Ennis Montana
Fishing the Madison River
© Vertical Media
Ennis, Montana is a small town with a population of 11,000 trout and 1000 people located near top-rated trout streams, pristine lakes, and the majesty of the Madison River Valley. Enjoy a complete western vacation in Ennis, an authentic western town surrounded by three ranges of the Rocky Mountains and three million acres of the Beaverhead National Forest. more info
Who knows how to fish the Madison River best? Madison River Guides - local "big fish" experts.
A haven of comfort in Ennis. Gourmet breakfasts await you with fly fishing & sight-seeing nearby.
Eco-lodge in the Madison Valley. Luxury accommodations, gourmet dining & recreation w/ a conscience.
Book Airline Tickets Online. We can take care of all your Airline ticket needs at discount prices.
Access thousands of hiking, biking and fishing trails - unlimited topos/maps and free trial!
Fishing in the Madison River Valley
© Vertical Media
Howdy from the heart of the Madison Valley in the southwestern corner of the Treasure State! You'll love it here, whether you stay for a day, a week, a month...or forever. Here's why: First and foremost are the folks who call Ennis home. You won't find a friendlier town anywhere.
Lewis and Clark found their way into the Madison Valley back in 1805. While there is no direct record of their every stepping foot in what is now Ennis; it can be assumed that at least some of their party came this way on their journey. Prior to the arrival of the white man, Shoshone, Flathead and Bannack Indians hunted the Madison Valley. Historians say the winters were too fierce for the Indians to make their permanent homes in the valley, but the lushness and generosity of the land brought them to the area each spring for a month-long stay.
In 1863, gold was discovered in Alder Gulch. This brought on The Rush. Madison County was created in 1864 in what was then Idaho Territory. In that same year, the area was designated the Montana Territory.
Two months after gold was discovered in Alder Gulch, William Ennis homesteaded the site along the Madison River that quickly became the town of Ennis. Mr. Jeffers did likewise across the river. The two towns, their bridges, the tall grass and favorable climate soon attracted ranchers, farmers and businessmen. By the late 1880's, three major stage lines freighted through Ennis, horse, sheep and cattle thrived; wild game was plentiful and White Cloud's tribe of Bannack Indians were valued friends of the settlers. Today, Ennis continues as the hub of this active regional community of 1,000 plus people eager to make you feel welcome.
The valley is primarily cattle country. Prize Herefords and Black Angus are raised here along with rotating crops of hay and grain. Timber is harvested from the nearby national forests. Gold mining is making a comeback in the area.
Old West history is all around us. Virginia City, only 12 miles west and founded in 1863, is considered to be the most complete, original town of its kind in the United States. Nevada City represents a busy mining town the way they used to be. You can visit Alder Gulch where the yellow metal, Gold, brought in scores of fortune hunters in the 1860's. You may even find some of that gold if you try your hand at panning. In the nearby Ruby Valley, perhaps you'll spot a stone that gave the valley and river their names.
The Madison Valley is known for its pleasantly cool summer days with the temperature seldom reaching 90 degrees and very low humidity. Fall is punctuated by the change in nature's colors as the Aspen trees turn to gold and the pastureland to beige. The nights and mornings are crisp and the days filled with sunshine. Wintertime brings snow and cold weather, but the sun continues to shine throughout the season, creating a unique and quiet beauty. Spring rains herald the warming trend and the completion of nature's cycle of life for the flowers and the abundant wildlife. No pollution, no traffic, no crowds, no stress. Just about perfect.
Elevation: Surrounding Mountain Ranges have hills @ approximately 6,000 feet, peaks to 11,300 feet.
Transportation: Fly commercially to Bozeman, Butte, or West Yellowstone -- or land your private aircraft at the Ennis "Big Sky" Airport, six miles south of town.
Distance to Major Cities: Ennis is 70 miles northwest of West Yellowstone, 60 miles southwest of Bozeman and 70 miles southeast of Butte.
Medical: Family practitioners, paramedic and ambulance service.
Hospitals: Madison Valley Hospital and Nursing Home.
- Content from Ennis Chamber of Commerce
55F
