The Madison in midsummer is popular with drift boats anglers who fly cast into the riffles in the hunt for big trout.

The Madison is one of Montana's premier wild trout rivers. Due to its national reputation, heavy fishing pressure, good access, high scenic value, and excellent wild trout populations, it has been classified as a "Blue Ribbon" trout stream. The Madison is one of the most productive rivers in the world, offering the angler Cutthroat Trout, Whitefish, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, etc.