Fly Fishing,    Lodging, Meals, and Fun

Ennis Montana on the Fourth of July

By Eric Shores 2/2/2016 5 minutes

Ennis is a great place to spend the Fourth of July, offering a taste of “real” American culture. The town is hopping around Independence Day, the food is good, and the atmosphere is friendly.


Ennis 4th of July Parade and Rodeo

A population of nine hundred triples for the mid-summer weekend. On the 4th itself, Main street is closed off, all traffic is stopped for two hours and a grand parade rolls through town. The whole of Main street is standing room only for this annual event.

Cowboys, lines of impeccably trained horses, some finely dressed cowgirls, kid’s cars, and floats highlight the festivities, and the Madison River Fishing company even serves free Bloody Mary’s for the entirety of the event.

Read More Top Fly Fishing Bars in Ennis Montana

Buckin' Broncos and Partying Like a Rock Star

The annual rodeo is the next main attraction, starting the night of the third and ending on the afternoon of the 4th.  Brush off your cowboy hat.  You don’t want to miss this real slice of the American West.  You'll get a hearty dose of calf roping, bronco riding, and steer wrestling. “The works.” You definently want to check out the Rodeo, especially if you have never been to one. 

Between round one and round two of the rodeo, the whole town throws a party, and you don't want to miss it! People come from miles around to check it out. The Gravel Bar usually has a good band, and the street is closed off. Bring your dancing shoes and a cowboy hat, because the town is going to rock.

Capping it All Off Fly Fishing on the Madison River

By the time it's over and you've partied like a rock star all night, you'll get going the next morning with a greasy breakfast and start looking for the other things to do in Ennis. Just then you'll realize the Salmonfly Hatch is in full swing on the Madison river
 

Are you kidding? All this, and fishing size two dry flies to hungry trout? “I love this place!”

If you are coming to Ennis to get away from people, then the 4th of July is probably not the time for you, but if you are into nonstop action of all different varieties, ya gotta come check it out!

Destinations
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This is a small town with a big heart, a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Located near the fish-filled Madison River, and surrounded by the waters of Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Hebgen ... moreLake, Quake Lake, Henry’s Lake, the Big Hole River and scores of smaller streams, the town boasts what many consider the best trout fishing in the world. As well known for its wranglers as its anglers, Ennis has succeeded in maintaining the look and feel of its original, gold town roots. Warm and hospitable, the area offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from simple campsites, rustic motels and gracious hotels, to full-service, luxury resorts. Fly shops are numerous, stocked by local experts ready to advise and assist, while guides can be booked for trips throughout the area.

Boredom is the only thing unavailable in Ennis. Throughout the summer season the city hosts a series of events, including its renowned 4th of July Celebration Parade and a genuine, old-fashioned rodeo. In August, fly-fishing luminaries from around the US, flock to Montana to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Athletes also find their way to Ennis to compete in the city’s Madison Trifecta, two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America. For the true sportsman, October falls in with the annual Hunter’s Feed. What’s caught, typically elk, moose deer, pheasant and bobcat, gets cooked on the streets and served up to hungry spectators.

Flanked by three grand mountain ranges, The Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison, Ennis is scenic and entertaining – truly an authentic, fly fisher’s haven.
Fishing Waters
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The Madison River is arguably one of the best trout fishing rivers in all of southwest Montana, if not the entire world! It’s certainly the most talked over, written up and frequented ... morein the state of Montana – which is considered by some the capital of fly fishing. Anglers will find plenty of great access sites to wade or float along the Madison’s banks and reservoirs (including Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake). Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream.

The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. Within the Park, fishing rules apply: no live bait and catch and release only. Once outside the Park the river meanders past working ranches, stately conifer forests and cottonwood lined banks, interrupted by riffles and quiet runs that contain large rainbow and trophy brown trout. Flowing alongside Yellowstone’s West entrance road, the river enters Hebgen Lake, created by Hebgen dam, until it reaches Quake Lake, a bit downstream from the dam. At this point the river is commonly called either the Upper Madison or the Lower Madison, although in fact, they are one and the same.

Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake
Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. For the next 53 miles, often referred to as the 50 Mile Riffle, the cold river runs north and the fish jump high. Annual runs of spawning trout make their way from Hebgen Lake, rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall. Known the world over for its “hard fighting” trout, it’s not unusual to pull a 25” brown from these upper waters. In deference to the purists and fly-fishing enthusiasts, it’s wading only from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge. Boats may be used to access the river, but if you’re going to fish, your feet must be on the riverbed. Fortunately, the Hebgen Dam releases water throughout the year, leveling its flows and relieving it of spring runoff issues and summer shrinkage.

Lower Madison – Ennis Lakes to Three Forks
A short section of the river between Ennis Dam and the power station maintains relatively low water levels and provides wonderful opportunities for wading. Past the power station the river regains its muscle and for 7 miles winds through Bear Trap Canyon. Hiking trails offer the only entry, great for those that like to walk and seek the solitude of a designated wilderness area. Floating is permitted but requires a lengthy shuttle and the ability to work through Class III-IV whitewater. Once out of the canyon the river flows in shallow riffles until it reaches Three Forks and joins the Missouri. From Warm Springs to Greycliff, the river is easily accessible for drifters and wading.
Trips
$
500
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
Are you sick of throwing bobbers and wanna try something new? Already throw dry flies but would like to hone your skills? Pretty darn good just want to be pointed in the right direction ... moreand given some bug recommendations but also there with a net when you need it? We can accommodate all skill levels on our dry fly only trips. We can explain how, what and where to fish something that doesn't look like a dodgeball at the top of your leader :) *The location of this trip will be decided by the guide based on the quality of dry fly fishing on his last few trips. Montana fishing at its finest.
$
1,075
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
3 days
Experience the Madison River Like Never Before Learn the best spots on the Madison River with 3 great fishing days with Red Mountain Adventures. Eric Shores, with over 35 years of ... moreexperiencing guiding on the Madison River will take you down a journey of the best places to fish.

The journey starts on the Upper Madison River on a guided float trip covering about 8-11 miles of premier fly fishing water. The following day includes a recipe (location flies, and technique) on a do it yourself wade location near the fly fishing town of Ennis. The third day moves you on to where the Madison River dumps into Ennis Lake for a full float day stalking the giants.

Note: The order or location may change based on where the best spots are at the time.
$
550
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
A full day float trip on Ennis Lake is a great experience. Ennis Lake offers very diverse opportunities for great trout fishing. Countless tactics and approaches work for wade and ... morefloat fishing Ennis Lake. Montana Fish Man can help unlock the Ennis Lake secrets and give you the angling tools for future success. This is a great summer season option for beginners and expert anglers alike. Fly fishing and light tackle spin fishing. For one or two people.
Outfitters
Located in Ennis, Montana we offer guided fly fishing and spin fishing float trips on the Madison River. We are a fully licensed outfitter by the state of Montana. Although fly fishing ... morethe Madison River is the primary river charter, we can customize guided fly fishing and spin fishing float and wade trips to many of the waters around the Ennis, Montana area. Next time you are fishing the Madison River or visiting Ennis, Montana let Montana Fish Man Outfitting be your guide.

Ennis, Montana makes the perfect place to stage your fly fishing adventure from. Ennis, Montana is unique in that it is a small friendly mountain town that includes everything the visiting angler and vacationing family could need to make for a great trip. Ennis is located within driving distance of an international airport located in Bozeman, Montana. Being in Ennis, Montana offers some peace and quite and quick access to the Madison River as well as many of the other great south western Montana rivers and streams. Yellowstone National Park west entrance is located just 72 miles south of town and most of the drive takes one along much of the upper Madison River. There are numerous state parks including Lewis and Clark Caverns and that are great for the family and a nice way to spend a day off from the river. Ennis, Montana also puts you close to the Missouri Headwaters State Park, the beginning of the mighty Missouri River. There are numerous hiking trails and driving tours that offer the chance at seeing the abundant wildlife that inhabits the Madison Valley, all within reach of the great town of Ennis, Montana. Contact Us for more information. Montana Fish Man can help with planning your next trip to Montana.
Guides:
Type:
Fishing

AuthorPicture

Eric Shores

Eric Shores has been guiding clients on Montana Rivers for over 32 years. He's as wily as any old brown trout when it comes to getting his clients on to fish and his stories will entertain you along the way. Many of our clients have become life long friends after a memorable day on the water with Eric.

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