The Madison River is one of America's premier wild trout fisheries, flowing approximately 140 miles from its origin at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers in Yellowstone National Park through Wyoming and Montana before joining the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to form the Missouri River near Three Forks, Montana. Known for its exceptional fishing, the Madison offers diverse fishing experiences across various sections, from the thermal-influenced waters in Yellowstone to the swift Fifty Mile Riffle in Montana, down to the slower waters of the Lower Madison. Its high scenic values, good public access, and excellent wild trout populations have earned it a reputation as one of the most celebrated fly fishing destinations in the world. The Madison's cold, nutrient-rich waters create ideal habitat for trout, with fish counts reaching 1,500-2,000 per mile in some sections, making it a must-visit river for serious anglers.