Madison River Paddle Report

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 1,000 to 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The class rating for the Madison River ranges from Class I to Class IV, depending on the segment of the river. The river has a total length of 183 miles, with the whitewater section spanning 30 miles from Madison Dam to the town of Ennis.

The Madison River offers exciting rapids and obstacles along the way, including the Kitchen Sink, a Class III rapid, and the Ennis Riffle, a popular Class II+ rapid. The river also features several fishing spots, making it a popular destination for anglers. As for regulations, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks enforces strict fishing regulations to protect the native fish species, including catch-and-release policies.

In addition to fishing regulations, there are also guidelines for river use, such as wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the water and obeying speed limits within 100 feet of other boats or people in the water. The Madison River is a popular destination for both recreational and professional rafters, and it's important to follow these regulations to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment of the river.