A new habitat enhancement project is underway on the Madison River, thanks to funding from NorthWestern Energy, in partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (MFWP). The project, according to a press release, will “enhance aquatic habitats and restore riparian areas along the Madison River 11 miles downstream from Madison Dam to improve trout habitat, particularly to improve the survival of young fish.”
The key focus of the project will be on restoring eroded streambanks and enlarging existing islands at the site. They’ll also focus on connecting riparian wetlands and side channels to the main river, providing more area for young trout to grow, with protection from predators.
The site is located about 11 miles downstream of Madison Dam, near the Trapper Springs Recreation Site.
The project should finish this month, and anglers may have to take temporary detours around construction equipment. Anyone floating the river in this stretch may need to take a river detour (not a portage) to avoid the workers, but the Madison will remain open during the project.