sunny afternoons. If the weather turns unsettled, go back to the streamer — that's when the big fish move.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Mountain Whitefish
