Honored to Be Named Orvis 2026 Outfitter of the Year
Every once in a while something happens that makes you stop, look around, and just appreciate where you are.
This is one of those moments.
We’re incredibly honored to share that The Tackle Shop has been named the Orvis 2026 Outfitter of the Year.
👉 Read the official announcement from Orvis
What This Really Means to Us
Awards are nice—no doubt about it—but this one means something a little different.
The Orvis Outfitter of the Year isn’t just handed out. It’s built on customer feedback, reviews, and real experiences on the water. It reflects what anglers say after the trip is over—when the rods are put away, the waders are drying out, and the stories start getting told.
That’s what makes this special.
It means that the people who fish with us—whether it’s their first time holding a fly rod or their hundredth day on the Madison—felt taken care of.
And that’s always been the goal.
A Reflection of Our Guides
If you’ve spent any time around our shop or on the river, you know this isn’t about one person.
Our guides are the backbone of everything we do. Many of them have been with us for decades, and they bring not just knowledge of the river, but a steady, patient approach that makes people feel comfortable no matter their skill level.
They’re the ones:
- Teaching a first-time angler how to cast
- Adjusting flies when conditions change
- Sharing quiet advice that turns into unforgettable moments
This award belongs to them as much as anyone.
Built Over Time
The Tackle Shop has been part of Ennis, Montana for over 80 years, and that kind of history doesn’t happen overnight.
It’s built day by day—trip by trip—by focusing on doing things the right way:
- Putting clients first
- Keeping safety a priority
- Staying consistent, even when conditions aren’t
We’ve seen a lot of seasons come and go on the Madison River, and through it all, the goal hasn’t changed.
Thank You to Our Clients
To everyone who has fished with us—thank you.
Whether you’ve been coming here for years or just spent a single day on the river with one of our guides, you’re the reason this recognition exists. Your feedback, your reviews, and your trust in us are what made this possible.
We don’t take that lightly.
Looking Ahead
Awards are a great reminder, but they don’t change how we approach tomorrow.
We’ll still be here early in the morning, checking flows, rigging rods, and getting ready for another day on the water. The same way we always have.
If anything, this just reinforces what we already believe:
Do right by people, and the rest takes care of itself.
Come Fish With Us
If you’ve been thinking about fishing the Madison River or exploring Ennis fly fishing, we’d love to have you join us.
🎣 Book your guided fly fishing trip with The Tackle Shop ➔
Come see what this place—and this river—is all about.
