Everything between the park line and Ennis Lake, told mile-by-mile so you can pick the perfect put-in, whether you're rowing a raft or hiking in with a single fly box.
The Madison River flows 140 miles from Yellowstone National Park to Three Forks, Montana. For fishing purposes, we divide it into three sections: Upper (Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge), Middle (Lyons Bridge to Ennis Lake), and Lower (Ennis Dam to Three Forks). Each section fishes differently. Check our seasonal guide to time your trip with the hatches.
The Upper Madison runs cold and clear from Hebgen Dam through Quake Lake and down to Lyons Bridge. This stretch offers classic pocket water, freestone riffles, and prime wade fishing. The 1959 earthquake created the Slide Area, which adds technical rapids and churning whitewater. Float with caution above Lyons Bridge.
| Mile* | Access Point | Wade/Float? | What I Love |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Raynolds Pass Bridge | Wade only | Classic pocket water; trout behind every rock |
| 3 | Three-Dollar Bridge | Wade | Iconic riffles, good winter access |
| 12 | Pine Butte pull-outs | Wade or short hops | Sight-nymph flats; watch for wildlife |
| 20 | Palisades FS | Float launch | First legal put-in for downstream floats |
| 28 | Lyons Bridge | Float take-out/launch | Start of unlimited float stretch; bathrooms & ramp |
*Miles approximate from the Yellowstone park line.
GPS: 44.8547, -111.3892
The first public access below Hebgen Dam. Park in the gravel lot on the north side of Highway 287, just west of the bridge. Space for 8-10 vehicles. No facilities. The river splits into braided channels here with excellent pocket water and gravel bars. Prime winter midge fishing near the warm water outflow.
Best for: Wade fishing, winter access, pocket water nymphing
GPS: 44.8234, -111.4156
Named for the old toll charged to cross. Now free and popular. Pull-off parking for 15-20 vehicles on the east bank. Vault toilet. The bridge sits at a bend where the river widens into classic rifle-pool-riffle structure.
Best for: Beginners, easy wading, consistent fish
GPS: 44.6678, -111.5456
The gateway between Upper and Middle Madison. Full facilities: paved ramp, vault toilets, large gravel lot for 30+ vehicles with trailers. Heavy use on summer weekends. Arrive before 8 AM during salmonfly season to secure parking.
Best for: Float launching/take-out, Upper Madison wade access
This is the classic Madison River float: wide riffles, consistent hatches, and brown trout that average 14-16 inches with plenty of 18+ inch fish mixed in. Private land lines most banks, so boat access rules. The salmonfly hatch peaks through this section in late June.
| Access | Facilities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Creek FAS | Vault toilets, large lot, camping | Great lunch pull-out; streamer banks in fall |
| McAtee Bridge FAS | Ramp, toilets, limited parking | Midway take-out option; good wade below bridge |
| Varney Bridge FAS | Two ramps, toilets, large lot | Popular weekend take-out; stonefly starting line |
| Valley Garden FAS | Ramp, toilets | Short float to Ennis; less crowded launch |
| Ennis FAS | Ramp, toilets, town nearby | End of float section before Ennis Lake |
Below Ennis Dam, the river changes character completely. Cold tailwater flows create a different fishery with its own hatch calendar. The Beartrap Canyon section offers technical whitewater and wilderness pocket water, accessible only by trail or expert floaters.
GPS: 44.4234, -111.7123
Access the cold tailwater directly below Ennis Dam. Small parking area for 6-8 vehicles. No facilities. The water runs cold (48-55°F) year-round, creating a unique microclimate with earlier hatches than the upper river.
Best for: Cold-water nymphing, early-season dry fly fishing
GPS: 44.3856, -111.7456
Hike-in access to wilderness pocket water. The trail follows the canyon rim with steep scramble access to the river at several points. Fishing quality is excellent due to limited access. Expect a 2-mile hike minimum to reach water.
Best for: Adventurous anglers, pocket water, solitude
Planning a float trip requires matching water conditions, hatch timing, and your rowing ability. Here are the most popular options:
Time: 5-7 hours | Difficulty: Easy
The classic Madison River float. Consistent riffles, no rapids, excellent fish throughout. Peak during salmonfly (late June) and hopper (August) seasons. Stop at Ruby Creek for lunch.
Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Half-day option covering prime water without the full commitment. Good for afternoon launches or shorter days. Ruby Creek offers camping if you want to continue the next morning.
Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Advanced
Warning: Class III-IV rapids through the earthquake slide. Scouting required. Not for inexperienced rowers. Excellent fishing in the pocket water but technical rowing limits casting time.
The best access depends on your goals. For wade fishing, Three-Dollar Bridge and Raynolds Pass offer excellent pocket water. For floating, Lyons Bridge to Varney Bridge (13 miles) is the most popular stretch.
No permit is required for recreational floating on the Madison River. However, commercial outfitters need permits from Montana FWP. All boaters must follow Montana stream access law.
You can wade the Upper Madison from Yellowstone to Lyons Bridge, though access points are spaced 3-5 miles apart. The section from Lyons Bridge to Ennis is primarily float water due to private land.
Lyons Bridge to Palisades (8 miles) offers easy water with no major rapids, steady riffles, and good fishing throughout. It takes 4-5 hours at a relaxed pace.
Ruby Creek and Palisades have Forest Service campgrounds with vault toilets and fire rings. Dispersed camping on National Forest land is allowed 200 feet from water.
Use these resources to time your Madison River trip: