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Winter Special

Half Day Winter Special: $350 (1 Angler) $400 (2 Anglers)

*$200 off normal rate - includes all gear, tackle, equipment.

The Madison River doesn't just fish well between the months of June and August. In fact, some of the best fishing of the year is in winter. Fish have been unpressured for months, are congregating into winter holds and eager to add some calories. With the busy summer season long gone, oftentimes you've got the river entirely to yourself. Surrounded by picturesque winter scenes and solitude...it's hard to beat winter fishing on the Upper Madison. Generally, these winter half days are best served between 11AM and 3PM when fish are more active. Save a couple hundred bucks off the normal rate and come try it out with us! I might even bring some warm home made elk chili...

Top 5 FAQs

1. What do I need to bring on my trip?

Not much! Our guide trips are designed to be all inclusive. That means we provide all the fishing equipment, lunches, and water. The only thing you need to provide is a fishing license which is easily obtained in any sporting goods store OR online via https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/

Aside from that, we ask that you wear sunglasses. Too many flies zipping around the boat all day to risk a collision with your eyes. Also, we strongly encourage you to overdress for the day. It's better to have layers you don't use, than to need layers you don't have. Street clothes are just fine. Unless you request a wade trip, you'll be dry in the boat all day.

2. Where and when do I meet my guide for a trip?

Typically, Justin will reach out to you the day before your trip, usually in the afternoon/evening. It's then that we'll have a plan devised. Generally speaking, for peak season trips (June-September) we'll be meeting in Ennis at the Lion's Club Park at the east end of Main Street in Ennis somewhere between 7-8 AM unless otherwise noted when we speak to you.

3. How long will we be on the water?

Full day trips generally are on the water for 6-8 hours depending on conditions. Half day winter trips are typically from 11-3 ish.

4. I've never fly fished before. Is that ok?

It's more than ok! The Upper Madison is a river tailored for beginners from drift boats and we love introducing new people to the sport! All of our guides are seasoned instructors and will spend all the time you need making sure that you are comfortable with your cast and presentation so that you will have the skills to catch some fish and enjoy a day on the river. Most guides will tell you that beginners are often preferred customers. Blank slates. Great for teaching.

5. How much should I tip my guide?

Guides are in the service industry. We pride ourselves on providing a better than average service. It is customary to tip your guide 20%, and on average we see typical gratuities in the $150-200 range at the end of each day. If you are fishing with the same guide for consecutive days and would like to tip them after your last trip, please communicate this with them on the first day. Cash is preferred, but we can add guide gratuities to your invoice at checkout if you’d like to pay with a credit card with the addition of a processing fee.

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, and most importantly – our plans for the day. 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. Credit card deposits will be assessed a 3% transaction fee. The balance is due one week prior to your trip. 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. Many people often ask what is considered standard. Generally speaking, 20% is a good place to start.

What to bring:

All rods, reels, tackle, flies are included. Lunches are included with an additional fee. 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. 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:

Rods: 5 and 6 weight are the most common.
Leaders: assortment from 7.5 ft. to 9 ft. and from 0x to 4x. You will rarely need 5x.
Rain gear
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.
Polarized Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Plenty of warm clothes for layering including hat and gloves
Camera
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.

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. For the rest of the winter, we offer half day trips only because the window of good fishing is much smaller with limited daylight and cooler temps. That being said, winter fishing is a pretty special experience and we love doing it!