Montana
Madison River at Kirby Ranch near Cameron
Location Snapshot
The Madison River at Kirby Ranch near Cameron is a broad, riffle-driven wild trout fishery in southwest Montana, part of a long reach highlighted in the state’s Madison drainage plan. Wild rainbow and brown trout define the fishery, with classic river structure supporting a focused trout angling experience.
Current River Rating
Poor · 47
Conditions are unfavorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 779 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.72 ft
- Water Temperature
- 46.6 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 10:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 06038800 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
39°F
Feels like
31°F
Wind
9 mph S
Wind gust
11 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 5:30 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 6 AM
Clear
Temp 39°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 10 AM
Overcast
Temp 51°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 2 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 6 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 45°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 64°F / Low 37°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 63°F / Low 43°F
Chance 11%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 22 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 66°F / Low 47°F
Chance 61%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 15 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Rain
High 51°F / Low 39°F
Chance 97%
Precip 1.28 in
Max gust 12 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Madison River at Kirby Ranch near Cameron.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Madison River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Madison, Montana
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Madison
Management Category
Wild trout river
Regulation Scope
Madison River at Kirby Ranch near Cameron / 50-mile riffle.
Regulation Summary
Upper Madison at Kirby Ranch: FWP Madison special regulations and Central District Exceptions. Confirm current closures.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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