A Good Drift on the Madison River with Alice Owsley

Episode 173 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – June 18, 2026. 

Thanks to Redd's Flies for supporting the show

Our destination is the legendary Madison River, one of Montana's most iconic trout fisheries.  Joining me is 27-year guiding veteran, Alice Owsley—owner of Riverside Anglers, West Yellowstone, Montana.

The Madison is where big Western water meets technical fishing, where 90 miles of riffles can humble you fast—or reward you with the fish of a lifetime. It's a river shaped by dams but still wild at heart, with everything from controlled, almost spring-creek-like water to long, brawling freestone stretches.  

Alice is known for doing things differently, reading water and planning her days in ways most anglers miss, and helping people unlock a river that can feel overwhelming at first glance.  

In this episode:

• ·        Why the Madison River remains one of the most legendary trout fisheries in the world
• ·        How different sections of the Madison fish like entirely different rivers
• ·        The best times of year to fish the Madison and what to expect each season
• ·        Understanding the Madison's famous salmon fly hatch and how hatches move through the river system  
• ·        Walk-and-wade fishing versus floating
• ·        Reading water and identifying productive holding lies
• ·        The truth about fishing pressure, crowds, and finding solitude on a famous river
• ·        Yellowstone National Park, alpine lakes, and avoiding grizzly bears  
• ·        What Alice learned guiding celebrities, including Henry Winkler
• ·        The story behind the biggest brown trout Alice has ever seen landed on a dry fly

With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel.

Contact Alice:     https://riversideanglers.com/

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Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com

Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Recorded April 18, 2026