Overview
What do you think of when you hear "Montana?" Small towns? Cowboys? Cows? BIG TROUT?! The answer is D, "All of the above"! Montana is still the place it was 80 years ago, where a man's handshake means something and big trout thrive. Located in the "Trout Mecca" of Southwestern Montana, our location and our guide's experience allow us to guide on a number of world class rivers; the Madison, Jefferson, Ruby and Yellowstone rivers are arguably the best trout streams in the lower 48.
Whether you have never held a fishing pole in your life or if you've been fishing since you could walk, the versatile, select guides we employee at MFFT all live on, and spend all they're free time on, these select rivers. They know how satisfy ALL of our clients, from novice to pro.
But Montana is so much more than just a trout haven. With picturesque mountains, abundant wildlife and under a million people, you actually have to try to not enjoy our beautiful state. As longtime client and friend Don Patton once wrote me after a trip, "fish count is only one criteria, there are many more markers for success. We hit them all." Here at MFFT we strive to give our clients much more than just a fishing trip, we want to share our passion for fishing and our love of Montana with all of our guests and new friends.
Charles P. Graham
Owner-Montana Fly Fishing Trips
Montana Fishing Outfitter#10349
You know how big fish got to be big fish? By eating little fish. Are you a hog hunter looking for the right stretch to fish and what piece of meat to throw? Or have you just seen these ... morehuge flies in the shop and wanna learn a thing or two? Either way Montana Fly Fishing Trips is here for you. You can't just throw a wooly bugger and hope for the best. There are numerous books based solely on different streamer techniques. Why? Because these techniques have been proven to catch quality trout. However, there is no guarantee in fishing. Especially a big fish guarantee. We are here to help increase your chances of catching big fish, not only on your trip but forever, by teaching you techniques learned throughout extensive guide careers. *The location of this trip will be decided by the guide based the quality of streamer fishing on his last few trips.
We all know how to catch the most fish--nymphing. After all, nymphs account for over 80% of a fishes diet. But there is more to it than just flopping a bobber out there, much more. ... moreFor example, how far up your leader do you want to put that indicator? How much weight should you use? How often should you change your nymph rig? And that is just scratching the surface. Come with us on a fun filled day learning how to increase your success rate with nymphs! *The location of this trip will be decided by the guide based on the quality of nymph fishing on his last few trips. Come enjoy a great day on the water in Montana, and we'll help you have a blast!
Are you sick of throwing bobbers and wanna try something new? Already throw dry flies but would like to hone your skills? Pretty darn good just want to be pointed in the right direction ... moreand given some bug recommendations but also there with a net when you need it? We can accommodate all skill levels on our dry fly only trips. We can explain how, what and where to fish something that doesn't look like a dodgeball at the top of your leader :) *The location of this trip will be decided by the guide based on the quality of dry fly fishing on his last few trips. Montana fishing at its finest.
Variety is the spice of life, right? Well, that's where our 3 Rivers in 3 Days comes in because that's exactly what you'll be doing, fishing three different rivers in three days! With ... moreour choice of 4 world class Montana rivers, our guides will know what rivers to fish on which days to maximize your chances for success. Don't blink, you might miss something!
The Mother Madison has many different faces on its floatable and fishable stretch, starting at Lyons bridge where the river runs its way through pine trees towering above the banks, ... moreis fast and boulder strewn and as you approach your takeout you have fished possibly the most scenic float on the river. Once past Mcatee bridge, the water starts to widen and shallow up a bit as you reach the valley floor. A few miles past Mcatee you will Reach the "Cameron Flats" where you lose the trees and vegetation and feel like an ant surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges. These flats run until you get a mile from Varney bridge, then you hit the "miracle mile" nuff said. The river from Varney to town ends in maze of twists and turns, full of deep holes and cottonwood covered banks. This stretch holds the biggest fish in the river. You wanna see it all? You can!! Montana Fly Fishing Trips will take you down all 30+ miles of floatable and fishable water that the Madison offers in just three days. Different sections offer different insects to match, different techniques and a chance to learn how to fish many different types of water. THIS is how you learn the Madison river.
This is our 2-3 day, personalized introduction to fly fishing. You will learn knots, fly selection, how to find where the fish are and soooo much more. Our guides have been fishing ... moreall of their lives, they know what they're doing and are excited to share that knowledge with you! We offer this on the water, individualized, class in two and three day sessions. Besides another great day of fishing in Montana, booking the three day intro will give you a chance to: ask more questions as you learn more and start knowing what questions to ask, see more of a variety of water and better learn to adjust your fishing to different situations, get a better understanding of bug life (entemology) and what part that plays in your fishing plans, as well as more intricate fishing knowledge from one of our professional and experienced guides. The rivers you learn this wonderful sport will be determined by the guide and where he/she thinks you will be most successful. However, if there is a certain river (i.e the Madison) you would like to spend some time on, let us know and we are happy to accommodate.
The what? Yah, it's not the Madison or other rivers in Montana that you read about every other week. Good. The Jefferson River isn't an easy fishery unless you really know it. The ... morefish aren't always jumping in the boat but if you wanna try something new and a little different, you may be rewarded...
If you don't like dirt roads, small rivers and big trout, then this is not the river for you! Located in the heart of the Ruby valley and just outside the town of Alder, Montana, the ... morearea is brimming with history and rustic charm. The Ruby is a river you hear a lot about but don't get many specifics. And, that's the way the locals like it. That's where MFFT comes in--we know which turns to make, which flies to fish and which bridges are public and where all those Rocky Mountain jewels, that we call trout, live and play.
If you're a fisherman and you haven't heard of the Yellowstone River, take out your earplugs! Big, deep and beautiful, your going to wish you had a paintbrush and an easel on this ... morefloat. The only undammed river in the lower 48, the Yellowstone is a truly wild river as it courses from the Absaroka mountains of Wyoming almost 700 miles to North Dakota, where it meets and joins the mighty Missouri near Three Forks, Montana. This is an awesome river and if you want to catch some fish, the Yellowstone's healthy population of trout and whitefish can help you achieve that goal. However, if you don't mind throwing big ugly streamers until your arm falls off, you may just hook that trout your grandpa used to tell you about...
When it comes to fly fishing, the Madison River is on the top of most people's list and its hard to beat the fun and excitement you'll have with the team at Montana Fly Fishing Trips. ... moreWith thousands of floats under our belts on the Madison River alone, Montana Fly Fishing Trips has the experience and know-how to not only increase your chances of success but also to make your fly fishing adventure an unforgettable experience.
There's a reason Montana Fly Fishing Trips has chosen to make Ennis, Montana and the Madison River it's home. With 3,000 - 4,500 fish per mile, unbelievable scenic views, and fresh air, the Madison River is an anglers dream. Appropriately nicknamed "the fifty mile riffle" because of its consistent depth and speed, the Madison is ideal for float fishing as you can just follow your drift for about as long as you want. However, there are also a few stretches more easily fished by foot and designated wade fishing only and that can be a lot of fun! With abundant aquatic insects, as well as a robust baitfish population, this is a VERY healthy river. Floating, wading, dries, nymphs, streamers--whatever your pleasure, the Madison River and Montana Fly Fishing Trips is sure to please!
Great instruction, incredible fishing, beautiful scenery. It really doesn't get much better than this. Book today with Montana Fly Fishing Trips and see for yourself!!
Fishing turned out to be super fun with my friend Julia. We did Palisades to McAtee bridge to stay in front of the windy point traffic and behind the Ruby Creek crowd. I had her start ... morewith a half downed hopper and a flying ant. We never took 'em off. Whether they were eating the half downed for a moth or a hopper, I don't know. Since there weren't too many pine tree's around and they started eating it more regularly in the afternoon, it makes me think that they were eating the half downed hopper as a moth in the morning and a hopper in the afternoon. Red flying ant caught fish all day. Saw smaller black naturals but felt no need to switch. Fished dries, stayed out of the crowds, beautiful day--wonderful float. Thanks Julia
Date: Tuesday, 16 Aug, 2016
Fish Caught: 20 fish or more
The river hadn't been fishable for a week or two until yesterday. It cleared up a bit due to colder temps but will be getting big and dirty again here VERY soon. I think we'll be giving ... morethat one at least a month. :(
Date: Saturday, 16 Apr, 2016
Blown. May get a little clarity with colder temps last two days but not for long. At least three weeks, maybe four depending on weather
Date: Saturday, 16 Apr, 2016
(1)
Upper ruby is starting to run off. Lower ruby is fishing really well, lots of rainbows in the system! Bugs: streamers color is a key to the ruby this time of year; don't be scared ... moreto experiment with lots of colors and tie's, like sparkle minnows or jj cone heads. The ruby this time of year is a fundamental fishery in the sense that traditional flies are the hot ticket to success. Prince nymphs of different varieties, pheasant tails, worms, small girdle bugs, and hares ears! In the evening midges and BWO's and fish can be taken readily in the afternoon hours on these dry fly imitations.
Secret of the Week: Small Chubby Chernobyl!
Sent from my iPhone
Date: Wednesday, 13 Apr, 2016
(1)
Fishing was good!! We put in at Lyons (only car there!) about 9:30 and floated to the Ruby Creek boat ramp (appr. 12 miles). I whacked a few with a girdle bug and prince under the ... morebobber so I ensured I didn't go scoreless then took the sticks and let Art chuck his 6 inch monster streamers. We saw a little movement here and there on the streamer but not many actual "eats." Then, it warmed up that 1 extra degree that made them put there mouth on it. We moved fish consistently all day after the first hour. Arts best streamer was a lighter green, white flash, heavy headed streamer fished on an ARC medium sink tip line, WITH 6.5 ft. of 1x to his fly. I fished a gold, crystal flash, cone head, bugger/streamer concoction of Arts and never took it off. Since it was a single hook streamer I did trail a bead head 16-18 inches behind the streamer and caught fish on that, also. I never changed the bugger but I did change the bead below a few times. Good 'ol sz.16, bead headed Pheasant tail was my best trailer nymph. I fished a 7 ft leader to 2x with two bb split shot (I should have just used a 3/0). Even though we had much different setups we caught fish in the same places with the same techniques. We would give it an initial mend to sink it, bring the line tight, then short strips/tip twitches. They didn't seem to want to chase too far or too fast. A good portion of our fish were caught in the slow to medium slow back eddy/slicks along the bank. We did move quite a few fish in the "pillow", just upstream of a rock and a few twitching streamers next to the rock. Some chases and short bites in the slicks below the rocks but no real consistent action there. I know that nymphing has been good in the middle but they had no love for the streamer out there.
Tight lines,
Charles P.
Fish Caught: 20 fish or more
Decent success on a black rubber legs in size 6 with either pink San Juan worm or black zebra midge under a bobber. Finding most fish in deeper slower buckets and runs. Putting enough ... moreweight on to "check in" with the bottom occasionally.
The streamer fishing has really started to shine in the afternoon. Starting to see some fish chase pretty well. Not super hot streamer fishing but good enough to keep fisherman engaged. I've been a fan of olive sparkle minnow size 6 and sex dungeons. Fishing them slower earlier in the day and faster as the water warms up.
Saw a few fish rising to midges through the afternoon. Fishing Griffith Gnats and size 18 parachute Adams. They don't seem to be super selective if you can find some actively rising.
It's pretty good out there definitely worth going so bring some warm clothes and go for it.
Tight lines! Dirty Mike
Date: Tuesday, 5 Apr, 2016
(3)
As owner of Montana Fly Fishing Trips, I feel honored to be an Outfitter in Southwestern Montana and a member of the Ennis community. I was born in Billings, Mt and had a rod in my ... morehand, literally, as soon as I was born. I started fishing around the age of 13 in Colorado and moved back to Montana as soon as I learned to row a boat. I enrolled at Montana State and was lucky enough to be given a guiding position as soon as I arrived. When I first started out, I worked and rowed as hard as I could to make a name for myself. I do the same thing 15 years later, no longer to make a name for myself but to give my clients the trip that they deserve. Everyone has different expectations for their special float trip and I will do my best to ensure that we succeed in either meeting or exceeding those expectations...However, any day you can be floating down the river instead of sitting behind a desk is a successful day! Charles P.
Fishing...He can't stop; he won't stop. Art has been a fishing guide for over 10 years now and guiding has taken him to some incredible places: the wild bush of Alaska, the far reaches ... moreof Chile and all over the state of Montana. After living and guiding around various parts of the state (and the world) Art has chosen Southwest Montana to call his home...and there's a reason for that.
If Arts not fishing or guiding you can find him hunched over his fly tying table creating something that looks more like a small mammal than a fish! He loves to streamer fish and throw meat. However, Art is versatile and will make sure your day is incredible no matter what your approach to fishing might be. Arts love of guiding, combined with his love of Montana, ensures a great day on the water. He would love nothing more than to share his knowledge, love, and passion for the sport with you and will certainly make your Montana fishing adventure unforgettable!!!
"Dirty" Mike Elliot has been a licensed Montana fishing and hunting guide for nearly a decade, but his passion for fly fishing started way before that. He spent his childhood tying ... moreflies and exploring Northwest Montana on his pedal bike, fishing pole in hand. He has been in Ennis for a while now but continues to spend every day learning the ever changing Madison River. In the off season, Dirty Mike is either hunting elk, deer, antelope and bear or he's working on a ranch-spending his days with cows and his horse, "Lorie Darlin."
Graham has an overflowing passion for spending time in pursuit of piscatorial prey and is an accomplished guide on multiple rivers in Montana, especially the Madison, Jefferson and ... moreRuby rivers.
If you’re going to go fishing, whether on the ocean or a freshwater river or lake, you’re going to find that you could get a fish hook stuck in your skin.
Category: Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing for Beginners
Added Date: Tuesday, 1 Nov, 2016
You've had plans with your buddies for two weeks now, the weather is awesome, you’ve got a cooler full of beers, you remembered your license and you actually left as early as you ... morehad planned on, perfect!!! But, you show up to the boat ramp and realize EVERYBODY else had the same plan as you. Bummer.
Category: Fly Fishing, Planning, Insider
Added Date: Friday, 19 Aug, 2016
Ennis is about fifty miles from Bozeman, but if you’ve never been in a 1983 Chevy pickup navigating the winding, lonely highway that cuts through the dry foothills connecting these ... moretwo Montana towns, the drive seems a lot longer.
Category: Fly Fishing, Planning
Added Date: Monday, 18 Apr, 2016
Well, it's that time of the year, bugs are hatching, fish are eating and hopefully you've dusted off those waders. And, if you're trying to figure out which fly box to ... moregrab, you'll have to know what you're imitatating, so here's a quick guide to spring hatches that may help you out.
Category: Fly Fishing, Insider, Perfect Fishing Days
Added Date: Monday, 11 Apr, 2016
Tips for improving your catch when nymphing. It may not be simple, but following a few tidbits from an experienced angler can go a long way.
Category: Fly Fishing, Insider
Added Date: Thursday, 26 Nov, 2015
When planning a fishing trip, there are three things to consider: the weather, crowds and fishing. Ideally, most people want perfect weather, no crowds, and killer fishing. You also ... moreneed luck to get the perfect day of fly fishing. In Montana, we have three primary seasons for fly fishing, spring, summer and fall.
Category: Fly Fishing, Planning, Perfect Fishing Days
Added Date: Thursday, 26 Nov, 2015
Ennis is known for its fly fishing and majestic Montana scenery. It also boasts a wonderful atmosphere, making it a prime spot for vacations. For those of us who call it home, it's ... morealso a great place to catch a bite to eat.
Category: Planning, Lodging, Meals, and Fun
Added Date: Wednesday, 20 Jan, 2016
You have arrived in Ennis and are anxious to get fishing. Don't forget to get your fishing license before you go out on the water. Below is a list of companies in downtown Ennis ... morewhere you can get your fishing license.
Category: Fly Fishing, Planning
Added Date: Sunday, 15 Nov, 2015
Your perfect day in the gardens starts with a hearty breakfast at the Pharmacy located on Main Street. Order the Indian fried bread as a side. Try to get there about 8am and give yourself ... moreabout an hour. From breakfast to fishing it’s just a skip and a hop. Stop by Pic-a-nic Basket at 97 1st Street, Ennis Mt and get your bagged lunch.
Category: Fly Fishing, Planning, Perfect Fishing Days
Added Date: Friday, 13 Nov, 2015
We haven’t yet decided if Ennis is a fly fishing town with a drinking problem or a drinking town with a fly-fishing problem. Given that we have more fly shops than bars it must be ... morethe former. There are actually 4 fly shops in town.
Category: Fly Fishing, Planning
Added Date: Wednesday, 16 Dec, 2015
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