Fly Fishing,    Planning,    Lodging, Meals, and Fun

Stories and Brews in Ennis Montana

By Eric Shores 3/24/2016 5 minutes

Some people say Ennis is a drinking town with a fishing problem. Others say it's a fishing town with a drinking problem. Either way the addictions complement each other nicely. My wife who works for Willie’s distillery has a sticker on her boat that says it best: fishing in the morning - whiskey in the afternoon. Since fly fishing is an information sport, you’re always trying to adjust your program and keep your finger on the pulse. Should I go earlier or later? Should I change rivers? How’s the lake? Should I use 4x or 5x, strip or dead drift? The possibilities are endless. 

So where do you get all this information?  One way is trial and error. You discover what doesn’t work, and cross that off the list.  Another way (and usually a lot faster) is talking to fellow anglers. And where does that happen? The bar, of course. If you want to know what's happening, meet some fellow anglers, have a few cold ones and swap a few lies.

Where to Find Fellow Anglers in Ennis

Ennis has 5 bars within striking distance. My personal favorite is the Gravel Bar in downtown Ennis. It's a fishing bar with a great, après fish atmosphere. Here you can grab a couple cold brews and some apps, while getting the low down on how everyone else did that day. Trout Stalkers is right next door, so once you get a sense of what's working, you can walk right next store and buy the right gear.

If you have one-too-many beers you can stay on for Southwest cuisine at Banditos, or grab a burger at the bar.  Should you hear music along the way, you can bet it's at the G-bar. Owner Scott Kelly loves music and loves to share it all summer long.  And, if it's a party you're looking for - well the G-bar is usually where it's at.

Willie's Distillery is right across the street. Because it is a distillery, not a bar, you are only allowed two drinks or two bottles. They make up for that by frequently hosting live music in the late afternoon. It's a small friendly atmosphere with a  couple of tables and big glass windows looking out over the production stills, an altogether great place for an evening cocktail and some good conversation.

Read More Where to Eat in Ennis Montana 

The Silver Dollar is also downtown and full of local color. This is the best, after-work spot to hangout if you want to meet the folk who call Ennis home, and who wouldn't want to meet them? After all, who knows more then they do about fishing the nearby waters! Just one door down from the Dollar, is the Long Branch Saloon. Here you can count on an older crowd, one that appreciates a  good steak house and a quiet whisky on the rocks with a couple of fishin' buds.

Sportsman’s Lodge sits up on the shady part of the hill. It's one of my favorite places to retreat on a hot summer day because it's always breezy and cool. For those who like to gamble, the machines are too numerous to count, but you can always count on the good food - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Best bet? Sunday morning breakfast with a bloody Mary.

When fishing the Upper Madison, be sure to stop at the the Blue Moon Saloon, a classic icon of Montana culture. Look for it in Cameron Mt, about 10 miles south of Ennis. I like to drop in for dinner and a stein because of its great view of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. Apparently the animals also like the saloon since it's not uncommon to see herds of elk right out the bar window. There's a lot to enjoy here but be sure to make it early as they are famous for rolling up the sidewalks by 10:00.

Read More Fly Fishing in Southwest Montana: Madison Midges

At the other end of the Valley, 8 miles north of Ennis, is the newly remodeled Mc Allister Inn.  I’m thrilled to report that after two years of remodeling, the Inn is once again open. This wonderful restaurant and bar have been beautifully restored. Owner Kevin Kreig, part rancher and part restaurateur, raises his own beef for his restaurant so you know it’s going to be good! While there, order the aged to perfection Scottish Highlanders, a true carnivore’s delight.

A Little Place Off the Beaten Path

The Pony Bar exists even if Siri can’t find it. It’s located about 25 miles from Ennis in the town of Pony, current population 7! In the late 1800s and early 1900s Pony was a thriving mining town. When the gold ran out in the early 1920’s so did the people. So what's there now is a tiny town with a venerable Montana bar. Check it out – it’s a cool place to have a beer and experience a bit of history.

For more information on fishing and eating in Montana, be sure to come back here for more. We will be sure to keep you posted on Montana's large menu of flavorful choices. 

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
$
385
-
$
525
/ Boat
Capacity:
2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
The Madison River is our home stream, so we specialize in guiding on this great river. We cater to anglers of all skill levels, from beginner fly fishermen looking to catch that first ... moretrout on a fly, to the seasoned angler seeking a veteran Montana fishing guide who knows these waters like the back of their hand. Our experienced guides will work hard to help you have a first-rate Montana fly fishing experience.
$
365
-
$
495
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
Destination:
Spend the day fishing for huge rainbows and big browns on the famous Madison River, a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. With more than 2000 fish per mile, the Madison River offers challenging ... moreand fun fishing for novice to seasoned angler.
$
500
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
Fishing Waters:
Destination:
Ennis Lake full day float trip with lunch and flies provided. Enjoy a day on the water and reel in some fresh Montana trout. The Madison River flows into and out of Ennis Lake, and ... moreprovides the setting for your beautiful Montana day.
Outfitters
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Ennis Montana Premier Fly Fishing Outfitter and Fly Shop on the Madison River Trout Stalkers is a fly fishing outfitter that specializes in Montana and Madison River Fly Fishing Trips. ... moreWe are located in Downtown Ennis and just three blocks from some of the best fly fishing in Montana, on the Upper Madison River. Our fly shop is staffed with experienced and welcoming fly fishermen who enjoy sharing their knowledge.

Trout Stalkers fly shop and online store features a diverse collection of the finest fly fishing gear, clothing, fly fishing gifts, fly rods, reels, flies, rental gear, boats and accessories. Our carefully curated fly selection is focused on proven fly patterns for the Madison River and other major southwest Montana rivers.

We have a variety of watercrafts and rafts for rent and for sale, including inflatable rafts equipped with fishing frames, drift boats, kayaks and SUPs. We also have an ever-changing fleet of new and used rafts and drift boats for sale. Need a Madison River shuttle service? We can help with that too.

Our extensive knowledge of fly fishing the Madison River stems from many years and countless days spent “driftin’ and dreamin'" on this great river from top to bottom. We strive to make every visitor to Ennis, Montana feel comfortable and welcome in our fly shop. We want you to have a great Montana fly fishing experience and our top-notch, seasoned guide staff will work hard to make sure of it! Our motto at Trout Stalkers is simple: The first time you fish with us you're a client. The second time you're a friend!

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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