Most Recent Update
May 13, 2013
The Madison River Citizen Advisory Committee has completed its recommendations for recreation management on the Madison River. The recommendations were presented by the Madison CAC at the May 9 Commission Meeting in Helena and endorsed by the Commission. FWP is now accepting comments on the recommendations presented by the Madison CAC. You may submit any comments online or email mrrp@mt.gov. At the conclusion of the comment period, the department will prepare a Draft Recreation Management Plan and environmental analysis based on the CAC recommendations and the public's comments on those recommendations. The department would then conduct a second comment period to solicit comments on the Draft Plan and environmental analysis.
The Madison River is world-renowned for the quality of its trout fishing and is often the most heavily fished river in the state. River related recreation is enjoyed by Montanans and visitors alike. The river is important to the local economy and benefits fishing outfitters, tackle shops, motels, restaurants, and other area businesses.
The popularity of the Madison River has affected the quality of the recreation experience for some people. Their concerns include congestion on the river and at access sites, conflicts between user groups, trespass on private property, and littering.
To ensure the Madison continues to meet the expectations of its many visitors, FWP is developing a recreation management plan for the river. The plan will guide future management decisions with a goal of providing a variety of quality recreation for a diverse public while protecting the resources in the river and on adjacent uplands. The plan will identify actions to address social conflicts where needed.
FWP anticipates the planning process will take place throughout 2012 with a final plan adopted in 2013. There will be ample opportunities for people to participate in the planning process and information and updates will be provided on this web page.
Step One: Identifying the Important Issues
Before putting pen to paper, FWP conducted pre-planning meetings to hear from the public. The meetings were held in Ennis, Bozeman, West Yellowstone and Whitehall. Additional public meetings will be conducted later in the planning process.
Step Two: Madison River Citizen Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee Information
FWP appointed a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) to assist with the planning process. The final plan will be based on the committee's recommendations, input from the public, consideration of environmental impacts, and input from staff.
Advisory Committee Meeting Dates
| Meeting Date | Time | Location | Address |
| May 30, 2012 | 4–8 PM | Bozeman | FWP Region 3 Office 1400 South 19th Ave |
| June 13, 2012 | 3–8 PM | Ennis | El Western Conference Room 4787 Hwy 287 North |
| August 2, 2012 | 4–9 PM | Ennis | El Western Conference Room 4787 Hwy 287 North |
| August 21, 2012 | 4–8:30 PM | Ennis | El Western Conference Room 4787 Hwy 287 North |
| September 26 & 27, 2012 | 10 AM–5 PM, 8:30 AM– 5 PM | Bozeman | FWP Region 3 Office 1400 South 19th Ave |
| November 3, 2012 | 9 AM–4 PM | West Yellowstone | Holiday Inn 315 Yellowstone Ave |
| January 12, 2013 | 9 AM–4:30 PM | Bozeman | FWP Region 3 Office 1400 South 19th Ave |
| February 10, 2013 | 10 AM–4:00 PM | Ennis | Madison Valley Public Library |
| March 3, 2013 | 9 AM–4 PM | Bozeman | FWP Region 3 Office 1400 South 19th Ave |
| May 9, 2013 Commission Meeting | 10:30 AM (tentative) | Helena | FWP Montana Wild Center 2668 Broadwater |
- CAC Meeting 1 Notes (
35 KB) - CAC Meeting 2 Notes ( 46 KB)
- CAC Meeting 3 Notes ( 38 KB)
- CAC Meeting 4 Notes ( 32 KB)
- CAC Meeting 5 Notes ( 44 KB)
- CAC Meeting 6 Notes ( 34 KB)
- CAC Meeting 7 Notes ( 26 KB)
- CAC Meeting 8 Agenda ( 14 KB)
- CAC Meeting 8 Notes ( 58 KB)
- CAC Meeting 9 Agenda ( 13 KB)
- CAC Meeting 9 Notes ( 62 KB)
- CAC Meeting 10 Agenda ( 13 KB)
- Madison River Citizen Advisory Committee Final Recommendations ( 303 KB)
Step Three: Preparation of Draft Plan and EA
FWP will prepare a draft management plan and environmental analysis document that assesses the predicted impacts of the plan. These documents will be posted on this web page for public review and comment.
Opportunities for Public Comment
Comments may be submitted at any time during the planning process. Comments will be shared with the Citizen Advisory Committee. FWP will also conduct an official comment period for the draft management plan and environmental analysis document.
Madison River Surveys and Other Background Information
- 2012 Madison River Questionnaire Summary ( 348 KB)
- Madison River Fishery and Recreation Overview Presentation ( 1.34 MB)
- 2008 Madison River Resident Angler Survey ( 2.5 MB)
- 2008 Madison River Landowner Survey ( 2.5 MB)
- 2009 Madison River Onsite Survey ( 81 KB)
- 2010 Madison River Angling Pressure ( 3.8 KB)
- FWP Statewide River Recreation Rules ( 155 KB)
- Madison River Map ( 865 KB)
