Madison River Fly Fishing

At Five Rivers Lodge in Dillon, Montana, you will get the most elegant accommodations as well as access to the best fly fishing in the country. There are lots of activities at the lodge and in the surrounding area for those who aren't devoted to spending all of their time fishing. For those who are, there are five rivers in addition to private access waters that each has something important to offer. Regardless of which activities you enjoy or the area you are in, you are sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Montana Mountains. Each river is a part of a spectacular view whether you are fishing from the Big Hole, Ruby, Jefferson, Beaverhead or Madison River. Fly fishing is available in every river.

The Madison River is your source for fly fishing in the waterway that starts in the Yellowstone National Park at the junction of the Firehole and Gibbon rivers. It flows north for 140 miles to Three Forks, Montana, and it then joins the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers and forms the Missouri River. The Madison flows across a high conifer-forested plateau where its journey is interrupted by two man-made impoundments, the Hebgen Reservoir and the Ennis Reservoir.

Just below Hebgen, the Madison River feeds into Quake Lake, a natural lake formed by an earth slide during a major earthquake in 1959 and an excellent source for fly fishing. The Madison flows from Ennis Reservoir through the Bear Trap Canyon before it enters the lower Madison River Valley for the final eighteen miles. The Madison River is a Premier trout river If you don't have everything you need to do your fishing, just visit the lodge for one of the largest fly selection in Montana as well as other fishing supplies. You can also get Montana fishing licenses locally.

Madison River fly fishing has a national reputation for heavy fishing pressure, good access, high scenic value, and excellent wild trout populations. It is classified as a "Blue Ribbon" trout stream. It is also the home of "Wild Trout Management", the results of a controversial study that was performed in the 1970s. A shift in management emphasis was introduced nationwide from stocking trout to population monitoring, harvest regulation, and habitat protection. There are a number of challenges that exist to wild trout fisheries in the Madison River including Whirling disease, increased angling pressure, and drought.

Not sure what to bring with you for your Madison River fly fishing adventure? Just go to www.fiveriverslodge.com for some advice on what to bring along. They have a list of things you will need from rods and lines to waders and boots. Of course, you will need to bring all of your favorite flies. You will also need to make sure to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and insect repellant to make your trip as comfortable as possible. If you are into photography, you will definitely want to bring your photography equipment along. There is no greater place in the country to find fantastic shots than in Montana and there are lots of wonderful views at the Five Rivers Lodge.