We haven’t yet decided if Ennis is a fly fishing town with a drinking problem or a drinking town with a fly-fishing problem. Given that we have more fly shops than bars it must be the former. There are actually 4 fly shops in town.
Madison River Fishing Company
109 Main Street, Ennis, Montana
800.227.7127
Trout stalkers
301 East Main Sreet, Ennis, Montana
406.682.5150
The Tackle Shop
127 Main Sreet, Ennis, Montana
800.808.2832
Rainbow Valley Lodge
4781 US Highway 287 North, Ennis Montana
800.452.8254
A fly shop is a place where you go to get gear flies, tippet and other fishing gear but if you are not with a guide the most valuable thing available at the fly shop is information. Catching trout is an information game. The where, when, and how of catching trout is fluid. It's always changing. Let these guys know what your skill level and fishing preferences are. These guys live fishing and have their finger on the pulse. They'll have the latest scoop on the Madison river fishing report and conditions for surrounding areas.
My place of residence is the Madison River Fishing Company. This shop is gear paradise. Along with a huge selection of flies, they also carry a full selection of fly tying materials for those of you who like to invent on the run. Madison River Fishing Company also carries all the main fly fishing brands from Simms to Patagonia. Best of all, they have good info and good coffee.
My other favorite hangout is Trout Stalkers down at the other end of town (one block), located next to the Gravel Bar. Trout Stalkers focuses more on providing guides but has a spot on fly collection and lots of friendly faces and good information. It’s also a great place to swap a few stories and have an icy cold beer after a long day of fishing.
Photo: "44714 Ennis Tackle Shop" by Spend a Day Touring, LLC is licensed under CC BY 4.0