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Our Part of the World- Ennis, Montana
A Little About The Madison River Valley
The Madison River Valley is the definition of a western Rockies high mountain valley. Majestic mountains corralling one of the most famous fly fishing rivers in the world as it moves to its destination in the Gulf of Mexico. This large freestone river is home to thousands of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. The Valley has an agricultural based economy that has a rich tradition of cattle ranching that dates back to the late 1800's. Wildlife is abundant with the valley floor filling with big game during the winter and dispersing into the lush mountain meadows for the summer. In more recent years tourism has become an important part of the valley economy centered around the trout fishing on the Madison River and travelers heading to and from Yellowstone National Park.
In the North end of the Madison Valley lies the small community of Ennis. While Ennis is a small sleepy town in the winter with the locals and the occasional snowmobiling tourists, it jumps to life as the fishing season starts and is in full swing during the summer months. The motels, RV parks, and campgrounds are full, restaurants packed and the town is busy showing its western hospitality to the visitors.
Transportation
By Auto
Ennis straddles HWY 287 between the historic ghost town of Virginia City and Yellowstone National Park. For directions please go to our Contact Us page and find Google Maps.
Rental Cars are available at all airports and the cities of Bozeman, Butte, and West Yellowstone. Go to the Contact Us page for our address and a map to our shop.
By Air
There are commercial airports in Butte (75 miles), Bozeman (55 miles), and West Yellowstone 75 (miles). We have service by Delta, Alaska/Horizon, Allegiant Air, and United Air Lines. Check online for your best connections.
Following are links and information to our friends that will help you learn a more about the Madison River Valley
Lodging
Madison Valley Ranch
Just 3 miles outside of Ennis the Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge, Madison Valley Ranch awaits your stay.
Silvertip Lodge
Silvertip Lodge offers comfortable one-room cabins, some with kitchenettes, as well as a three-bedroom, two-bath house.
Fan Mountain Inn
Clean, comfortable, affordable accommodations. Plenty of parking.
El Western Motel
The El Western Motel captures the spirit of old west hospitality and style, but we rub off the rough edges with fluffy pillows and beautifully appointed log cabins
Apex Management
Apex Management offers excellent customer service for both the vacation and long term renter. They have a variety of properties to fit your price range and vacation needs and strive to match you with the property that will maximize your vacation experience.
Restaurants
Long Branch Saloon and Twenty Below Restaurant
A great place to grab a beer after a day on the water. They serve the best wood fired grilled steak in town.
The Gravel Bar and Banditos
Two restaurants in one, Banditos serves upscale meals in a luxury setting while the Gravel bar serves traditional American pub fare with a twist. A great place to grab a drink after getting off the river. Extremely popular with fishing guides.
The Sportsman Lodge
Charming and historical, Sportsmans Lodge was built in the 40's of lodge pole pines and offers the relaxed country atmosphere and hospitality that Big Sky Country is known for. The Sportsman's Lodge has a wonderful on-site restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week!
Continental Divide
Fine dining in Ennis? Who would have guessed? The Continental Divide can rival any New York or L.A. eatery. Great use of local ingredients.
Ennis Pharmacy and Yesterdays Restaurant
The hands down favorite for breakfast in Ennis. Unique old time soda fountain and restaurant, right across the street from the shop.
Madison Foods
Grocery store with full deli that makes the best fisherman's lunches in Ennis.
Organizations
Madison River Foundation
It is the mission of the Madison River Foundation to preserve, protect and enhance the Madison River ecosystem for the mutual benefit of wildlife and people who use it by employing professional expertise and advocating worthy public policy to ensure the future well-being of this valuable resource.
Ennis Chamber of Commerce
In the heart of the world's best fly-fishing country and just a bit off the beaten path to Yellowstone National Park, Ennis is a great vacation destination. Our businesses offer services with a "You Bet!" attitude and a western flavor.
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Buy your fishing license online. Also available online are the full hunting and fishing regulations.
Guest Ranches
Centennial Guest Ranch
Comfortable cabins and guest ranch activities are available at the Centennial Guest Ranch, ten miles east of Ennis at the foot of the Madison Range.
Business
Twin Creek Ranch
At Twin Creek Ranch, you can expect luxurious lodging, excellent food, seasoned guides and dogs, and a top of the line wild pheasant hunting experience.
Orvis
Sporting Traditions Since 1856. Fine fishing tackle and clothing.
Boulder Boat Works
Makers of the worlds finest drift boat. We row these because they are the toughest, lightest, best looking, most comfortable boat on the water.
Clayton Paddie Photography
Clayton is one of our outstanding fishing guides and shop experts. He holds a BA in Photojournalism/Multimedia from the University of Montana and operates as a freelance photographer and outdoor writer in the off-season. A big thanks to Clayton for supplying us with much of the photography for our website. You can see more of his work and the services he provides at www.claytonpaddie.com.
Madison River Photo
Document your day on the river with the perfect photo of your float trip. Each evening the current day's photos will be available for viewing at The Tackle Shop. Come in a find yourself in the perfect memory.
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