Most Recent Update
March 23, 2012FWP appointed a Citizen Advisory Committee to develop recommendations for managing recreation on the Madison River. The committee will conduct its first meeting on May 30 from 4 PM to 8 PM at FWP Region 3 Headquarters in Bozeman (1400 S. 19th Avenue). There will be time set aside near the end of the meeting for observers to provide comments to the committee.
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 |
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
- 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)
