Ennis Lake
Fishing Report for the Madison River 3-18-2025
Spring is the Thing March has arrived and we are in an massive tug of war. On one side Old Man Winter and the other Mamma Spring. Some days winter wins but the following day spring is victorious. Mamma spring will get stronger and win more days as the month rolls along. We are currently sitting at 97% of average for snow pack. This is a great start and we are sitting good. We still have several more months of snow building left but as we sit today we are in good shape. Lets keep these...
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Monofilament vs. Fluorocarbon Leader in Fly Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to fly fishing, choosing the right leader material can significantly impact your fishing success. Among the top contenders are monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision based on the conditions you're fishing in, the species you're targeting, and your personal preferences. Let’s take a deep dive into both of these popular leader types. Monofilament Leader: The...
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Spring Fishing is Coming—Time to Check Your Waders!
As the snow starts to melt and the rivers start calling, it’s that time of year when every fly fisherman starts thinking about the season ahead. The Madison River is calling, the Missouri River is prime for adventure, and spring fishing is just around the corner. But before you get your gear out and head to the water, there’s one important task you should tackle first: checking your waders. Nothing ruins a great day of fishing like getting wet, and there's no worse feeling than discov...
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A Day in the Life of a Guided Fly Fishing Trip with The Tackle Shop
When you book a guided fly fishing trip with The Tackle Shop in Ennis, Montana, you’re signing up for much more than just a day on the water. You’re committing to a comprehensive, unforgettable experience with expert guides who have decades of knowledge about the rivers and the best techniques for catching trophy trout. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, we ensure that your day will be both rewarding and relaxing. Early Morning Start: Gear Up and Head Out ...
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The Fly Guy
Overview Of My Job My Main Job here at The Tackle Shop is Flies, from doing some of the ordering of the flies, to getting them checked in and put out on the floor, labeling the flies correctly by name and size of the pattern and making sure all our patterns are organized here, or simply just putting them in the right backstock section. And the best part of all at the end of the season around November, COUNTING ALL THE FLIES IN THE SHOP. I am constantly working on organizing the flies here...
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Family-Friendly Fly Fishing: Enjoying August Adventures with Kids in Southwest Montana
August is a fantastic time for families to explore the great outdoors in Southwest Montana, and there's no better way to do that than by introducing your kids to the joys of fly fishing. At The Tackle Shop, we believe that fly fishing can be an incredibly rewarding experience for the whole family. From the thrill of catching a trout to the serene beauty of the Madison River, your family adventure starts here. Why Fly Fishing is Perfect for Families: Fly fishing is more than just...
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Techniques For Success On The Eve Of The Salmonfly Hatch
“The Before Party” By: James “Jimbob” Terry As we enter the second half of June here in Ennis, Montana; we prepare for invasion. They will be here soon. They can’t be stopped. They are known for choosing favorable weather to invade. They will cover land, air, and sea in overwhelming numbers… Lucky for us, it is June of 2024 not 1944 and “They” are Salmon flies baby! “Pteronarcys California”, “Giant Salmonfly”, “The Big Bugs”… whatever you like to call them, ...
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Fish are Friends, Not Fodder
Keeping catch and release fishing as ethical as possible! By Guide: James “Jimbob” Terry “Game fish are too valuable to be caught only once” -Lee Wulff Wether we like it or not, fly fishing can be a blood sport. As gentle as we may try to be when handling our fishy friends, occasionally one just doesn’t survive the catch and release process. It happens to the best of us, and I think (hope) that Saint Peter will still let us into heaven despite it… That said, it...
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Gear Up and Get Outdoors: What to Pack for Your Ennis Fly Fishing Adventure
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and serenity of Ennis, Montana, while experiencing world-class fly fishing on the iconic Madison River ? As you prepare for your guided fly fishing excursion with The Tackle Shop, ensuring you have the right gear is essential for a successful and enjoyable day on the water. In this comprehensive packing guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to pack for your Ennis fly fishing adventure. Clothing Essentials: Layere...
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Check Your FLY Line While There’s Still Time
Check Your FLY Line While There’s Still Time By Guide James “Jimbob” Terry Here at The Tackle Shop, we like our dry flies. A quick scan of our fly bins will show you where our hearts are. Luckily here In Southwest Montana, we have seemingly endless dry fly-fishing opportunities and hatches with the options getting vaster as we steam into summer. We’ve already had some great sessions down on the lower river fishing the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch, with a variety of mayflies and baetis...
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