Montana is home to the world's highest concentration of accessible, world-class trout waters. With hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks, and shoreline, the fly fishing trips in Montana are varied and plentiful. At many of Montana's fishing lodges anglers have the option to experience a world-famous river like the Madison River, walk-and-wade fish on small creeks, explore the exciting tail-water fishery and high-fish counts on the Missouri River, fish the legendary Yellowstone River and the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, and a few other Montana fly fishing rivers. Several of the luxury Montana fishing lodges have lodging and amenities that match the quality of the fishing and the Montana fly fishing guides working at these lodges. In no particular order, here are 5 of the Best Luxury Fishing Lodges in Montana.
The Madison River is known throughout the world as a premier fly fishing river. This luxury fly fishing lodge sits on the banks of the Madison River in the heart of the scenic Madison River Valley. Anglers staying at the Madison River Lodge primarily fish the Madison River but can venture to some nearby smaller waters and day trip in Yellowstone National Park, but the main focus is the Madison River. 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 5,000 trout per mile near the lodge there are plenty of big wild browns and rainbows to keep all levels of anglers happy. After a day of fishing the Madison River, anglers returning to the Madison River Lodge find a level of service, dining, and meals on par with some of the best fishing lodges in the world. For those anglers who want more fishing there is a small stocked pond on the property as well. The huge river rock fireplaces and wood accents create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Views from the massive decks are some of the best in Montana with the Madison River in the foreground and thousands of acres of protected forest and wilderness in the background.
Sitting on a majestic cliff overlooking the Missouri River, this lodge is an intimate and meticulously restored ranch house that is the perfect compliment to fishing Montana's largest tailwater river. The world-famous fishery on the Missouri River is created by a series of large reservoirs upstream resulting in stable flows and water temperatures moderated by a bottom release dam. As a result of this tailwater affect, the Missouri River is often referred to as a large spring creek. Anglers will encounter some of the most productive hatches in the Northern Rockies, high fish counts, and the prospects for larger fish. Lodge rooms at the Missouri Cliffs Lodge feature expansive views of the Missouri River canyon--the same canyon Lewis and Clark explored over two hundred years ago. The lodge features a custom-built rustic bar and saloon, a large gathering room with vaulted ceilings and a rock fireplace. Few places in Montana are as ideally suited for end of day appetizers and swapping fishing stories as the common spaces of the Missouri Cliffs Lodge. With a max capacity of 12 anglers in seven guest rooms, the Missouri Cliffs Lodge blends intimacy and luxury with the world-class fishing action of the Missouri River.
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 for anglers that want to explore some nearby rivers and creeks, but because the Madison River is a high-quality fishery, most anglers choose to keep things simple and fish the Madison River. If a day spent float fishing hasn't fulfilled your angling urges the Madison Valley Ranch also has a small stocked pond on the property. 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. With meals prepared by a professionally trained chef, guests enjoy delicious meals and appetizers. All lodge rooms have views of the surrounding mountains and are well-appointed with the discerning angler in mind. With an overall guest capacity of 26 anglers and in operation since the early 1990s, the Madison Valley Ranch has provided anglers a luxury option for nearly three decades.
Of all the lodges on this list, Sage Lodge caters to all-around luxury the most. However, Sage Lodge is not a dedicated fishing lodge. Their location is an ideal place to sample of Montana's best fisheries--the lodge is five minutes from the Yellowstone River, 20 minutes from the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, and 45 minutes from the famous waters of Yellowstone National Park's northeast corner. The lodge is located on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Paradise Valley and the mighty Yellowstone River while the 10,926 foot Emigrant Peak and Absaroka mountain range looms in the background. At Sage Lodge anglers and their non-angling guests can enjoy the great outdoors by day and then return to after a day on the water to be pampered with a full service spa, locally sourced dining, and luxury accommodations. Accommodations consist of luxurious main lodge rooms each with a gas fireplace and a semi private balcony or deck overlooking the lodge's private stocked pond. In addition to the main lodge there are four spacious ranch house style cabins with four separate guest rooms in each. The ranch house can be rented as a single unit or as singular rooms. A stay at the Sage Lodge is ideal for anglers and their non-angling companions who want luxury amongst many of the area's best fishing.
Built in 2019 and located on 1,200 private acres with two miles of Madison River frontage just south of the iconic Varney Bridge, the Madison Double R offers world class guided fly fishing on a variety of area waters, luxury accommodations, and a relaxing outdoor experience second to none. Madison Double R presents the opportunity to fish various bodies of water, including private access to the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park's legendary fisheries an hour away, and trophy dry fly fisheries of Hebgen and Quake Lake nearby. This ideal geographic location allows for any number of days of guided fly fishing with Montana's best guides. If a day of guided float or wade fishing hasn't quenched your angling thirst, make a few casts on the clubhouse trout pond to cruising rainbows while enjoying the stunning views of the Madison mountain range towering above. 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 5,000 trout per mile.
Montana Angler Fly Fishing is very fortunate to offer complete fishing packages with several of Montana's most respected fly-fishing lodges. Staying at one of these lodges brings a Montana fishing trip to an entirely new level. Each package includes guided fishing, all meals, multi-course dinners prepared by executive chefs, private river access, equipment use and more!