Barns Poolson Madison River (National Park Section)
River flow last 30 days
What's working on Madison River
- 01Madison River (National Park Section) is currently closed for fishing until May 1st, 2026.
- 02Current weather is clear and 48°F with light wind, offering comfortable fishing conditions for the broader Madison River.
- 03River flow is 296 cfs, a fishable level for fall.
- 04Expect Blue-Winged Olive and midge hatches to be the primary insect activity in early October on the Madison.
- 05Egg patterns, streamers, and large stonefly nymphs are highly effective for subsurface feeding in the fall.
What to tie on at Barns Pools
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Woolly Bugger
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for predatory trout in colder fall waters.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
The Zebra Midge is a staple winter pattern on the Madison. Midges are the primary forage in February, and a black or red version in sizes 18-22 effectively mimics the pupa stage found in the drift year-round.
Buy at AmazonGriffith's Gnat
During the warmest part of the day, midges often cluster on the surface. The Griffith's Gnat is the gold standard for matching these winter midge clusters when trout begin to rise in the film.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary active insect even in cold water, making this a staple year-round pattern. It's highly effective for enticing finicky Rainbow Trout and Mountain Whitefish.
Buy at AmazonPMD Sparkle Dun
PMD hatches are a classic early summer event, and this emerger is effective for fish feeding in the film.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, especially in the colder spring flows of the Madison River.
Buy at AmazonYellow Sally
Yellow Sally stoneflies are abundant along freestone streams during summer, attracting aggressive strikes.
Buy at AmazonIsonychia Dun
Isonychia mayflies are actively hatching in freestone rivers during summer, providing a prime pattern for rising trout.
Trico Spinner
Trico hatches are active in August, mimicking the small adults for rising fish in slower water, particularly in the mornings.
Buy at AmazonWyoming season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.