FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 06041000 (Madison bl Ennis Lake nr McAllister), not a guidebook average. At a typical 1,100 cfs, a raft drifts about 3.4 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 (Lower) listing covers 25 river miles across 3 access-to-access stretches (Class I, Class III–IV). 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 (Lower) float time
Float stretches on the Madison River (Lower)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Powerhouse (Bear Trap) → Warm Springs | 9 mi | Class III–IV | ~2 hr 39 min | Bear Trap Canyon. Not a tube float. Scout Kitchen Sink. Permits/use limits can apply — check BLM/FWP. |
| Warm Springs → Black's Ford | 7 mi | Class I | ~2 hr 4 min | The beer-can hatch. Watch for shallow gravel bars in late summer. |
| Black's Ford → Greycliff | 9 mi | Class I | ~2 hr 39 min | Quieter than the upper stretch, good wade-fishing pullouts. |
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 06041000.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Madison Powerhouse (Bear Trap) to Warm Springs on the Madison River (Lower)?
About 2 hr 39 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. Bear Trap Canyon. Not a tube float. Scout Kitchen Sink. Permits/use limits can apply — check BLM/FWP.
How long does it take to float Warm Springs to Black's Ford on the Madison River (Lower)?
About 2 hr 4 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. The beer-can hatch. Watch for shallow gravel bars in late summer.
How long does it take to float Black's Ford to Greycliff on the Madison River (Lower)?
About 2 hr 39 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. Quieter than the upper stretch, good wade-fishing pullouts.
What USGS gauge is used for Madison River (Lower) float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 06041000 (Madison bl Ennis Lake nr McAllister) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 1100 cfs drift of about 3.4 mph.
Is the Madison River (Lower) a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). This listing includes Class III or harder water — rafts and experienced paddlers, not tubes.