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Montana · Fishing
Norris, Montana sits in the Madison Valley, and the fishing around town reflects that geography directly.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Norris, Montana sits in the Madison Valley, and the fishing around town reflects that geography directly. The four access points listed here — Red Mountain, Warm Springs Day Use Area, Trapper Springs, and Canaday Boat Launch — all put you on or near the Madison River, one of Montana's most consistently productive trout fisheries. This is river fishing, not lake fishing, so you're reading current, watching seams, and dealing with afternoon wind that comes down the valley most summer days. The Madison runs cold and clear through this stretch, and the access points spread you out enough that you're not stacking up on other anglers. Canaday Boat Launch is your best option if you're floating a drift boat or raft; the other three are walk-wade access. Warm Springs Day Use Area gives you a parking area and a more managed entry point, which makes it a reasonable starting place if you're new to this section of river. Red Mountain and Trapper Springs are less developed and tend to see fewer people on weekdays. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations apply throughout, so check the current year's fishing regulations before you go — the Madison has had special regulations in the past that differ from standard statewide rules.
The Madison River in this area holds brown trout and rainbow trout as the primary targets. Both species are present year-round, though brown trout fishing tends to pick up in fall when they move into shallower water for spawning. Check Montana FWP regulations for any slot or catch-and-release rules specific to this section before you fish.
Canaday Boat Launch is the designated put-in for drift boats and rafts, making it the right choice if you're floating. Red Mountain, Warm Springs Day Use Area, and Trapper Springs are all walk-wade access points. Warm Springs Day Use Area has the most developed parking and entry, which makes it the easiest starting point if you're unfamiliar with the river.
Trapper Springs
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Maxey Cabin
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Kobayashi Beach
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Madison River at Varney Bridge
~26 min drive
Moderate
Red Mountain
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Window Rock Cabin
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Gallatin River - Greek Creek Access
~35 min drive
Moderate
Spanish Creek Cabin
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Willow Swamp
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Ruby River - Alder Access
~55 min drive
Moderate
Fox Creek Cabin
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Clute's Landing
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Early morning and evening are generally most productive, especially in summer when midday sun warms the water and pushes fish deeper. The Madison Valley gets consistent afternoon wind, which can make casting difficult from roughly early afternoon onward. If you're fishing a dry fly hatch, late afternoon into dusk is often worth waiting for despite the wind.
A 9-foot 5-weight fly rod covers most situations on the Madison, though a 6-weight handles the wind better on blustery afternoons. Waders and wading boots with felt or rubber soles are strongly recommended since the Madison has slick cobble. Bring a net, polarized sunglasses for reading the water, and a current Montana fishing license — you can purchase one online through Montana FWP before your trip.
It's manageable for beginners, but the Madison is a big, fast river and wading requires caution. Warm Springs Day Use Area offers the most straightforward access and some slower water near the banks where newer anglers can get comfortable. If you've never waded a river before, going with a local guide for your first trip on this water is worth considering.
