PART 1: Ultimate Fly Fishing Guide to Hebgen Lake and the Madison River – Top Tips, Best Seasons, and Proven Techniques
Emily Disbennett contributed to this article.
Fly fishing in Montana is a rite of passage for many anglers. It stands out as a premier destination when you’re seeking an unforgettable experience and has become an annual tradition for our club.
Known for wild trout and stunning landscapes, the waters you’ll encounter around West Yellowstone offer unique challenges and rewards that attract anglers from all over the world.
In this first article of a three-part series, we’ll dive into the specifics of fishing Hebgen Lake and the Madison River, drawing on insights from local guides, fly shops, and industry-leading resources. In Part Two, we’ll venture into the park itself and explore the unique geothermal fishery of the Firehole River. And in Part Three, you’ll find complete recipes for the flies mentioned in this article along with video tutorials that walk you through the tying process for each.
Hebgen Lake: A Stillwater Fly Fishing Gem
Hebgen Lake, located just outside West Yellowstone, Montana, is a sprawling body of water fed by the Madison River and nearby tributaries. Its rich history and reputation as a stillwater fly fishing heaven make it a staple on any angler’s list.
Spanning 15 miles long and covering more than 13,000 acres, Hebgen Lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities that vary depending on the season, weather, and insect hatches.
What makes Hebgen truly special, as noted by local outfitter Madison River Outfitters, is its world-famous gulper fishing. This unique style involves fishing for large, cruising trout that rise to feed on hatching midges and mayflies in the glassy waters of Hebgen.
According to the West Yellowstone Fly Shop, the lake also boasts one of the largest populations of wild rainbow and brown trout in Montana. Many grow to trophy-size territory and average 19 inches overall.
When to Fish Hebgen Lake
The best time to fish Hebgen is during the summer months, particularly from late June through early September. This period coincides with prolific hatches of Callibaetis mayflies, Tricos, and midges, which drive the lake’s famous “gulpers” into a feeding frenzy.
Early morning and late evening are prime times to spot the rising fish. But we recommend you pack a lunch and stick around all day during peak hatch periods.
Calm days with little wind are perfect for sight fishing. This allows you to cast to individual fish or pods of feeding trout. Yet Fly Fisherman Magazine highlights the importance of timing your visit to Hebgen carefully, as unpredictable winds and weather can make or break a fishing trip.
“I fished two days on upper Hebgen Lake (the Greyling Arm at Rainbow Point). The fish were not on chironomids (two weeks too late) but Phil Rowley’s Mini Black Leech did come through.
“I landed five nice fish the second day (four 18-inch rainbows and a 20-inch brown). I lost a number of fish too. The wind drove us off the water about 1:00 p.m. each day.”
- John Wendt, Education Chair
Fly Patterns and Techniques
When fishing Hebgen Lake, the key is to match the hatch. Blue Ribbon Flies recommends patterns like the Callibaetis Cripple, the CDC Duns, and Trico Spinners in sizes 16 to 20. Terrestrial patterns, such as ants and beetles, are also highly effective when fished near the shoreline.
And as club member and Education Chair, John Wendt, pointed out above, the mini black leech worked especially well in mid-June.
Variation of Phil Rowley's Mini Black Leech
Firehole Size 12 Jig Hook
Head is a black slotted bead
Body is "Dennis the Mennis" chenille by the Alchemists
Tail is black marabou and some flash
Stealth is also crucial when targeting rising trout in calm conditions, according to the folks at West Yellowstone Fly Shop. This makes light leaders and tippets (around 5X or 6X) essential.
Fishing Hebgen requires the ability to adapt to changing conditions. On windy days, anglers should switch to subsurface flies, such as small leech patterns or midge larvae, fished with sinking lines or indicators.
As guides at Big Sky Anglers point out, fishing subsurface can be just as rewarding as targeting gulpers on the surface, particularly when wind disturbs the water’s clarity.
Madison River: The “Fifty-Mile Riffle”
The Madison River, known as the “fifty-mile riffle,” is one of Montana’s most iconic rivers. Flowing out of Yellowstone National Park and feeding into Hebgen Lake, it continues for more than 140 miles before joining the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers.
The “Fifty-Mile Riffle” flowing downstream from Ennis, Montana. | Ryan May
The section between Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake is particularly renowned for its consistent flows, rich aquatic life, and abundant populations of wild rainbow and brown trout.
Fly fishing legend Joe Brooks once described the Madison River as “one of the best dry fly rivers in the world,” and that sentiment holds true today. The Madison’s fast-moving water and rocky substrate create ideal conditions for trout to thrive, and its insect life is prolific.
You can expect to encounter hatches of stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies throughout the fishing season, which runs from late spring to early fall.
Matching the caddisfly hatch on Hebgen (left) and the mayfly hatch on the Madison (right), June 2024. | Ryan May
Access Points and Seasons
The Madison River is divided into distinct sections, each with its own character and fishing opportunities.
The upper stretch, near Hebgen Lake, is often called the “Between the Lakes” section. This area is known for its strong current and is home to both rainbow and brown trout that move between Hebgen and Quake lakes.
Anglers fishing this section can expect consistent action on both dry flies and nymphs, particularly during caddis and mayfly hatches.
As you move downstream, the river widens and slows in some sections, providing excellent wade fishing opportunities. The stretch near Ennis is particularly popular for floating, according to Orvis-endorsed guide services Madison Valley Ranch and Montana Fly Fishing Guides. It offers ample space for drift boats and a mix of riffles, runs, and deep pools.
The best time to fish the Madison River is from late June through October. Early in the season, as Montana Fly Fishing Guides note, the Salmonfly hatch brings some of the largest trout to the surface, providing heart-pounding dry fly action. Later in the summer, smaller hatches of PMDs, caddis, and terrestrials (hoppers and ants) dominate, offering consistent dry fly opportunities.
“Dave Evans (our guide) took most people on a float trip for four days from Saturday through Tuesday. Everyone caught fish despite the 20 mph winds and hot weather.
“Lots of caddis flies were on the river. The famous Stone Fly was on the lower river by Ennis.
“Fishing the Madison River from shore was tough for an 80-year-old. I only got two fish that way. I was able to help Ryan and Jeremy with their casting and mending of their lines. My son Mike had two days of 15 fish while fishing near us. River fishing has a steep learning curve.”
- John Wendt, Education Chair
Fly Patterns and Techniques
The Madison River is a diverse fishery that requires a versatile approach. During the Salmonfly hatch, large stonefly imitations such as the Girdle Bug, Chubby Chernobyl or Salmonfly Stimulators are key.
As the season progresses, smaller dry fly patterns like the X-Caddis and Parachute Adams in sizes 14 to 18 become the go-to flies for targeting rising fish.
Nymphing is also a highly effective technique on the Madison, especially during non-hatch periods or when the water is higher. Local guides at Madison River Outfitters suggest using a two-fly rig with a larger stonefly nymph, such as a Pat’s Rubber Legs, followed by a smaller dropper like a Pheasant Tail or Lightning Bug. This setup allows anglers to cover different depths and increase their chances of hooking into fish.
When fishing from a drift boat, streamers are an excellent option, especially in the deeper runs. A well-placed cast with a woolly bugger or a zonker can tempt aggressive trout that might otherwise be hiding in the shadows. Local guide services like Big Sky Anglers often recommend fishing these patterns on a sinking line for optimal results.
“The guide recommended by John Wendt (Dave Evans) did an excellent job floating Mary and I down the Madison River from the Lyons Bridge to the take-out just below the Beartooth Fly Shop. On our drift, we caught 25 rainbows, browns and whitefish. The wind picked up in the afternoon and I thought he handled the rowing with great skill.
“Watching a lady fish from shore under the three mile bridge, she landed a rainbow that was too large for her net! I heard other reports that wade/shore fishing between Quake Lake and the Lyons Bridge was very enjoyable and successful for most anglers. Have I the occasion to fish the Madison again, I'd stay at Kelly Gallup's place, The Slide Inn, and fish the Madison from the riverbank only, and maybe a day with a guide drifting the river.”
-Ray Spencer, Outings Chair
Gear Recommendations for Hebgen and the Madison
For both Hebgen Lake and the Madison River, a 9-foot, 5-weight rod is the most versatile choice you’ll find. It has the backbone to handle windier conditions on Hebgen and the sensitivity needed for delicate presentations on the Madison.
If you’re targeting larger fish with streamers, particularly on the Madison, a 6-weight rod will give you extra power and control.
Lines should be matched to the conditions. Floating lines are ideal for dry fly fishing, but you may want to bring an intermediate sinking line for Hebgen Lake, particularly when targeting fish feeding subsurface.
For the Madison, weight-forward floating lines are a standard choice for both dry fly and nymph fishing.
Your leaders should be tapered to 9 feet, with tippets ranging from 4X to 6X, depending on fly size and water clarity. Don’t forget to bring a variety of tippet sizes, as conditions can change quickly on both Hebgen and the Madison.
Conservation and Stewardship
Fishing Hebgen Lake and the Madison River is not just about catching fish. It’s also about preserving these unparalleled waters for future generations. Local fly shops and guide services emphasize the importance of practicing catch-and-release fishing, using barbless hooks, and being mindful of the river’s ecosystem.
The Madison River Foundation, a key conservation organization in the area, has been instrumental in protecting the health of the Madison. They advocate for sustainable fishing practices and work to restore critical habitats.
We applaud these organizations that are working to ensure both Hebgen and the Madison will remain pristine environments for generations of fly fishers to come.
Conclusion
Fly fishing Hebgen Lake and the Madison River in Montana is something you have to experience to truly appreciate. With their diverse aquatic ecosystems, incredible insect life, and healthy populations of wild trout, these destinations offer some of the best fishing in the world.
Whether you're chasing gulpers on Hebgen's stillwaters or casting to wild trout on the Madison's riffles, both fisheries promise an unforgettable experience.
Remember to check in with local shops like Blue Ribbon Flies, Madison River Outfitters, and West Yellowstone Fly Shop. Their up-to-date reports, expert advice, and local knowledge will help you make the most of your time on the water.
And of course, always respect the waters, practice ethical angling, and take time to soak in the beauty of Montana’s legendary landscapes.
Coming up…
This special three-part series compiles expert insights from Olympic Fly Fishers’ club members, Montana fly shops, step-by-step fly recipes, and top-rated video tutorials. Discover the best seasons, fly fishing techniques, and must-tie fly patterns for success on Montana’s legendary waters, including Hebgen Lake, the Madison River, and Yellowstone's Firehole River.
Read Part Two, Mastering Fly Fishing on the Firehole River: Geothermal Waters, Top Hatches, and Expert Advice for Success.
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