The Madison River is a headwater tributary of the Missouri River, approximately long, in Wyoming and Montana. Its confluence with the Jefferson River and Gallatin River rivers near Three Forks, Montana forms the Missouri River.
Course
The Madison River begins in Teton County, Wyoming at the confluence of the
Firehole River and
Gibbon River rivers in Yellowstone National Park, a location known as Madison Junction. It flows west out of the park and into Montana, turning north through the Rocky Mountains of southwestern Montana to join the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers at Three Forks. The Missouri River Headwaters State Park lies at this confluence.
Dams and Lakes
In its upper reaches in Gallatin County, Montana, the
Hebgen Dam forms
Hebgen Lake. Downstream of Hebgen Dam, the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake led to the formation of
Quake Lake, a naturally dammed body of water that remains part of the river’s hydrology. In its middle course, the Madison Dam in Madison County, Montana creates
Ennis Lake. These reservoirs and lakes regulate flow, support recreation, and are associated with hydroelectric power infrastructure (see Natural Resources).
History
The river was named in July 1805 by
Meriwether Lewis at Three Forks. The central fork of the three, it was named for U.S. Secretary of State
James Madison, who later succeeded
Thomas Jefferson as President in 1809. The western fork, the largest, was named for President Jefferson and the east fork for Treasury Secretary
Albert Gallatin.
On August 17, 1959, a massive earthquake near Hebgen Lake triggered a landslide that blocked the Madison River, forming Quake Lake. The quake, known as the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake, measured 7.3 to 7.5 on the Richter scale and caused significant loss of life and property damage in the area.
Recreation
The Madison is a class I river in Montana for the purposes of access for recreational use.
The Bear Trap Canyon section downstream from Ennis and Ennis Lake is known for its class IV–V whitewater, drawing experienced paddlers during seasonal flows.
Ecology
The Madison River is widely regarded as one of the finest trout fisheries in the world.
It is classified as a blue ribbon fishery in Montana, where
Fly fishing target
brown trout,
rainbow trout,
cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish.
[
]
and wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park roam the river valley.
Fish Species
According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Madison River supports many fish species, reflecting its varied aquatic habitats and long history of fisheries management.
Both coldwater and warmwater species are present, including several native salmonids such as Arctic grayling, mountain whitefish, and westslope cutthroat trout. Introduced species like brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout are also well established and widely targeted by anglers. In addition to trout, the river sustains native suckers, minnows, and sculpin, contributing to the ecological complexity of the watershed. The following table provides an overview of representative fish species recorded in the Madison River.
See also
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Angling in Yellowstone National Park
-
Fishes of Yellowstone National Park
-
Montana Stream Access Law
-
List of rivers of Montana
-
List of Wyoming rivers
Sources
External links
