The Madison River Valley Ranch delivers the angling adventure of a lifetime by combining a classic fly-fishing lodge with the region's top guides. Many of our guests have spent years fishing out of the many of the world's top fishing lodges and they always rate the "ranch" at the very top!
The lodge is located on the Channels section of the Madison River. If a day spent float fishing hasn't fulfilled your angling urges, make a few casts on "Jurassic Pond" to trophy trout following a gourmet meal. Better yet, take advantage of the private access to "Channels" of the Madison. The experienced lodge team will make you feel right at home as soon as you arrive. The dining room provides a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere that fosters an air of fellowship among people who share common interests. Throw in spectacular mountain views, abundant wildlife, and clean spacious rooms and it is no wonder that over 70% of the guests are returning customers!
Rates
Fishing
Accommodations
Map
Rates
Madison Valley Ranch Package Pricing - ALL INCLUSIVE
All packages are based on double occupancy & shared guide.
3 Nights Lodging - 2 Days Guided Fishing
Duplex Suite: $2880 per person
Lower Madison Lodge & Lower Channels Lodge Rooms: $2955 per person
Upper Madison Lodge & Upper Channels Lodge Rooms: $3030 per person
4 Nights Lodging - 3 Days Guided Fishing
Duplex Suite: $3960 per person
Lower Madison Lodge & Lower Channels Lodge Rooms: $4060 per person
Upper Madison Lodge & Upper Channels Lodge Rooms: $4160 per person
5 Nights Lodging - 4 Days Guided Fishing
Duplex Suite: $4940 per person
Lower Madison Lodge & Lower Channels Lodge Rooms: $5065 per person
Upper Madison Lodge & Upper Channels Lodge Rooms: $5190 per person
6 Nights Lodging - 5 Days Guided Fishing
Duplex Suite: $5970 per person
Lower Madison Lodge & Lower Channels Lodge Rooms: $6120 per person
Upper Madison Lodge & Upper Channels Lodge Rooms: $6270 per person
*An additional charge will be applied for single anglers or for single occupancy rooms - please call or email for pricing
Package Rates Include:
Accommodations based on double occupancy, all meals: buffet breakfast, streamside lunch, evening appetizers, and a 4 course casual gourmet dinner (including complimentary beer & wine), guided drift and/or wade fishing (Madison River, Yellowstone River, Ruby River, and Missouri River), use of ORVIS rods, reels and waders, flies and tackle, and use of property amenities including fishing on the Jurassic Pond, Jack Creek, and the “Channels” section of the Madison River and lodge staff gratuities (but not guide gratuities).
Package Rates Do Not Include:
Montana fishing license, transportation to and from the lodge, private water rod fees, and fishing guide gratuities. Please do not hesitate to ask for further information regarding the exclusions. Based on customer feedback and our goal to make sure your stay is “hassle-free”, we’ve simplified (indeed removed) the hassles and uncertainties of any ‘tipping’ policy for lodge and dining staff gratuities which are built into the pricing (but not fishing guide gratuities). Room taxes are $20/night/person.
WE CAN CUSTOMIZE YOUR STAY!
If you want to stay longer, fish less, sight see more, go to Yellowstone National Park, horseback ride, play golf or just enjoy the day hanging out at the “Ranch” please let us know. We also offer corporate group rates, along with season specials ~ so don’t be shy about inquiring!
(Package prices will be adjusted accordingly)
Transportation
Airport Shuttle: $350.00 round trip for up to 4 guests, plus $40 for 5th guest (5 guest max per shuttle vehicle. Nearest Commercial Airport: Bozeman, Montana - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, serviced by Delta, Frontier, Alaska/Horizon, American, Jet Blue, Southwest, Allegiant & United Airlines. The airport is approximately one hour from the Ranch.
Driving: Guests can drive directly to the Ranch. You may drive your own car or rent one in Bozeman. Maps will be sent prior to your departure.
Fishing
Montana Angler guides the legendary Madison River from its headwaters in Yellowstone Park to its mouth at the formation of the Missouri river in Three Forks. Few other rivers in Montana change in character from top to bottom like the Madison and each section has its own personality. The lodge is located three miles north of Ennis, Montana, right on the famous "channels" section of the Madison River. Fishing out of the lodge also extends far beyond the Madison River. Yellowstone Park is upstream with numerous famous waters within. Three trophy lakes with huge wild trout (Hebgen Lake, Quake Lake and Ennis Lake) and offer technical dry fly fishing within a stones throw. Small mountain streams like the West Fork of the Madison, Grayling Creek, South Fork of the Madison and several others are also close by. We can also make trips to the Jefferson, Missouri, Ruby and Yellowstone Rivers to add even more variety. The Madison River is one of the most consistent in all of Montana. It fishes well in both high water years and drought years and with trout densities at over 5000 trout per mile near the lodge there are plenty of big wild browns and rainbows to keep every angler happy.
Madison River in Yellowstone Park - Most of the upper river above Hebgen Lake is within Yellowstone National Park. The river here varies in character with both shallow riffles and large deep pools. The hydrothermal action of the Firehole drainage warms this section up in July and August but the spring and fall fishing can be exceptional. It is especially worth fishing in the fall when huge browns run into the Park from Hebgen Lake. The salmonfly hatch comes off in mid June in the park and can also produce great fishing.
Hebgen Lake - Hebgen is a large reservoir located just outside of Yellowstone Park and about 45 minutes upstream of the lodge. It is famous for its "gulper" fishing when large rainbows and browns in the 18-25" class aggressively feed on the surface during the trico and callibaetis hatches in the mid summer. Spring streamer fishing can also produce great results on Hebgen.
Madison River "Between the Lakes" - This short section is only a few miles long and is wade only. It is a tailwater and the upper portion always runs clear below Hebgen. Trout numbers are high and hatches can be prolific. Some huge trout also make there way up from Quake at times as well. A 31" brown was recently caught in this stretch.
Quake Lake - Upstream from the lodge is another gorgeous smaller lake. It was formed with an earthquake caused a huge landslide and damned the river. Huge browns patrol the lake and streamer fishing can sometimes produce great results. The gulper dry fly fishing on Quake can also be solid in late July and August. A large brown recently washed out dead that would have been the state record.
Madison River - Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge - This stretch offers the highest trout concentrations on the entire river with strong hatches and outstanding holding water. It is also regulated for wade fishing only which keeps the float traffic to a minimum (boats are permitted but you must get out to fish). We often use boats on a few different stretches here to hop from run to run on guided trips. This section fishes well from late May to October.
Madison River - Lyons Bridge to Ennis "the 50 mile riffle" - The "float fishing" section of the Upper Madison begins at Lyons Bridge. The next 50 miles contain some of the most storied trout water in the west and a classic drift boat trip with our seasoned guides here is a great way to experience it. It fishes well from May to October.
Madison River - Ennis to Ennis Lake "the Channels" - This is another wade only area. The river here braids into multiple channels that change from year to year. It can produce outstanding fishing just after run off or earlier in the day later in the summer (water temps can get warm after lunch). Fall is another nice window here.
Ennis Lake - This shallow but productive lake is best fished in August during the calibaetis hatch when large rainbows and browns come to the surface to aggressively "gulp" the mayflies.
Bear Trap Canyon of the Madison - This remote wilderness area is home to rugged scenery and some major white water. The salmonfly hatch in Bear Trap can be intense and it fishes very well early in the summer and again in the fall. Early mornings in the summer can also be productive.
Lower Madison River - From the exit of Bear Trap Canyon to the rivers mouth at Three Forks the river broadens and huge weedbeds produce excellent habitat for aquatic insects. Some huge trout reside in this section. It is a great spring and fall fishery. Mid summer water temperatures prevent good fishing on most years in July and August but is a favorite of ours in April-June and September and October.
Yellowstone National Park - Yellowstone National Park is home to several world famous trout fisheries including the Firehole, Gibbon, Upper Yellowstone, Gardiner, Lamar, Soda Butte, and Slough Creek to name just a few. The fishing in Yellowstone is wade fishing only by regulation. Yellowstone Park is about 60 minutes from the lodge and is often well worth a visit.
Jefferson River - This large river has lower trout counts than the Madison and gets low and warm in the summer. It does hold some very nice trout and is a great place to enjoy a secluded float with the hopes of catching a few quality trout. It is best fished in the early summer and fall.
Ruby River - This small but productive wade fishing river holds some surprisingly large trout. It is the perfect size: easy to wade but large enough to hold good fish. Strong hatches of midges, pale morning duns, yellow sally stones and baetis mayflies can produce great action at in the spring, early summer and fall.
Missouri River - We mostly fish the Upper Missouri from the lodge. This section is best targeted in September and October when water temperatures are just right for some very large trout. This water is a place to swing from the fences with the hopes of hitting one or two monster trout in a days fishing.
Gallatin River - The Gallatin is a smaller river that offers nice wade fishing and also some float fishing near its mouth. It is about an hour from the lodge. If you have an early flight we can often arrange to pick you up and fish the Gallatin before driving to the lodge in time for dinner.
Private Ranches - Montana Angler leases several ranches and has permission on a few others within an hour drive of the lodge that offer intimate and lightly pressured fishing opportunities on small but productive wading streams and a few trophy stillwaters.
On Property - The "channels" section of the Madison River flows right behind the lodge. This area is limited to wade fishing only and sees great dry fly fishing with abundant caddis hatches throughout the summer. Jack Creek, a tributary to the Madison River, flows through the property and is a great little dry fly stream. The Jurassic Pond at the ranch covers two acres and is located right next to the lodge. It is home to large and aggressive Kamloop rainbows to make a few casts at after dinner.
Accommodations
Accommodations
The Ranch is an ideal setting to combine business with pleasure. With a conference room, fax, video and phone capabilities, you will be able to get in the important work that needs to be done knowing that you are just a cast-away from an afternoon and evening of incredible fishing. The main lodge has a large open dining area as well as a comfortable lounge for gathering. The upstairs offers a large gathering area with a poker table and numerous reclining chairs and a wide screen TV. The Channels Lodge also offers a massive commons area with private kitchen and living area that can be reserved exclusively for your own group.
Main Lodge Rooms: All rooms have their own outside entrance, covered front porch, private bath and very comfortable beds. Each room has two beds (The Bighole: queen and a double; The Madison and Gallatin: queen and a twin; The Ruby: two doubles)
Duplex Rooms: Both duplex rooms also feature a large living room and wet bar along with reading table & chairs. They each have a queen and a double bed along with a pull out couch.
Channels Lodge Rooms: All six Channels Lodge rooms are larger and have two queen beds with private entries.
Dining
Executive Chef Matt Pease has been with the Madison Valley Ranch for five seasons. Using only the freshest products, the evening's four-course meal reflects Matt's creativity and passion for delivering truly memorable meals. Even after a full buffet breakfast, don't be surprised if you leave the lodge in anticipation of the evening's menu! Matt was professionally trained at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute and honed his skills in kitchens up and down the East Coast working under several industry leaders in a variety of dining settings. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Madison Valley Ranch and looks forward to sharing it with our guests.
"Executive Chef Matt Pease prepares each meal with a unique Montana style using locally sourced food. While the menu varies widely throughout the season, Matt's consistency does not. He is known for his meticulous attention to flavors, presentation, and service. The well-curated beer and wine program complements the food to create a uniquely Montana dining experience. Matt is known to share both his sourdough pancake recipe and fly recommendations."
~Orvis' Guide to Great Sporting Lodge Cuisine
Sample Menu
Breakfast:
• Coconut macadamia nut Banana bread French toast
• Eggs Benedict with local ham and a lemon-chive hollandaise
• Fresh herb, mushroom, and feta frittata
• Caramelized apple and roasted pecan buttermilk pancakes
• Local sausage, fresh chive and white cheddar omelet
• Daily homemade pastries
• Local bacon and sausage
• Hot oatmeal with brown sugar, cinnamon and blueberries
• Fresh sliced fruits and berries
Dinner:
Hors D’oeuvres
• Locally raised Bison Meatballs with smoked tomato and fresh basil
• Crispy Calamari topped with a lemon-caper remoulade
• Asian Chicken Satay served with a ginger and peanut sauce
• Pulled Pork Nachos accompanied with homemade coleslaw and chipotle cream
1st Course
• Grizzly Garden’s organic baby lettuces tossed in a zinfandel wine vinaigrette, with fresh herb infused local goat cheese, blueberries and buttermilk-chive croutons.
• Homemade locally raised duck confit, topped with sherry infused micro green salad, candied pistachios, and fresh oranges
• Locally grown organic baby arugula salad, served with honey-lime marinated grilled peaches and roasted Spanish almonds, tossed in a smoked pepper vinaigrette
2nd Course
• Roasted pheasant and local chanterelle mushroom soup, with lemon zest, chives and parmesan reggiano
• Pan seared Sea Scallops with a citrus-soy buerre blanc and a roasted chile glaze
• Homemade raviolis stuffed with local goat ricotta cheese, lemon-herb roasted free-range organic chicken and fresh herbs, topped with a fennel pollen and roasted tomato sauce
Main Entrée
• Grass fed Montana raised natural Beef, charbroiled and sliced a top a potato and artichoke gratin, accompanied by a roasted seasonal vegetable ragu, topped with a fresh thyme and morel mushroom sauce
• Locally raised natural Pork Tenderloin roasted and wrapped in pancetta, served a top a sweet corn and smoked tomato risotto, topped with a caramelized shallot and sage jus
• Macadamia nut crusted fresh Mahi-Mahi, served a top a sweet potato cake, with a mango-red pepper salsa and a citrus buerre blanc
Dessert
• Chocolate truffle tart, served with homemade burnt-orange ice cream and raspberry cointreau sauce
• Warm apple and bourbon bread pudding, served with a maple anglaise, cinnamon whipped cream, and almond lace cookies
• Wine-poached Washington Pears served with citrus mousse, hazelnut praline shortbread cookies, and a caramelized honey and lime glaze
• Blackberry buttermilk panna cotta, topped with berries and mint compote