About 
Dear Friends,
Winter has arrived in the Trout Kingdom and the Town of Ennis has restored itself into the quiet cowboy town. The slow moving winter pace is in direct contrast to the busy summer bustling tourist fishing season.
We have been hard at work on some really big projects that are set to launch in the next month. Keep your eyes open and we will keep you posted.
With the show season and the destination angling season all but non-existent for us we are resigned to fish Montana more and complete overdue assignments. The weather in Ennis has been downright balmy and we could use some snow. If you know a good snow dance, start the music and shake that money maker. It will be fun especially with a few whiskey drinks. I promise.
Lots of folks are calling and booking their favorite guide for spring, summer and fall. If you have dates your thinking about give us a call and we will get you reserved. We have a feeling this will be a busy summer.
Lots of encouraging things going on right now even with the lack of daylight. Remember daylight is building every day. Hope is on the horizon.
We look forward to welcoming back all of our out of state guests this next summer. We look forward to seeing you in the Cultural Epicenter of Trout.


We are here to help.

 Good Fishing and God Bless,
John Way
Hiring for the 2021 Fishing Season
Have you or someone you know always wanted to work at a fly shop in Montana? The Madison River Tackle Shop is looking for multiple qualified people to join our team. Both seasonal and year round positions are available.
Positions Open:

Fly Shop Sales (Seasonal)

Fly Shop Supervisor (Year Round)

To apply email a cover letter and resume to manager@thetackleshop.com
Fish With Us In 2021
We are currently booking guide trips for the 2021 fishing season. Give us a call or check out our online booking system to make scheduling your trip as easy as possible. The best fishing trip of your life could be just a few clicks away.
Winter Fishing On the Madison
It is cold and snowy here in the trout capitol of the USA. During this time of year skiing and snowmobiling receive a lot more attention than standing in a freezing cold river. But what people don't know is that this can be one of the most productive times of the year to be out there. Cold water pushes trout into deep slow runs often found behind boulders and elbow bends. Fish stack up in places like these and pods can often be found in the hundreds. Fishing stonefly, midge, egg, and worm patterns make nymphing an easy bet while the ambitious large trout could chase a streamer. However, during this time of year fish do not like to move a whole lot. So be prepared to change the depth of your rig often by adjusting your indicator and adding/removing split shot. On warmer days where there is no wind, fish can be found slurping midge clusters on the surface. Small Mating Midge and Griffith's Gnat patterns will get the job done in these circumstances. Patience is key when throwing dry flies this time of year. Again fish don't like to move much and when they do their eat's are extra slow. Waiting an extra half second on your hook set could be key. Another thing to be aware of is large chunks of ice that may have broken off upstream. These ice barges can prove dangerous especially if you aren't paying attention. Being aware on the river is even more important this time of year as any slip or fall could end up in a potentially hazardous situation. Bringing along an extra set of dry cold weather clothes and fishing with a partner is highly recommended if you choose to reap the benefits of winter fishing on the Madison river.

Important Dates in 2021
Planning a trip to Southwest Montana in 2021? Here are a few important dates you may want to plan around.

  • June 5th 2021 - The town of Ennis is bring back "Brew Fest". Breweries and Distilleries from all around the state will be setting up tasting booth's at the Lyon's Club Park. Enjoy a great day of fishing on the Madison and cap it off by tasting some of the best beer and spirits Montana has to offer.

  • July 3rd and 4th - The fourth of July is one of our favorite times of the year to be living in Ennis, MT. For one this is usually peak dry fly season and you can usually catch the last bit of the world famous "Salmonfly Hatch" Second, there are countless activities around town that don't revolve around fishing. The Ennis rodeo is a town favorite and normally draws a big crowd. Watch some real Montana cowboys and girls compete at the Ennis fairgrounds. Finally, the Fourth of July parade is a staple in Ennis. Floats from local businesses and organizations line the street. Seeing the entire community of the Madison Valley show it's support is one event you do not want to miss.

  • September 2nd-4th - The Ennis Fly-Fishing Festival will be held the 2nd-4th of September. Dealers such as Scientific Angler's, Costa, Orvis, Simms, Adipose and many more will be in Ennis to showcase their products. Speaker's such as Kelly Galloup will make presentations. Fly casting competitions for pro's, amateurs, and kids will be held. Join us in Ennis for this event you will not want to miss. For those wanting to plan a fishing trip around this event. The beginning of September is usually peak Grasshopper/Terrestrial time. This is a great time of year to be fishing as this is when we see some of the biggest fish of the year.
Visit Ennis Video

Take a quick look at a new video that highlights Ennis Montana and our great little town.

Spring Stay and Fish Special!
This is an all inclusive package that takes care of the fishing, the lodging, and some meals! Spring can be chilly or it can be warm, but the fishing can be hot!
During the pre-runoff window, we beat the crowds in March and April. Fish are starting to become active again after a long winter, creating for some exciting fishing.
Our spring package offer includes 2 Full Days Guided Floats and 3 Nights Lodging for 2 people at the McAllister Inn. This rate also includes a $200 Gift Card to the McAllister Steakhouse!
(March 1 - April 30)
In Case You Missed our 2020 Video


Did you fish with us in 2020? Leave us a review!
The Tackle Shop 
127 Main Street, P.O. Box 625, 
Ennis, MT 59729
(406) 682 4263