Spring Trout Route

Big Hole Lodge x Madison Valley Ranch

Trip Overview

The trip

A chance to fish multiple rivers in southwest Montana

A one-of-a-kind lodge partnership between two Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodges offering a spring road trip for anglers who want to fish their way across southwest Montana's world-famous rivers.

Stay 6 nights at 2 lodges

Big Hole Lodge (3 nights)
Madison Valley Ranch (3 nights)

Fish up to 5 rivers in 5 days

Big Hole River
Beaverhead River
Jefferson River
Lower Madison River
Upper Madison River

Enjoy daily gourmet meals

Breakfast while your guide(s) prepare for the day
Streamside lunch
Gourmet dinner with paired wines

Round trip ground transfers are included with your stay. We'll pick you up from the airport on arrival day, take you fishing, transfer you between lodges after Day 3, and return you to the airport upon departure.

See pricing

What's Included

What's included

✓

Accommodation
Three nights at each lodge.

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Meals
Breakfast, streamside lunch and gourmet dinner.

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Beverages
Wine, beer & non-alcoholic beverages.

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Orvis fly fishing gear

✓

Guided fly fishing
Five days of guided fly fishing.

✓

Ground transportation
Round trip ground transportation from Bozeman Airport and between both lodges.

What's not included

Montana lodging tax
$20/person/night.

Guide gratuity
Typically paid in cash at the end of each day. Most tips range between $150-250 per boat per day.

Montana fishing license
Available for advance purchase online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Weather & Gear

What to pack

Clothing & fly fishing gear

Spring weather

April and May in Southwest Montana bring classic spring weather that can change quickly throughout the day. April often starts cold, with frosty mornings, occasional snow and daytime temperatures in the 40s and 50s. By May, afternoons in the 50s and 60s become more common, though rain, wind and late snow are still possible. It is not unusual to start the morning in several layers and finish the day in a light shirt.

Cloud cover, passing storms and warming afternoons can all create excellent conditions on the water. Spring weather keeps things varied, with calm sunny stretches mixed with cooler, overcast days that can fish especially well. Good rain gear, warm layers and a flexible approach are important, because Southwest Montana in spring rarely follows the forecast exactly.

Recommended clothing

Sun protective shirts
Quick-dry pants
Puff/fleece jacket
Rain jacket
Long underwear
Under wader sweatpants
Boot length wool socks
Outdoor footwear
Gloves
Hat & beanie
Bathing suit for hot tub

Complimentary use of Orvis fly rods, reels, waders and boots are readily available for all guests. You are welcome to bring your own fishing gear if you prefer. Clothing should be your main consideration when packing.

Optional fly fishing gear

5-7 WT rods & reels
Floating fly lines
2x-4x leader & tippet
Waders
Non-studded boots
Wading staff
Fishing pack & tools
Hand net
Polarized sunglasses
Various trout flies

Important notes

Boats have dry storage for personal items and clothing layers
Dinner attire is casual
On-site guest laundry machines available
Complimentary sunscreens & bug sprays are available

Big Hole Lodge

Nights 1–3

An angler's bucket list ~ access to multiple fisheries

Big Hole Lodge is an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge located along the Wise River near Wise River, Montana, surrounded by the scenic Pioneer Mountains. Established in 1984, the lodge has built a reputation for exceptional fly fishing, comfortable accommodations, and personal hospitality.

The lodge accommodates a maximum of 12 guests across three private cabins, each offering comfortable furnishings, modern conveniences, and mountain or river views. The main lodge features a welcoming dining room, rustic log architecture, and an outdoor deck overlooking the Pioneer Mountains. Guests enjoy freshly prepared meals, premium wines, and local beers included in their fishing packages.

The lodge specializes in guided fly fishing adventures on the legendary Big Hole River, renowned for its wild brown, rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout, as well as Arctic grayling. Fishing opportunities extend beyond the Big Hole to the Beaverhead River, West Fork of the Bitterroot, private spring creeks, and other productive waters throughout Southwestern Montana. Experienced guides emphasize dry fly fishing whenever conditions allow, taking advantage of abundant aquatic insect hatches and diverse river habitats.

Guests can enjoy a combination of guided float trips, walk-and-wade fishing, and sight fishing for trophy trout on private waters. Beyond fishing, guests can explore nearby hiking trails, enjoy casual fishing on the Wise River, play a small par-three golf hole, or visit regional attractions. Big Hole Lodge offers an intimate Montana fly fishing experience that combines outstanding fishing, beautiful surroundings, comfortable lodging, and attentive hospitality.

Explore Big Hole Lodge

Madison Valley Ranch

Nights 4–6

50+ miles of river ~ out the back gate

Established in 1994, Madison Valley Ranch is an award-winning Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge located just outside the charming town of Ennis, Montana, along the banks of the legendary Upper Madison River. Surrounded by expansive ranchlands and three mountain ranges, the lodge offers an authentic Montana experience with upscale accommodations, exceptional dining, and genuine Western hospitality. Twice named Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year in 2015 and 2021, Madison Valley Ranch has earned a reputation as one of Montana's premier fly fishing destinations.

The property features 14 comfortable guest rooms across three lodge buildings, a modern main lodge with spacious lounges, a fireplace, beer and wine bar, and an outstanding culinary program featuring freshly prepared meals and locally sourced ingredients. Additional amenities include a hot tub, fire pit, fully stocked fly shop, trophy trout pond, walking trails, and direct access to the Madison River.

Guided fly fishing trips on the blue-ribbon Upper Madison River are the highlight of the experience, offering anglers of all abilities opportunities to pursue wild brown and rainbow trout with some of the region's most experienced guides. Other renowned fisheries, including the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Jefferson, and Yellowstone Rivers, are also within reach.

Beyond fishing, guests can enjoy the Ennis Golf Course, explore the fly shops, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques of historic downtown Ennis, or venture farther into Southwest Montana. Conveniently located approximately one hour from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Madison Valley Ranch is also within easy reach of Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone National Park.

Explore Madison Valley Ranch

Accommodations

Where you'll stay

Three nights at each lodge

Big Hole Lodge

Big Hole Lodge offers an intimate lodging experience with accommodations for just 12 guests in three private cabins overlooking the Wise River and Pioneer Mountains. The Pattengail Cabin features two bedrooms, a comfortable living area, kitchen, and covered porch overlooking the river. The larger Big Hole Cabin offers four bedrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, and enclosed porch, making it ideal for groups. The Beaverhead Cabin is a duplex with two private accommodations, each featuring its own bathroom and refrigerator, along with a shared porch and outdoor deck. The Main Lodge is a welcoming log building featuring a communal dining area, river rock accents, and an elevated deck with panoramic views of the Pioneer Mountains.

Madison Valley Ranch

Madison Valley Ranch offers 14 comfortable guest rooms spread across three distinct lodge buildings, each with its own character and amenities. The Madison Lodge, completed in 2021, features six modern guest rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, two queen beds, and beautiful mountain views; it's also the property's central gathering place, with spacious lounges, a fireplace, beer and wine bar, and dining room. The Channels Lodge, closest to the Madison River, offers six additional guest rooms along with a large common lounge, full kitchen, and outdoor deck overlooking the Madison Range. For guests seeking extra space and privacy, the two Duplex Cabin Suites feature separate bedrooms, living areas, wet bars, and covered porches. Throughout the property, guests can enjoy a hot tub, fire pit, trout pond, and expansive views of the surrounding mountains.

Dining

At both lodges

Daily gourmet meals

Breakfast while your guide(s) prepare for the day, a streamside lunch on the river, and a gourmet dinner with paired wines back at the lodge. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are included at both lodges.

On the water

Scenes from the route

The Channels Lodge at Madison Valley Ranch

The road trip

Map of the Trout Route

One big loop from Bozeman: west to Big Hole Lodge, south down the Pioneer Mountains, east through Dillon and Virginia City to Madison Valley Ranch, then back to the airport.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
850 Gallatin Field Rd, Belgrade, MT 59714

Big Hole Lodge
36894 Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, Wise River, MT 59762

Madison Valley Ranch
307 Jeffers Rd, Ennis, MT 59729