Fly Fishing,Planning,Fly Fishing for Beginners

What Makes a Good Fishing Guide

I’ve been a fishing guide all of my life, and I love it. It is what I was meant to do. Earning a living as a fly fishing guide may sound glamorous to an outsider, but in fact there is a high rate of burnout. It takes a lot of toughness, both mental and physical.

By Eric Shores 3/4/2016 5 minutes
Fly Fishing,Perfect Fishing Days

Sometimes You Just Have to Go Fishing

There I was, skiing behind the house with my wife Anni and my friend Shawn. We were at Kattle Guard Bowl, our own private ski-run, up South Meadow Creek. You have to walk to the top of the run but once you get there it’s never crowded.

By Eric Shores 2/26/2016 5 minutes
Fly Fishing,Planning

Fly Fishing in Southwest Montana with Midges

There are four main variables to consider when figuring out the best approach to fishing: what, where, when and how. The Madison River has a plethora of food choices for the trout, but there is usually an abundance of one thing, and that is what the trout are after. It starts as early as January with midges.

By Eric Shores 2/19/2016 5 minutes
Fly Fishing,Perfect Fishing Days

Great Fishing on the Jefferson River

The Madison River boasts a population of 2,000 to 3,000 fish per mile compared to the lower Jefferson that produces only 300 to 500 fish per mile. As a result, the Jeff is often overlooked - which is just fine with me.

By Eric Shores 2/19/2016 2 minutes
Fly Fishing,Planning

6 Rivers to Fish in Madison County

If you are staying in Ennis there are six great trout streams within an hour, and hundreds of places to fish on each river. The options are endless. I have been a guide here for 30 plus years and have yet to fish them all.

By Eric Shores 2/12/2016 5 minutes
Fly Fishing,Lodging, Meals, and Fun

Ennis Montana on the Fourth of July

Ennis is a great place to spend the Fourth of July, offering a taste of “real” American culture. The town is hopping around Independence Day, the food is good, and the atmosphere is friendly.

By Eric Shores 2/2/2016 5 minutes
Fly Fishing,Planning

How to Get to Ennis Montana

For most people coming to Ennis to fish the Madison, it's a choice between either flying into a regional aiport and renting a car, or else driving your own vehicle long distances.

By Eric Shores 1/29/2016 5 minutes
Planning,Lodging, Meals, and Fun

Other Things to Do in Ennis Montana

Man or woman cannot live on fly fishing alone. Sometimes you need to take the day off and just “smell the roses” (or the pine trees, depending on where you find yourself). I think the first stop to pencil in on the map is Virginia City, located about 15 miles west of Ennis, Montana.

By Eric Shores 1/26/2016 5 minutes
Planning,Lodging, Meals, and Fun

Where to Eat in Ennis Montana

Ennis is known for its fly fishing and majestic Montana scenery. It also boasts a wonderful atmosphere, making it a prime spot for vacations. For those of us who call it home, it's also a great place to catch a bite to eat.

By Eric Shores 1/20/2016 5 minutes
Fly Fishing,Planning,Fly Fishing for Beginners

Strategies for Winter Fly Fishing in Montana

Sitting here watching it snow outside, wind about 40 mph out of the north. Hard to imagine, but my mind still turns to fly-fishing. It may be nasty now but in a few days’ temps are supposed to soar into the high 30s, low forties. That ought to clear the ice out of the water, and might even be enough to get the fish “sparking.”

By Eric Shores 1/7/2016 5 minutes
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