Category:
Fly Fishing, Planning
Added Date:
Friday, 29 Jan, 2016
Summary
For most people coming to Ennis to fish the Madison, it's a choice between either flying into a regional aiport and renting a car, or else driving your own vehicle long distances.
Content
For most people coming to Ennis to fish the Madison, it's a choice between either flying into a regional aiport and renting a car, or else driving your own vehicle long distances.
Flying into Southwest Montana
If you choose the air travel route, Ennis is about an hour drive from Bozeman (BZM) and 1.5 hours from the airport in Butte (Burt Mooney, BTM). Catch a flight on Alaska/Horizon, Allegiant, Delta, Northwest, Skywest, or United.
Probably the easiest way to go is to fly into Bozeman, rent a car and head out. There is even a car rental agency that rents cars all set up for fishing expeditions, with cooler, rod carriers, etc. The name of this place is Plasma Rentals, right next to the airport.
If you are going to fish with a guide every day, the only thing you need a car for is to go out for dinner and fun. You could also consider taking an airport shuttle to town if you're adventurous enough to go without a car.
But sometimes the flexibility is nice. If the plan is to strike out on your own a few days, a car is critical. Besides legendary fishing on the Madison, the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers are also just a short drive away, and they provide ample opportunities for both wade and float fishing.
Read More Top Hidden Fly Fishing Locations Near Ennis Montana
The Ruby River, also within driving distance, is a much more secluded stream that can be far less busy when things seem crowded on the Madison. Remember, “never leave fish to find fish. But if you can’t find fish, leave.” See ya at the Gravel Bar.
Long Distance Road Trip to Ennis
Ennis is located at the center of southwestern Montana at the junction of US Hwy 287 and State Hwy 287. US Highway 287 runs north and south through Ennis, and the I-90 is about 50 miles to the north. South of Ennis (about 70 miles) is West Yellowstone, which is another of Montana's famous fly fishing destinations.
Read More Top 8 Fly Fishing Rivers in Montana
Between West Yellowstone and Ennis, if you're driving in from the south, you'll be treated to some of the best sights on the open road. Highway 287 will take you past herds bison, big horn sheep, elk, and other creatures. You'll breathe in fresh air and revel in the beauty of majestic scenery before you finally arrive in the Madison River valley and reach your destination in Ennis.
- Yellowstone National Park: 71 miles
- Glacier National Park: 340 miles
- Salt Lake City, UT: 361 miles
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This is a small town with a big heart, a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Located near the fish-filled Madison River, and surrounded by the waters of Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Hebgen ... moreLake, Quake Lake, Henry’s Lake, the Big Hole River and scores of smaller streams, the town boasts what many consider the best trout fishing in the world. As well known for its wranglers as its anglers, Ennis has succeeded in maintaining the look and feel of its original, gold town roots. Warm and hospitable, the area offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from simple campsites, rustic motels and gracious hotels, to full-service, luxury resorts. Fly shops are numerous, stocked by local experts ready to advise and assist, while guides can be booked for trips throughout the area.
Boredom is the only thing unavailable in Ennis. Throughout the summer season the city hosts a series of events, including its renowned 4th of July Celebration Parade and a genuine, old-fashioned rodeo. In August, fly-fishing luminaries from around the US, flock to Montana to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Athletes also find their way to Ennis to compete in the city’s Madison Trifecta, two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America. For the true sportsman, October falls in with the annual Hunter’s Feed. What’s caught, typically elk, moose deer, pheasant and bobcat, gets cooked on the streets and served up to hungry spectators.
Flanked by three grand mountain ranges, The Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison, Ennis is scenic and entertaining – truly an authentic, fly fisher’s haven.
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The Madison River is arguably one of the best trout fishing rivers in all of southwest Montana, if not the entire world! It’s certainly the most talked over, written up and frequented ... morein the state of Montana – which is considered by some the capital of fly fishing. Anglers will find plenty of great access sites to wade or float along the Madison’s banks and reservoirs (including Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake). Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream.
The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. Within the Park, fishing rules apply: no live bait and catch and release only. Once outside the Park the river meanders past working ranches, stately conifer forests and cottonwood lined banks, interrupted by riffles and quiet runs that contain large rainbow and trophy brown trout. Flowing alongside Yellowstone’s West entrance road, the river enters Hebgen Lake, created by Hebgen dam, until it reaches Quake Lake, a bit downstream from the dam. At this point the river is commonly called either the Upper Madison or the Lower Madison, although in fact, they are one and the same.
Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake
Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. For the next 53 miles, often referred to as the 50 Mile Riffle, the cold river runs north and the fish jump high. Annual runs of spawning trout make their way from Hebgen Lake, rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall. Known the world over for its “hard fighting” trout, it’s not unusual to pull a 25” brown from these upper waters. In deference to the purists and fly-fishing enthusiasts, it’s wading only from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge. Boats may be used to access the river, but if you’re going to fish, your feet must be on the riverbed. Fortunately, the Hebgen Dam releases water throughout the year, leveling its flows and relieving it of spring runoff issues and summer shrinkage.
Lower Madison – Ennis Lakes to Three Forks
A short section of the river between Ennis Dam and the power station maintains relatively low water levels and provides wonderful opportunities for wading. Past the power station the river regains its muscle and for 7 miles winds through Bear Trap Canyon. Hiking trails offer the only entry, great for those that like to walk and seek the solitude of a designated wilderness area. Floating is permitted but requires a lengthy shuttle and the ability to work through Class III-IV whitewater. Once out of the canyon the river flows in shallow riffles until it reaches Three Forks and joins the Missouri. From Warm Springs to Greycliff, the river is easily accessible for drifters and wading.
Experience the Madison River Like Never Before
Learn the best spots on the Madison River with 5 great fishing days with Red Mountain Adventures. Eric Shores, with over 35 years of ... moreexperiencing guiding on the Madison River will take you down a journey of the best places to fish.
The journey starts on the Upper Madison River on a guided float trip covering about 8-11 miles of premier fly fishing water. The following day includes a recipe (location flies, and technique) on a do it yourself wade location near the fly fishing town of Ennis. The third day moves you on to where the Madison River dumps into Ennis Lake for a full float day stalking the giants. The following day provides instructions again for a do it yourself wade day. Location will depend on the hot locations during your visit. The final day is another full day float day on the lower Madison River. All together, you will experience the Madison River like never before by true expert.
Note: The order or location may change based on where the best spots are at the time.
Experience the best of Montana fly fishing with our authentic all-inclusive packages at the T Lazy B Ranch. We fish some of the most famous Montana trout rivers including the Madison ... moreRiver, the Jefferson River, and the Yellowstone River.
Packages include:
3 night/2 day lodging, meals and 2 days of guided fishing
4 night/3 day lodging, meals and 3 days of guided fishing
5 night/4 day lodging, meals and 4 days of guided fishing
6 night/5 day lodging, meals and 5 days of guided fishing
7 night/6 day lodging, meals and 6 days of guided fishing
Pricing assumes double accupancy
A full day float trip on Ennis Lake is a great experience. Ennis Lake offers very diverse opportunities for great trout fishing. Countless tactics and approaches work for wade and ... morefloat fishing Ennis Lake. Montana Fish Man can help unlock the Ennis Lake secrets and give you the angling tools for future success. This is a great summer season option for beginners and expert anglers alike. Fly fishing and light tackle spin fishing. For one or two people.
Centrally located in Ennis, Montana near many blue ribbon rivers, T Lazy B Ranch is a full-service fishing lodge for people looking for an authentic montana fishing experience.
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Our full-service fishing guest ranch offers meals, lodging, and guide service with other activies for family members. With over 40 years of guiding experience, we offer guided float trips on the Madison River, Jefferson River, and Yellowstone River, as well as private fishing on Jack Creek, a creek that runs through the ranch.
T Lazy B Ranch History
Founded in the late 1800's, the T Lazy B Ranch was one of the first ranches homesteaded in the Madison Valley. For years it was a working ranch for sheep and cattle. In the mid-thirties, a lodge and three log cabins were added for guests and the ranch took on another dimension.
Authentic Lodging Experience
Our rustic and cozy cabins are located in an alpine setting on Jack Creek. If you have four or more in your group you will have exclusive use of the ranch. Each cabin sleeps two to four people with a maximum of eight guests. There is a modern, spacious bathhouse within easy walking distance of the cabins. Delicious home-style meals are served in our lodge at fishermen’s hours. Lunches are prepared for your day on the river. After dinner, you may want to relax around the fireplace and discuss plans for the next day.
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