You’ve just spent a great day. The weather is perfect and there are but a few hours of daylight remaining. Whether you were out earlier in the day or spent the day with non-fishing related pursuits, you know that itch. That itch when the river is calling, when you can feel a hatch coming off and your fly rod is begging you to be taken out. You want some more of that Montana fly fishing. If you’re staying in Ennis, Montana you are in luck. Within minutes of town you have a pick of prime fishing spots. Here are a few that lend themselves to one of those shorter days.
Read More Madison River Fishing Report
Fly Fishing at the Ennis Campground
Take highway 287 out of town. Immediately after you cross the Madison River you’ll find an exit to the campground on the right hand side of the road. Park near the takeout and take a leisurely stroll through the campground heading up-river. At the end of the campground you’ll find a path that will take you right up the Madison’s left bank. Immediately you’ll find a few deep holes next to the bank. You can either fish off the path or drop into the water at any point. Wading will be knee deep from mid-summer to fall. Fish up the left-most channel. After periods of heavy traffic I’ve been productive by focusing on secondary water. On hot days make your way across the Madison to where the river bends. You’ll find a deep big hole where heavy flies can find their target deep down below. You can wade this area all the way back down to the takeout. Pick a line down the middle of the river and make your way over as you approach the takeout.
Read More Top Fly Fishing Bars in Ennis Montana
Burnt Tree Fishing Access
On the other side of town you take 287 towards Virginia City. At the edge of town where the road bends 90 degrees to the right you’ll find the turn leading to Varney Bridge. A few miles down, the Burnt Tree fishing access has ample parking and a restroom. Wading is easy going, which pretty much gives you access to both banks.
The river is wide here so water pressure won’t be a problem any time other than spring. The view down there is fantastic and occasionally you’ll see wildlife cross the river. Antelope and deer are pretty common and in the fall I’ve spotted moose. Drift boards have plenty of room to make their way around you so your water will remain relatively undisturbed. You’ll see a few houses on the bluff above you, but there will be no road noise.
Read More Where to Fly Fish When it's Windy
Stranded Without a Car? Lions Club Park Has Great Fly Fishing
No car, no problem. Walk to the edge of town and you’ll find Lions Club Park. The pond there offers fishing for the younger ones. You on the other hand will walk right up to the river and pick your way down the left bank. Late afternoon Cadis hatches can be prolific, making this a great spot to land some smaller fish. If you encounter traffic, just jump back on the path and walk down a bit. Access from the path that follows the river down can be easy, as is fishing from shore. Some of these runs get fairly deep so be careful if you decide to jump in and cross the river. Walking down, you’ll find the river branching. Lots of grass covered islands and current seams. If you brought a lighter weight rod, this would be the place to break it out. Fish tend to be on the smaller side, but on a good day I’ve hooked 20 plus in this stretch.
I’d love to hear about your favorite 2 hour spot. Drop us a note and let us know how it worked out.