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The Tackle Shop Fly Shop and Fishing Guides in Ennis, Montana

Drift Boat Launch

Muddy Water Madness on the Madison–Big Bugs on the Horizon

High and Muddy Madison River Currently and for the next few weeks the Madison River will continue to be high and muddy.  This statement is a little deceiving .  The river is not that high but just off colored. Normally we do not see this amount of color in the Madison.  This year the flows out of the Dam which are clear and clean and normally offset the muddy flows out of the creeks are significantly lower.  The powers that be are trying really hard to fill Hebgan Lake...

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April Snow Puts Snow Pack in the Green on the Madison River

April Snow has elevated the Madison River Snow Pack   You know the old saying.  "April Showers bring May Flowers"?  Here in the Madison River Drainage this year it should say.  "April Snow makes August a go".   Winter has come late to the Madison River but it showed up just in the nick of time. We are currently sitting at 95% of average on our Snow pack.   Just a month ago we were just over 70%. Keep doing the snow dance   For those...

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Nymph Fishing the Madison River

Nymph Fishing Big Rivers Like The Madison

Nymph Fishing Big Western Rivers like The Madison Nymphing Big “Scary” Western Rivers by Jim Bob Terry When it comes to fishing rivers like the Madison, the Missouri, the Yellowstone, and any other large Western rivers, nymphing from a stationary position (wading), it can be intimidating. Many spots you’ll fish feature long runs with limited wading and can require your best when it comes to casting and mending, others can just be tricky when it comes to spotting fishy water or fi...

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Mothers Day Caddis on River Bank

The 6 Best Flies for the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch on the Madison River

The Best Flies for the Mother's Day Caddis Hatch on the Madison River By Jim Bob Terry Mother’s Day Caddis Madness With spring unfolding on the Madison River  and May quickly approaching, dry fly anglers all across Southwestern Montana are eagerly awaiting the first signs of Mother’s Day Caddis. On the better years you’ll see swarms of these bugs appear right as the water temperatures hit the mid 50’s, with plenty of trout eager to chow down on them. Near Ennis, MT we typically see ...

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wayne and rainbow

5 Reasons Why April Might be the Best Month on the Madison River

5 Reasons why April Might be the Best Month on the Madison River     April might just be the perfect month to fly fish the Madison River.  This are coming together and April is the pinnacle of spring fly fishing.   It is the guides favorite month to fish and be on the water.  While we could come up with hundreds or reasons to go fishing in April here are a few to help you call in sick and go fishing on the next nice day.   The nasty winter weather has moderated.    ...

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Local Business Spotlight- Tavern 287

Tavern 287 Evolves the Downtown Ennis Food Scene Tavern 287 owned and operated by Bruce Eiting and his wife Kelly, opened its doors almost three years ago. Together, they have been cooking and baking their way into the belly's of many happy locals and tourists. With dishes like antelope bourguignon and bison meatloaf it is no question why Tavern 287 has become an area favorite. Bruce learned to cook at the Riverside club in Bozeman. His number one influence was a Persian chef by t...

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Spring

Ten Nymphs For Spring Fly Fishing in Montana

10 Nymphs for Spring Fly Fishing in Montana by James "Jim Bob" Terry The word alone arouses a little bit of hope in every angler that has endured a long winter. You begin to think about longer days, warmer weather, ice out on your favorite still water haunts, and of course warm summer days soon to come. Everyone has their “go to” spring time flies but here are ten of my favorite nymphs for Montana Fly Fishing in the spring…. Pat’s Rubber Leg (Size 4-12; green, black, co...

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Lower Madison in Winter

Avoiding cabin fever through the pursuit of trout

By Tackle Shop Guide James "Jim Bob" Terry As fall turns to winter, us Montana fly fishing anglers in the colder regions can get a bit restless. The months of dry dropper rigs and cold beer paired with hot days are long gone, and the ski-resort lifts are running full steam ahead. Many anglers turn to snow sports, tying flies, and baking home made bread… but why not just dawn an extra layer and go fishing? Here are some tips to help you stay on the water despite the season. Pick your ...

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Of Groundhogs and Tiger Kings, Fishing in February

February is here and there are a few interesting things about this.  First it is Groundhog Day.  Lets hope for at least a few more weeks of winter and that darn rodent did not see his shadow.  Or is it the other way.  Either way more snow please.   The second is that it is Lunar new year.   This year is the year of the tiger.  Lets hope it is not the tiger king.  Third February is the shortest month of the year. Fitting for a month about rodents, shado...

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Madison & Ennis Gallery

Here are some great images of the beautiful Madison Valley and Ennis.               ...

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