The Tackle Shop – Our History
The Tackle Shop Fly Shop and Fishing Guides in Ennis, Montana
Serving Ennis For Over 84 Years
The Tackle Shop has a rich history of Ennis, Montana, the Madison River and fly fishing dating back to Elwood Combs in 1937. The identifying fly on the building first appeared in the ’60s and has become a landmark on Main Street ever since. The Tackle Shop was awarded the Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year award in 2001, 2017 and again in 2026. Today, the expansive outfitting expertise of owner John Way has allowed The Tackle Shop to venture across Montana and include guided fly fishing on the best waters Montana has to offer.
01
Love of Fly Fishing
Elwood Combs was a mechanic with a love of fly fishing the Madison River. In 1937, Elwood gave into his love and began tying and selling flies at the current location of The Tackle Shop. Elwood was one of the first outfitters to bring the “Mackenzie River” style drift boat to the Madison River Valley and manufactured boats modeled after the McKenzie River drift boats produced by Keith Steele of Oregon.
02
All in the Family
The Morgan family moved from Hollywood, California, to Ennis to run the El Western Motel and Fishing Resort in 1945. In 1958, Jerry purchased The Tackle Shop from Elwood Combs and sold it to his brother, Tom, in 1961. Three years later, Tom had an opportunity to follow his passion and today he continues to craft the finest custom fly rods available with his new company, Tom Morgan Rodsmiths.
03
Down the Line
In 1964, Tom Williams followed Tom Morgan in ownership. Since that time, the ownership progression has consisted of Ed Curnow (1973-83), Ray and Laurie Killian (1983-91), the Combs family (1991-2006, no relation to Elwood Combs), Jeff Borsuk (2006-10) and Gary Wood (2010-11). Current owner John Way has owned The Tackle Shop since 2011 and carries on the traditions that started long ago.
