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.