Varney Bridge

Varney Bridge is a state fishing access site located on the Madison River in southwest Montana, offering a public boat launch with camping facilities. The site includes toilet facilities and is available for camp trailers with a 7-day limit and modest day-use fee. This access point serves as the terminus for several popular float trips, including the scenic McAtee Bridge to Varney stretch, which is considered part of the larger "50 mile riffle" extending downstream from Lyons Bridge.

The Madison River in this section is a productive, moderate-gradient stream popular with anglers and paddlers alike. Common float options from Varney include trips to Burnt Tree Hole or Ennis, or you can paddle upstream to Story Ditch FAS (a primitive dirt ramp about a mile north of McAtee Bridge), which provides shorter access alternatives. Wade fishing opportunities are somewhat limited on this stretch, though they improve near the 8 Mile Ford Access downstream where side channels shallow out seasonally.

The area offers excellent recreation opportunities beyond paddling—nearby attractions include the Ennis National Fish Hatchery and Axolotl Lakes camping area (14 miles southwest). Public access along this section of the Madison is relatively limited, making Varney Bridge and Story Ditch FAS important takeout and put-in options for boaters exploring this scenic valley reach.