Exploring the Madison: Contrasting the Lower Madison vs. Upper Madison
By. Shop Manager Riley Smith Introduction- Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana lies the legendary Madison River, a must river for fly fishing anglers seeking adventure and beauty. As you prepare to embark on your angling journey, you're faced with a difficult decision: Should you cast your line into the waters of the Lower Madison, which is Madison water located below Ennis Lake, or tackle the 55-mile-long riffle of the Upper Madison which is any Madison water l...
Read More
What to Bring When Fly Fishing the Madison River in the Winter Months
By. Kade Klubertanz, Shop Employee Fly fishing on the Madison River in January is a unique and rewarding experience, but it requires special preparation. The cold, often harsh conditions can make a great day on the water a little more challenging, but with the right gear and mindset, it can also be incredibly rewarding. The Madison River, located in Montana, is known for its big trout and beautiful surroundings, but fishing in the winter months brings a different set of consid...
Read More
Review of the Grunden’s Vector Wader
By Riley Smith, Manager of The Tackle Shop, Ennis Montana If you're serious about your fishing gear, then you know how important it is to have a reliable pair of waders. After spending years working with all kinds of fishing equipment here at The Tackle Shop in Ennis, Montana, I can say with confidence that the Grundéns Vector Wader stands out as one of the best options on the market for serious anglers. As the manager of this shop and someone who’s been an angler for fourteen ye...
Read More
Gear Review: Helios Fly Rod
Our shop manager Riley puts Orvis's flagship rod through its paces on the Madison and delivers his verdict on why this might be the perfect Montana trout rod. asked in the fly shop every day. Are they here yet? The short answer is yes you can get some good salmon fly fishing on the Madison River. The bulk of the hatch has not gotten going as of yet. There are bugs scattered mostly lower river below varney. The fish are looking at the adults some what. K...
Read More
Spring Season in Full Swing
The Madison is fishing exceptionally well right now with hungry trout, cold water, and perfect weather making this spring truly special. Blue Wing Olive hatches are bringing fish to the surface daily. asked in the fly shop every day. Are they here yet? The short answer is yes you can get some good salmon fly fishing on the Madison River. The bulk of the hatch has not gotten going as of yet. There are bugs scattered mostly lower river below varney. The fish ar...
Read More
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...
Read More
Exploring Ennis’ Rich History: Museums, Historic Sites, and Local Culture
Nestled in the picturesque Madison Valley of Montana, Ennis beckons visitors with its blend of natural beauty and rich historical heritage. As you wander through this quaint town, it's impossible not to feel the echoes of its pioneer past resonating through the streets and landmarks. Let's embark on a journey to uncover Ennis' historical charm, from its museums and historic sites to its vibrant local culture. Madison Valley History Museum A cornerstone of Ennis' historical narrative, the Mad...
Read More
The Beaverhead River in June
Fishing the Beaverhead River in June By: James “Jimbob” Terry The Beaverhead River is one of the most unique rivers I’ve ever fished and over the past 5 or so years it’s also become one of my favorites. Us Tackle Shop guides especially love it in June when our options become limited due to high water. Being a true tailwater, the Beaverhead doesn’t experience runoff in the sense that many other western rivers do, it also happens to fish damn good in June, so there’s that… ...
Read More
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, ...
Read More
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...
Read More