River Outfitters

After a week of 40 degree weather around West, we're starting to look ahead to March, April, and May on the Upper Madison. Most years, we'd be shuttling down to Varney, 8 Mile, or Burnt Tree, but with the state's recent controversial decision to open the whole river year-round, we'll get to fish the first major hatches of the year from Quake Lake all the way down to McAtee. Weird, huh?

Now that's it open year-round, let's make the most of it and do some fishing that hasn't been an option for anglers in a long time. We'll be opening shop a little earlier this year, which means more hands on advice will be available as well as a new learning experience through MRO's guides who will now be back at work earlier this year.

In the meantime, don't forget to finalize your 2016 dates with us, your experts on the Upper.

Acting with a total disregard to both the protection of its fisheries and the public voice, our FWP has decided to usher in a new era for the Madison River.

Starting in March, the entire river outside of Yellowstone National Park will be open to fishing year round. This may only make fishing tougher in the long run and be harder on the fish, but to look on the brighter side, anglers will now enjoy some of the finest fishing in Montana in the spring months. Years ago when the fishery was throughout the year, the Madison was the best spring fishery in the state. It should be nothing less than that in March and April now.

So come fish the Madison this spring. Look for midges, Baetis and March Browns. Find rising fish to stalk or just enjoy the fantastic nymph fishing.