WATERS WE FISH
The Tackle Shop Fly Shop and Fishing Guides in Ennis, Montana
You’ll Fish Some of the Best Waters in the World
Montana’s waters draw people from all over the world for the premier fly fishing and the beautiful scenery. The Tackle Shop specializes in fishing the Madison River and Ennis Lake, but we also provide opportunities to fly fish throughout the state. We have bases of operation on the Missouri River and in the Missoula Area, and all waters are guaranteed to make your fly fishing adventure a memorable one.
WATERS WE FLOAT
Madison River
The Madison River is the most famous fly fishing river in the West and remains the gold standard by which all other western rivers are judged. While wading is possible on the Madison, you have easier fishing access to a greater variety of water by float fishing, making it the most popular way to fly fish the Madison. Join us for Madison River fly fishing to experience the best.
Ennis Lake
Ennis Lake stretches across the Madison River Valley and covers nearly 2,000 surface acres. The lake is shallow with a maximum depth of 20 feet and an average depth of eight feet. Most of the lake has habitat perfect for aquatic insect growth, resulting in great hatches and large trout. Fishing these “gulpers” can be done from the boat or wading.
Missoula River
The Missoula Area is a true gem in the fly fishing world with more than 400 miles of floatable water within an hour-and-half drive of town. Four main rivers run nearby: the Blackfoot River, the Bitterroot River, the Clark Fork River and Rock Creek, each having its own character making for pristine fishing from both a boat and wading.
Missouri River
The Missouri River below Holter Dam has been called the world’s largest spring creek and is the most famous section of the Missouri. Holter Dam releases consistent flows from the bottom of the lake year-round creating an environment of ideal trout habitat. The best method for fishing the large river is by drift boat.
Beaverhead River
Below Clark Canyon Dam, the Beaverhead River becomes a tailwater river and holds the largest concentration of large brown trout per mile than anywhere in Montana. The banks are lined with willows making casting difficult, so floating is the best option. Be careful wading the Beaverhead as the area is known for its large concentration of rattlesnakes.
Big Hole River
The Big Hole River is a large freestone river that rises from the small streams and springs in the Upper Big Hole Valley. The Big Hole is known for its cottonwood-lined banks and large braided sections. Float fishing on the river can be excellent, though floaters need to pay attention to the dangers of trees blocking the path of the river.
Jefferson River
The Jefferson River is the largest of the three forks of the Missouri River with the mouth located near Twin Bridges. The structure of the Jefferson is a large riffle-pool with frequent armored banks. Despite summer dewatering for agricultural irrigation, the Jefferson will sometimes shine on cooler summer days.