Float the Madison, but take care where you go. Beartrap Canyon is for white-water experts, and the multichanneled stretch between Cameron and Ennis [1] is tough for a novice to navigate. A popular and easy trip runs 30 miles from Quake Lake [2] (put in at the Highway 87 bridge four miles from the lake) to the Varney Bridge in Cameron. This stretch of the river passes several campgrounds. Fishing from a boat is restricted on certain stretches of the Madison. Check the current regulations before casting a line.
Bozeman-based Montana Whitewater (800/799-4465, www.montanawhitewater.com [3], $129) runs daylong trips on the Madison through Beartrap Canyon’s big rapids. Rafters are given the option of walking around the Class IV Kitchen Sink rapids.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/montana/the-missouri-headwaters-and-south-central-montana/three-forks-and-the-madison-river-valley/ennis
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/montana/the-missouri-headwaters-and-south-central-montana/three-forks-and-the-madison-river-valley/quake-lake-and-h
[3] http://www.montanawhitewater.com