FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 06038800 (Madison at Kirby Ranch nr Cameron), not a guidebook average. At a typical 1,100 cfs, a raft drifts about 4.0 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Optional fishing adds 35 minutes per mile.
The Madison River (Upper) listing covers 38 river miles across 4 access-to-access stretches (Class I, Class I–II). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's Madison River (Upper) float time
Float stretches on the Madison River (Upper)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyons Bridge → Palisades | 8 mi | Class I | ~2 hr | Float fishing starts at Lyons. Steady riffle, big views, beginner-friendly half day. |
| Palisades → McAtee Bridge | 9 mi | Class I | ~2 hr 15 min | Ruby Creek campground is an optional midway takeout. Classic upper-Maddy water. |
| McAtee Bridge → Varney Bridge | 12 mi | Class I | ~3 hr | Full-day riffle. Gradient eases a little; still few eddies. Wind can howl. |
| Varney Bridge → Ennis FAS | 9 mi | Class I–II | ~2 hr 15 min | Braids and sweeper turns. Eight Mile Ford and Burnt Tree are optional takeouts. No float-fishing below the Ennis highway bridge. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check Montana FWP boating for closures. Gauge page: USGS 06038800.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Lyons Bridge to Palisades on the Madison River (Upper)?
About 2 hr in a raft at a typical 1100 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Float fishing starts at Lyons. Steady riffle, big views, beginner-friendly half day.
How long does it take to float Palisades to McAtee Bridge on the Madison River (Upper)?
About 2 hr 15 min in a raft at a typical 1100 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Ruby Creek campground is an optional midway takeout. Classic upper-Maddy water.
How long does it take to float McAtee Bridge to Varney Bridge on the Madison River (Upper)?
About 3 hr in a raft at a typical 1100 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Full-day riffle. Gradient eases a little; still few eddies. Wind can howl.
How long does it take to float Varney Bridge to Ennis FAS on the Madison River (Upper)?
About 2 hr 15 min in a raft at a typical 1100 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Braids and sweeper turns. Eight Mile Ford and Burnt Tree are optional takeouts. No float-fishing below the Ennis highway bridge.
What USGS gauge is used for Madison River (Upper) float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 06038800 (Madison at Kirby Ranch nr Cameron) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 1100 cfs drift of about 4.0 mph.
Is the Madison River (Upper) a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). On Class I–II stretches tubes can work at moderate flows; skip high water and always wear a PFD.