
Guided fishing Trips
Copyright Justin Edge Photography
Based in Ennis, Montana Edge Outfitting (MT Outfitter License #36547) offers many options for guided fishing trips around Southwest Montana. Located an hour south of Bozeman, Montana, we're perfectly situated in the heart of trout country to be your Madison River fishing guides. We accommodate to anglers of all skill levels, from the greenest of fly fishermen and women just looking to connect with their first fish to experienced anglers seeking an experienced Montana fishing guide who knows every cut bank and boulder in the river. We also offer both fly fishing and spin fishing trips. Our guides strive to make sure your fishing experience is an excellent one.
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Please read below for more detailed information on rates, what to expect, and helpful planning tips. Full day Madison River guide trips are typically between 6-8 hours in duration. Don't have time for a full day trip? We can accommodate half day trips upon request and based on availability.
2023 Rates
Madison River Full Day Float or Ennis Lake (1-2 People; all inclusive): $600 - No lunch
Madison River Full Day Float or Ennis Lake (1-2 People; all inclusive): $650 - Fresh catered lunch and beverages
Madison River Half Day Float or Ennis Lake (1-2 People; all inclusive): $500 - No Lunch
What You Can Expect:
The day before your trip, we will contact you about the day ahead. Specifically, we’ll chat about meeting time and location, what time you’d like to be back, what you’d like for lunch, and most importantly – our plans for the day. Edge Outfitting offers both Madison River guided fly-fishing and spin fishing trips. Please let us know in advance which you prefer. Full Days are typically between 6-8 hours in duration.
Booking and Refund Policy:
To book a trip and reserve your day(s) we require a $200 deposit payable by cash, check, or credit card. The balance is due the day of your trip either by cash or check only. Checks can be mailed to:
Edge Outfitting, LLC
PO BOX 1650
Ennis, MT 59729
Cancellation Policy
A full refund of the deposit will be given, or rolled over to a future reservation if the trip is cancelled by the client at least 30 days in advance of the trips planned departure date.
Inside 30 days, we will refund the deposit or apply to a future reservation if/when we can re-book the guide day(s) with another client.
We believe in Gore-Tex and Merino wool and we fish rain or shine. No refunds/credits due to weather cancellations.
If your trip is cancelled within 48 hours, full payment is due.
Gratuity:
Trip prices do not include gratuity for the guide. Our guides work hard and strive to provide an excellent service and tips are appreciated.
What to bring:
All rods, reels, tackle, lunches, non-alcoholic beverages, and flies are included with the exception of lures for spin fishing trips. With that said, you should feel welcome to bring your own equipment if you’d like. We fish primarily from drift boats, so waders and wading boots are not necessary unless you request or we suggest a walk/wade trip or sometimes if the weather is expected to be chilly they might become handy. While you are more than welcome to bring alcoholic beverages, we are not legally allowed to provide them. We are well prepared to stock you with all rods/reels/line/leader/tippet/flies that you may need on your trip. However, you are more than welcome to use your own equipment if you'd like. Below is a general list of equipment items to consider:
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Rods: 5 and 6 weight are the most common.
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Leaders: assortment from 7.5 ft. to 9 ft. and from 0x to 4x. You will rarely need 5x.
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Raingear
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Waders and wading boots, or wading sandals. We generally fish from drift boats, so waders and wading boots aren't critical unless you want to wear them for warmth or have requested a walk/wade trip. Felt soles are still legal in Montana and encouraged for wading the upper Madison. Just be sure to clean and inspect prior to use.
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Polarized Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Plenty of warm clothes for layering including hat and gloves
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Camera
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Montana Fishing License
Weather:
Montana packs some serious weather punches occasionally on the river. While we’ll do our level best to avoid the brunt of most weather systems (Don’t like fishing in a storm? Try rowing in one.), unfortunately we do not refund any portion of payment due to inclement weather. Besides, oftentimes especially during mid summer heat, the fishing needs a thunderstorm or two to produce some epic fishing. Some of the most extreme weather days on the water are the most memorable.
Other Things to Do
Ennis is a major hub for tourism in the summer months. There's a tremendous amount of activities in the region. Check out our ENNIS MONTANA page for more details on activities. Many of our guests stay in Bozeman. Bozeman is exatly one hour away via scenic highway and is a great base for many activities in Southwest Montana. Bozeman also hosts a very accessible airport with direct flights across the country.
Fishing Season
Though the Madison is open to fishing year round, Mid March to November is the typical "season" for fishing. Outside of this range, one just needs to be somewhat selective of the right weather day for good angling in the winter. Springtime on the Madison is a magical time. Warmer days and the first major hatches of the season start to get the town buzzing with fishing fever. By July, Ennis is a full on trout bum paradise. There's a seemingly unending amount of trout fishing to be had within an hour's drive from town. The fishing is consistently great through September, and parts of October. By November, the fishing season is largely an afterthought as we break out our rifles for hunting season and our skis for ripping down the ski hill.