If we Make It Through December
December 2025
UPDATED 12/19/2025
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Madison River Fishing Company Team! We’re going to be closed from December 21st through January 1st to spend time with our families this holiday season. We’ll begin shipping orders placed during that time period on January 2nd when we open the shop back up for business.
As of today, all of the boat ramps are still accessible on the Upper river. Access can change quickly with one good storm so be prepared to button hook if you’re floating up river. This is a great time of year to spend perfecting your fly patterns at the vise. Give our fly tying collection a peak to tie some of those hard to find flies you’ve been looking for!
The reports are likely to be very similar for the next three months. Nymphing is going to be your go-to method if you’re looking for numbers out there. Small stonefly nymphs, worms and zebra midges are going to be the ticket throughout the winter season. Focus your presentation on slow moving water with decent depth. While you may still pick a few fish out of those fast riffles, the majority of the fish are going to be trying to exude the least amount of energy as possible in deep, slow moving water.
The winter season on the Upper Madison can offer some often overlooked, yet tremendous dry fly fishing opportunities. Midge dry fly patterns are a necessity to have in your box - especially in the wade only section up river. Take your time getting into the water. How many times have you mindlessly walked through a section where fish are rising because you’re focused on nymphing the run in front of you? I’ve been guilty of it whether you’re willing to admit it or not.
The streamer bite can also be great in the winter. I prefer to fish a much slower presentation than what I would throw during the warmer months of the season. Dead drifting or long slow strips/twitches can be extremely effective. I tend to lean towards small profile patterns this time of year as opposed to the gaudy/gargantuan articulated fly patterns.
Essentially what I’m trying to say is that you can still fish however you prefer in the wintertime. Don’t get hung up on only nymphing. Streamer junkies should try a dry fly. Dry fly purists should huck some meat. Great anglers can fish any style and presentation, that’s one of the core aspects of what makes them great anglers! Just my wintertime two cents…
- MRFC Guide Danny Eiden
Do you want to experience the Madison River from a drift boat? Learn more about aquatic insect life? Maybe you want to fine-tune your casting skills? Spend the day with one of our world-class guides on a Guided Fly Fishing Trip!
Streamers: Jiggy Pine Leech Black, Lil Kim Silver, Woolly Bugger Black, Sparring Partner Brown Trout.
Dry Flies: Antonio's Adult BWO, Mini Hot Mayfly Black, Parachute Adams, Mini Hot Mayfly Garcia Yellow, Johnson's Mimic May BWO.
Nymphs: BH Pheasant Tail, Spanish Bullet French, Olsen's Hare's Ear Blowtorch, Pat's Rubber Legs Black, Three Dollar Dip Brown, Zebra Midge.
