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Mid Summer Fly Fishing Update

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Dear Friends,
Mid-summer is here, Ennis and the Madison Valley are busy and the living is easy.   With the good snow pack from this winter the Madison River still has plenty of water in it, fish are looking at dry flies and the weather can’t be beat.  
 
Beautiful sunsets are a daily occurrence and the Town of Ennis has it summer buzz in full speed ahead.   Lots going on and to do for residents and visitors alike.   
 
Lots of good stuff happening right now.       

Fish Belize with Us this Winter!
 
  
 
With the warm weather of summer right now it is easy to forget that winter is a cruel mistress and she is on the way.   If the thought of a long cold winter up north sends chills through your bones maybe a mid-winter trip to the tropics of Belize to fish for Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish is just what the doctor ordered.  We will be hosting trips again this winter to the fabulous El Pescador lodge in San Pedro, Belize.  Planning a winter trip with lots of fun in the sun is the sure fire way to beat winter.  If your interested in joining our great group of adventurers give us a call. 
 
We are hosting two weeks this winter.  
February 1-8, 2018
February  8-16, 2018
Standard package with shared room and 5 days of guided fishing $4310 all inclusive.

Ennis Fly Fishing Festival 2017?
  
 
A mainstay for fisherman who love Ennis, the Labor Day Fly Fishing Festival has been cancelled.   The Madison River Foundation who has hosted this festival for the past 12 years decided as of July 15 that they will no longer host this event due to the loss of their Executive Director and large changes of the Board of Directors. The Chamber of Commerce in Ennis is discussing hosting this event for 2018
 
This is a huge hit for fly fisherman, the business community and Ennis in general.  Not to worry, a small group of businesses, The Tackle Shop and Bill Mercer RE/MAX Mountain Properties, have decided to jump in to be the driving force and sponsor in hosting this event going forward.  
 
For 2017 we are planning a BBQ in Peter T’s Park on the evening of Friday September 1 open to all with music, kids games, some vendors, fly casting, and fun followed by The Costa Slam Fly Fishing movie festival at Madison Theatre .   The Madison River Foundation will raffle of their drift boat this evening and a great time will be had by all.  If you would like more information on our plans for this year, want to lend a hand or get a movie ticket for this awesome film please give John a call at The Tackle Shop 406-682-4263. 
 

Free Fly Fishing Information and Lessons
 
Fly fishing is a life long learning sport that we are continually improving our game.  If you are new to the area, just passing through or an old hand on the river check out our always fresh Madison River Fishing Reports before you head to the river.   You will learn what our guides are fishing each day and will prepare you for your own day on the water.   
 
Also take advantage of our FREE Fly Fishing 101 classes held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the store at 10:00 am.  This two hour class will get you started casting and on the road to success in this great sport.   If you already know how to cast and fish but are having trouble mastering a specific cast come on by and we can help.    
 
 

Hoppertunity?
Late summer and early fall mean one thing on the Madison River.  Fish key on terrestrials such as hoppers and ants.  Feeding fish large foam dry flies are the norm as they start to fatten up for fall.  Hoppertunity can be a great time to catch some really large fish on dry flies.

Great Gear for Hopper Fishing

$425.00
Recon fly rod
10′ 5 wt
This might possibly be the best Madison River Hopper Rod made.  It has the backbone with the added length to buck the wind with a large dry but the forgiveness not to break off a big fish on the first run.
$198.00

Hydros Reel
Want the perfect reel to pair with your new hopper rod the Recon?  The Hydros is it.  A great sealed drag system will hold any fish in the Madison.  It even comes in a great color to match the rod.  We love these reels.

 

Fishing Reports and Trips

  • Fishing Reports

  • Want to know the most up-to-date information to find where the fish are biting? The Tackle Shop Fishing Reports provide you with a comprehensive look at current water conditions, recent hatches and flow data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

  • View Reports

  • Float Trips

  • The Tackle Shop offers a range of full-day and half-day float trips in the Madison River Valley area. The trips are all-inclusive and cover files, rods, reels, waders and boots. Leave your worries behind and let us give you the fly fishing trip of a lifetime.

  • View Trips

  • Walk/Wade Trips

  • Enjoy one of our full-day or half-day walk and wade trips for a more immersive, slower-paced fly fishing experience. The Tackle Shop will cater to your individual needs so you are able to take in the sights and sounds of the best waters in Montana.

  • View Trips
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