About this episode

In this episode, Steve Haigh interviews Alice Owsley about fishing the legendary Madison River and her unique guiding techniques.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Steve Haigh

Guest: Alice Owsley

Topics covered

• fly fishing
• Madison River
• trout fisheries
• fishing techniques
• guiding experiences
• seasonal fishing
• wildlife safety

Keywords

• Madison River
• fly fishing
• trout
• fishing pressure
• salmon fly hatch
• guiding
• wildlife
• fishing techniques
• celebrity anglers

Sponsors

Redd's Flies

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Madison River, Montana, West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park

More episodes of The Destination Angler Podcast

• Hopelessly Addicted to Native Trout with Steve Vedra and Matt Perkins · July 16, 2026 · 1h 23m
• A Fishable Feast: Kirk Deeter on Fly Fishing, Eating, and Traveling the World · July 2, 2026 · 1h 24m

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