Ennis Fly Fishing
Ennis Montana is a rural community of around 1000 people in the heart of Southwest Montana. Cattle ranching and fly fishing are as deeply intertwined in the fabric of this authentic, western community today as it was back in the 1950’s.
Located about 60 miles south of our Montana fly fishing headquarters in Bozeman, Ennis is a frequent stop on our Madison River fly fishing day trips in the summer months.
Anglers fishing with our Bozeman fly fishing guides often base themselves here to take advantage of the fantastic Ennis Montana fly fishing options focused on the Madison River. Day trips to the Jefferson, lower Madison, and Ruby Rivers or perhaps a morning dry fly session on Ennis Lake are just a few of the other fly fishing options near Ennis.
Unforgettable Experience
"An experience I will never forget! The guides are very experienced and accommodating for all levels of angler. They have a unique ability to put you on fish every day! I'll be back."
- Craig H.
Ennis Montana Fly Fishing Day Trip Options
Madison River Above Ennis Lake
The Madison River runs along the eastern edge of Ennis, Montana, and is the primary trout fishery in the Madison Valley.
Known around the world as the “50-Mile Riffle,” much of the legendary river is shallow with a quick current. Floating is the best way to experience fly fishing the Madison River in the sections between Quake and Ennis lakes.
Anglers will cover 8-12 miles of the river during a typical guided day trip and have opportunites to wade fish along the way as well.
Jefferson River Fly Fishing
Solitude, spectacular scenery, and big trout opportunities make Jefferson River fly fishing outings a favorite for skilled anglers. Rainbow and brown trout populations are much lower here than in the nearby Madison River, requiring patience and persistence to find angling success.
This stunning western river flows along the valley floor between Twin Bridges and Cardwell, Montana before hitting a narrow canyon along its final journey to form the Missouri River near Three Forks.
Local anglers and Montana fishing guides savor their days of fly fishing in Montana on the Jefferson River for the chances at big fish and diverse angling experiences.
Lower Madison River Fly Fishing
The Madison River flows out of Ennis Lake, offering wade fishing in a wilderness setting about 30 minutes north of Ennis, Montana. Locally, the river is referred to as the “Lower Madison” once it leaves Ennis Lake.
Floating the lower Madison below the Beartrap Canon is among the best Montana fly fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels. New and novice anglers can learn and quickly improve their skills in the gentle currents. Experienced anglers know the stories of giant brown trout cruising the weed bed edges, feeding along heavy seam lines.
Fly fishing the lower Madison River adds diversity to an Ennis Montana fly fishing vacation and can be exceptional during the early and late parts of the season.
Big Hole River Fly Fishing
Located about an hour west of Ennis is the Big Hole River which joins the Ruby and Beaverhead Rivers to form the Jefferson River near Twin Bridges.
The lower Big Hole River is a world-renowned fly fishing destination during the early and late stages of the season. Rainbow and brown trout rise to hatching insects throughout the year, making dry fly fishing an everyday option for anglers fishing in Southwest Montana.
The tea-stained water gives the river a unique color during high flows in May and June when streamer fly fishing for trophy brown trout is a favorite among local and visiting anglers alike.
Additional Day Trip Destinations
The big rivers like the Madison, Jefferson, and Big Hole are the headliners for anglers staying near Ennis during the best time of year to fly fish in Montana.
Consider adding a day or two of stillwater fly fishing on Ennis, Quake, or Hebgen Lake during the mid-summer when the Trico and Callibaetis hatches are at their peaks. The world-renowned "Gulper Fishing" during the summertime is a highlight for dry fly enthusiasts.
Other regional fisheries worth exploring - with or without our guides - include the Madison River section between Hebgen and Quake Lakes as well as the Ruby and Beaverhead Rivers near Dillon.
Ennis Montana Fly Fishing Through The Season
April
Spring arrives to Ennis, bringing exceptional early season Madison River fly fishing for both float and wade anglers as BWO and caddis hatches commence...
May
As high water season rolls across Montana, anglers fishing near Ennis will find some terrific days on the tailwater sections of the Madison, Ruby, and Beaverhead...
June
The salmonfly hatch steals the show in June as the big bugs arrive with improving water conditions on the Madison and Big Hole Rivers, attracting anglers from...
July
July is the best time of year to fly fish in Montana near Ennis as a variety of daily insect hatches across the region keep the trout active from sunrise to sunset...
September
Hatches renew with cooling water temperatures on the Montana fly fishing waters near Ennis as fall approaches and brown trout become increasingly active...
Ennis Montana and Area Resources
Ennis Montana Lodging (Area)
- El Western Cabins and Lodges
- McAllister Inn
- Riverside Motel
- Sportsmans Lodge
- Air BNB Vacation Rentals
Ennis Montana Restaurants and Bars
Ennis Montana Fly Fishing Trips
Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting fly fishing trips near Ennis for 25 years. Our team of experienced Montana fly fishing guides are skilled instructors, welcoming anglers of all skill levels on our guided trips.
Madison River fly fishing trips are the focus for most Ennis Montana fly fishing vacations. Novice anglers are presented with myriad angling opportunities to both learn and improve their skills while immersed in an authentic western fly fishing setting. Expert anglers are drawn to fly fishing the Madison River for the legendary numbers and size of its wild rainbow and brown trout.
A diverse Montana fly fishing experience awaits anglers fishing out of Ennis. E-mail our reservation specialists, book online, or call us at 1-406-468-5019 to inquire about an Ennis, Montana fly fishing trip with our team of expert guides.
Ennis Montana Fly Fishing Vacations
Relax and immerse yourself in an authentic Montana fly fishing vacation along the banks of the Madison River at the Madison Double R Ranch. This boutique fly fishing resort located near Varney Bridge is an anglers’ oasis with fine dining and luxurious accommodations. Stunning scenery and world-class service round out the long list of exceptional attributes of this remarkable Montana fly fishing lodge.
Fins and Feathers Guide Service works closely with a variety of Montana fly fishing lodges like the RR to create customized fly fishing itineraries for our guests.
Combine guided fly fishing with the Fins & Feathers guide staff and luxurious lodging at the Madison RR for a remarkable Ennis Montana fly fishing vacation.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Fly fishing the Madison River offers a varied Montana fishing experience, unlike any other destination in the region. Float through miles and miles of wide open river bottom concentrating on covering subtle depth changes and well-defined bank structure. Wade through narrow channels below Ennis, exploring the never-ending series of pools and riffles.
Stalk along the banks of the upper river near Raynold’s Pass or Three Dollar Bridge looking for subtle risers during the evening spinner fall.
The Fins and Feathers Montana fishing reports highlight the best Madison River fly fishing options throughout the season with live streamflow data, fishing access maps, river information, and timely updates regarding current river condtions.
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