Montana’s Madison River is arguably the most famous – and at times the most visited – river in the U.S. West. With its stunning scenery and excellent fishing, a visit to the Madison River has for decades been a top priority for anglers from all over world. As Montana visitor and resident numbers continue boom, however, the State’s rivers and outdoor resources are experiencing user numbers and seasonal pressure like never before. With Bozeman and Big Sky exploding with population growth, this is certainly the case with the Madison, which begs the question, “are we using and loving this river to death?” To discuss some of the challenges that the Madison is currently dealing with – including angling pressure, a continued call to regulate user numbers, angler access, and the recent debacle with the Hebgen Dam that led to the dewatering of the Upper Madison – we talk with guide, outfitter and shop-owner Joe Dilschneider – a true disciple of the Madison. Joe officially began his Montana guide career in the early 90s, and today owns Ennis-based Madison River Fishing Company and Trout Stalkers Fly Shop – two of the very best retail operations in the game. As a licensed Montana Outfitter, he’s spent more than 30 years guiding on the Madison – and few know and love this river as much as Joe.

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