Unlocking the Mysteries of Permit Fly Fishing in Belize
Welcome, fellow anglers, to the world of Permit fly fishing—a pursuit that combines skill, patience, and a touch of mystery. Today, we invite you to join us on a journey to the pristine flats of Belize, where the pursuit of Permit takes on a whole new level of excitement and challenge. The Allure of Permit Fishing What is it about Permit fishing that captivates the hearts of anglers worldwide? Perhaps it's the elusive nature of this silver ghost, known for its wariness and selective feeding...
Read More
Mastering the Art of Matching the Hatch: Mother’s Day Caddis Edition
The Mothers Day Caddis Might Just be the Madison Best Hatch As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, fly fishermen eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring and the emergence of one of nature's most captivating events: the Mother's Day Caddis hatch on the Madison River. For anglers seeking to capitalize on this seasonal bounty, mastering the art of matching the hatch is paramount. In this guide, we'll delve into the significance of matching the hatch during the Mother's ...
Read More
Beyond the Fly: Wildlife Encounters Along the Madison River
The Madison is More than Just a Fly Fishing River Embarking on a fly fishing adventure along the Madison River isn't just about hooking trout—it's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wildlife that calls SouthWest Montana home. From majestic bald eagles soaring overhead to playful otters frolicking in the shallows, the Madison River offers wildlife encounters waiting to be discovered. Spend a day with one of our guides and explore the wildlife that...
Read More
New Fishing Regulations on the Madison River
New Fishing Regulations on the Madison River Among a list of revisions to the Montana Fishing Regulations starting in the 2024/2025 season is a new set of rules on the upper Madison River, specifically from Varney Bridge to Ennis Lake. These rules specially pertain to hooks. Anglers are now required to fish barbless, single pointed hooks. This was changed last fall by the Fish and Game Commission and went into effect the first of the year. The rational is that single point hooks bar...
Read More
Spring in Ennis
Is This Spring? Well the calendar says spring and it is officially the end of April so we should be in spring but really it is 3rd winter. We have seen a winter for the ages. There was snow in my back yard that melted this week that fell October 22. Unheard of for Ennis. With all this cold and snow this winter what is the outlook for spring and beyond on the Madison River? We are seeing some good fishing right now as the river wakes up. Snow banks some as deep as 6 ft...
Read More
A Few Things to Look Forward to for the 2023 Fly Fishing Season
A Few Things To Look Forward To by Jim Bob Terry As I’m sitting here in The Tackle Shop on April 15h I’m also daydreaming of and looking forward to some great dry fly fishing soon to come. While we’re still a ways out from throwing big Salmonfly patterns or drifting hoppers against the bank, we’re very near some of my favorite early season hatches. Blue Winged Olives After a long winter of squinting at midge dries, Blue Winged Olives are a welcome sight. Abbreviated...
Read More
Fishing Report for the Madison River 4-7
Nice Spring Weather on the Way for the Madison Spring is finally on the way here in the Madison Valley. Today it is over 50 and a string of nice days is in the forecast. This means only one thing. Good spring fishing is on the horizon. Get it now while we have some spring. Who knows what next week will bring. We are currently sitting at 127% of average snow pack so we should have good water all summer along with the lakes should be completely full. Right now they are running the river at ...
Read More
Aquatic Invasive Species in Montana
AIS In Montana And The Laziness Of Mankind by guide Jim Bob A recent report published by Montana F.W.P showed 10 new detections of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in 10 separate bodies of water across Montana in 2022. AIS such as New Zealand Mud Snails, Flowering Rush, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Curlyleaf Pondweed, and Fragrant Waterlily were all found. I’m not going to name bodies of water due to some of these spots being sensitive, secret, and cherished but these spots range from Bozem...
Read More
Fishing Alone in the Crowded West
Fishing Alone In The “Crowded” West By Jim Bob Terry Spend more than an hour in the local watering hole of any popular fishery and soon enough you’ll hear something to the extent of “this river is too damn crowded” from a visiting angler. While he or she might be right that the more popular access points on the more popular rivers were probably full of vehicles, their sentiment that the area is overrun comes from a lack of creativity, curiosity and quite frankly, ambition. I happen...
Read More
The What, When, and How of booking your fishing trip
The What, When, and How of booking your fishing trip By Jim Bob Terry Going out with a Montana Fly Fishing guide is pretty great…. It can take the confusion out of new water, solve the “no boat” problem, take the legwork out of the day, and even grow your list of bad jokes. Overall, booking with an outfitter or lodge should make your trip a care and stress-free deal, but there are a few things to do on your end to ensure this. Let’s talk What, When, How…… What It is vital...
Read More