Near Ennis / US West
Tailwaters Fly Fishing TravelUS WEST FLY FISHING
Set on a historic ranch in Southwest Montana, Madison Double R offers a premier fly fishing experience rooted in both tradition and modern comfort. Located just outside Ennis, the lodge sits along a private stretch of the legendary Madison River—one of the most iconic trout fisheries in the American West.
Originally established as a working cattle ranch, the property has been thoughtfully transformed into a high-end fishing lodge while preserving its authentic Montana character. Expansive views of the Madison Range, wide-open meadows, and intimate river access create a setting that feels both secluded and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.
The fishery is the cornerstone of the experience. The Madison River is renowned for its prolific insect hatches, strong populations of wild trout, and diverse fishing opportunities throughout the season. Anglers can expect consistent chances at brown and rainbow trout, with cutthroat present in select nearby waters. The combination of productive riffles, long runs, and classic Western structure makes this an engaging and rewarding river for anglers of all skill levels.
Beyond the home water, the lodge’s central location provides access to a wide range of fisheries across Southwest Montana. Within a short drive, guests can explore rivers like the Jefferson, Ruby, and Gallatin, as well as waters inside Yellowstone National Park. This diversity allows guides to tailor each day based on conditions, ensuring the best possible fishing experience regardless of weather or water levels.
Madison Double R is defined not only by its fishing but by the overall experience. Guests return each day to exceptional dining, comfortable accommodations, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages connection—whether around the fire, at the bar, or overlooking the river at sunset. The balance of world-class angling and genuine hospitality makes it one of Montana’s most complete destination lodges.
Location: Near Ennis, US West
Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout
Seasonality: Late May - October
Rates: from $5,700, $5,700 Per Person // 4 Nights / 3 Days (Shared Cabin / Shared Guide)
Fishing at Madison Double R centers around the Madison River, with a mix of float and wade fishing depending on conditions and angler preference. Guides utilize drift boats to access productive sections of river, allowing anglers to cover water efficiently while targeting trout with dry flies, nymph rigs, and streamers.
The fishery is dynamic, offering technical dry fly opportunities during prolific hatches alongside consistent subsurface action. Anglers can expect shots at strong, wild brown and rainbow trout daily.
Rivers or Areas Fished: Madison River: Primary fishery; classic riffle-run structure, consistent hatches Jefferson River: Fewer anglers, streamer-focused opportunities Gallatin River: Smaller water, ideal for wade fishing Ruby River: Intimate, technical fishing with strong trout populations Yellowstone National Park waters: Scenic, diverse, and lightly pressured
Accommodations at Madison Double R blend rustic Montana design with modern luxury. Guests stay in private, well-appointed cabins featuring two queen beds, spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs, hardwood floors, and wood-burning fireplaces. Each cabin includes a private cedar deck with sweeping views of the Madison Range, creating a quiet space to unwind after a day on the water.
Dining at Madison Double R is a highlight of the experience, with a culinary program centered around locally sourced ingredients, creative presentation, and thoughtful wine pairings. From riverside lunches to multi-course dinners, every meal is crafted to match the quality of the fishing.
Beyond the water, the lodge offers a full range of amenities including a rec room with shuffleboard and pool, a fitness facility with hot tub and mountain views, and inviting indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Evening hors d’oeuvres by the fire and panoramic sunset views over the Madison Range round out each day.
Weekly Capacity: ~20–24 guests
While fishing is the focus, Madison Double R offers a range of activities for non-angling guests. The surrounding Madison Valley provides opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of elk, deer, and raptors. Guests can also explore nearby Ennis for local shops, galleries, and Western culture, or take a day trip into Yellowstone National Park to experience geothermal features and iconic landscapes. On property, amenities such as the fitness center, hot tub, and inviting lodge spaces provide a relaxing alternative to time on the water.
Before you book
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. See Teton Valley Lodge's Terms and Conditions below:
A 50% non‑refundable deposit is required to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance is due 100 days before arrival .
Deposits are refundable unconditionally if cancellations are made 100 days before the check-in date. If you paid by a credit card, the deposit will be refunded less a 6% processing fee.
Reservations canceled within 100 days of the first day of the reservation are nonrefundable.
Given the strict cancellation and refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Redpoint Travel Protection / Ripcord offers competitive medical/cancellation/interruption coverage to couple with their industry-leading medical evacuation services. Click here to learn more and contact us to generate a quote.
Madison Double R is easily accessed via Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the primary gateway to Southwest Montana. Bozeman offers numerous daily commercial flights from major U.S. hubs.
From the airport, guests can rent a vehicle or arrange a lodge transfer for the approximately one-hour scenic drive to the property near Ennis. The route follows the Madison River Valley, offering a fitting introduction to the landscape and fishery.
Travel is straightforward and efficient, making Madison Double R one of the more accessible high-end fly fishing lodges in the West while still delivering a remote, private ranch experience once on property.
Madison Double R operates from late May through October, with each period offering a distinct fishing experience.
Early Season: Runoff-dependent; improving clarity, strong nymphing, fewer anglers
Middle Season: Peak conditions (June–August) with prolific dry fly hatches including salmonflies and PMDs
Late Season: September–October brings aggressive brown trout, streamer fishing, and excellent dry fly opportunities with cooler weather
Off Season: Lodge closed in winter months
Weather ranges from cool spring days to warm summer afternoons and crisp fall mornings. The variety of fisheries ensures consistent fishing throughout the operating season.
Contact Tailwaters
Contact our travel team to discuss dates, availability and a trip to Madison Double R.
Trip details and availability are confirmed with the travel team.
Near Ennis, US West
Fishing in the U.S. West is defined primarily by wild trout, with dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing depending on season and conditions. Weather can vary significantly throughout the day and across elevations, so preparation is key when it comes to packing. Many lodges in the U.S. West (but not all) offer rental rods, reels, waders, and boots, and may provide terminal tackle and flies. However, most traveling anglers prefer to bring their own gear. All to say, there are nuances to understand when packing your bags for the U.S. West, including layering systems, appropriate wading setups, sun/rain protection, and selecting the right rods, reels, fly lines, and tackle for trout-focused fishing. One of the most important things to understand is if you are wade fishing or primarily fishing out of a drift boat or raft.
Our U.S. West collection of gear, flies, tackle, clothing, bags, and accessories is curated by our team of professionals that have fished across multiple lodges and dozens of fisheries in Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and more. Whether it is in-store, online, or through a virtual outfitting appointment, we would love to lend a hand getting your gear organized for a trip to the U.S. West.
