The Madison

With the release of Taylor Sheridan’s, The Madison, millions of viewers will be introduced to the beauty of Montana’s Madison Valley. The Madison River Foundation exists to protect the real Madison River in Montana through conservation, restoration, and education.

About The Madison Series

The Madison introduces viewers to the striking landscapes, rugged beauty, and complex relationships that define life in Montana’s Madison Valley. Set against the backdrop of wide-open spaces and a powerful river system, the series showcases a place where land, water, and community are deeply intertwined.

As millions of people discover the Madison Valley through this series, curiosity about the real river and the place that inspired the story is expected to grow.

The Real Madison River in Montana

The Madison River is one of North America’s great trout rivers and a cornerstone of southwest Montana’s ecology, economy, and way of life. Flowing from Yellowstone National Park through the Madison Valley, the river supports a diverse web of life that includes aquatic insects, native and wild trout, birds, mammals, and countless other species.

Beyond its ecological importance, the Madison River is central to local communities, agriculture, and recreation. Anglers, boaters, hikers, birdwatchers, and families from around the world come to experience this iconic river each year.

Why the Madison River Needs Protection

The Madison River currently sees more than 200,000 recreational user days annually. That level of recreation places real and growing pressure on a delicate watershed. Increased visitation, warming water temperatures, altered flows, erosion, and habitat loss all threaten the river’s long-term health.

Many visitors arrive with good intentions but limited knowledge of how their actions affect fragile ecosystems. Without thoughtful education, restoration, and stewardship, even small impacts can accumulate into serious consequences for fish, wildlife, and water quality.

A healthy river does not happen by accident. It requires sustained care, science-based management, and community investment.

How the Madison River Foundation Protects the Watershed

The Madison River Foundation exists to support watershed health through conservation, restoration, and education. Our work includes:

• Monitoring water quality and streamflow

• Restoring side channels and degraded habitat

• Supporting scientific research

• Educating visitors and local communities about responsible recreation

• Building partnerships with landowners, agencies, and conservation organizations

Together, these efforts strengthen the river’s resilience and help ensure the Madison remains healthy for future generations.

How You Can Help Protect the Madison

Everyone who loves the Madison River can play a role in its protection. You can help by:

• Practicing responsible and low-impact recreation

• Learning about watershed-friendly behaviors

• Supporting conservation through donations or membership

• Sharing the importance of protecting the real Madison River

Your involvement helps turn appreciation into action and ensures the river behind the story remains vibrant, wild, and alive.