The Tackle Shop - Outfitter and Fly Shop

Griffin Pickle

2023-10

We had a great time with Nate and James from the Tackleshop in Ennis. We fished the Madison River and caught trout and “whitefish”. Our guides were very knowledgeable about the river and Montana in general. They kept us entertained and informed throughout the trip. We did a half day trip that was just right. Would highly recommend Nate and James.-The Pickles

Kelly McCandless

2021-06

We frequent The Tackle Shop everytime we're in Ennis - my hat collection proves this fact. We've always found the gear, and hat selection, top notch and useful for small items as well as prices more then acceptable for larger items. My son and I spent the day with James (Jim Bob) in April of 2021 and we'll be back and deeply appreciated his genuine assistance, fun demeanor, and helpfulness!! We'll be back, we don't own ALL the hats and we still have water to cover!!

Monica Lay

2022-06

Exceptional service from the the guys at The Tackle Shop. Manny gave great recommendations on the local fishing spots for water wading and hooked us up with what’s biting currently. We also booked a full day drift boat on the Madison and had Jim Bob as our guide. Jim Bob is such an awesome dude full of passion and knowledge. As beginner flyer fisher-women, he was a great teacher and we appreciated his patience and conversations. We had a small dog with us too and Jim Bob gave her the best seat on the boat up in the front den and gave her some cuddles during our afternoon break. She loved it and slept throughout the boat ride. I ended up landing my first 20 inch brown trout with Jim Bob’s guidance. Definitely a highlight of trip in MT so far. Thanks so much Jim Bob! You rock!

John D'Anna

2021-06

Fantastic morning half-day of fishing on the Madison with James Terry last week! Really enjoyed the cheery, educational and gracious guiding. We look forward to fishing with James the next time we're in town.

Jake Vanover

2024-05

If anyone has the chance request Jimbob as your guid. Especially if you are laid back wanting to have a great guide he's awesome!

Zachary Smith

2023-06

Wow. What a place to visit. Awesome, knowledgeable and great guys. Went fishing on the Maddison about a week ago, and even fighting the wind we were able to land some amazing fish. Very good priced and sweet gear in the shop. Thanks for all the work you guys put in to keep the Maddison an AWESOME river to visit! Great shop, staff and great guides!

Michelle Musto

2023-07

We had a great time with Manny! He was pleasant and easy to like. Very knowledgeable and patient with all my tangles, lol! I still managed to catch 3 fish. Great day!

Russell Smith

2022-06

This is a fine shop with a fantastic group of guides who know the river. They are helpful and great fly fishing instruction. Book a float and it like getting a personalized lesson on how to land big fish. Hank was a great guide who is engaging fun and knowledgeable. He not only increased my knowledge about drift boat fishing but took the time to stop and teach me wading techniques as well. Definitely go to this shop if you are in Ennis. Most definitely use this shop to book a float!

Jeffrey Sheadel

2021-06

I booked a full day float with James. He was a GREAT guide. He is personable, knowledgeable, patient, and hard working. It was a perfect day, 60F low wind. James can't take credit for the weather but he DEFINITELY knew where the trout were hiding. He put us on fish and coached me on improving my technique; casting, mending, setting the hook, landing the fish. I HIGHLY recommend James and the Tackle Shop to anyone in the vicinity of Madison County! Oh yeah, he was also a good chef...yummy chicken tacos!

Shawn LaBelle

2023-06

Had a great time on the Madison with Wes today. Knowledgeable, patient and willing to spend time figuring out the best flies.

Emilee Terry

2022-06

Total fly fishing newbies, but we booked a half day out with this shop. They were incredibly helpful and accommodating on timing, quick to get our fishing licenses, and just seemed to enjoy being there (shop dog was also really cute.) Jim Bob was our guide and he knocked it out of the park. He was a great teacher and so patient. I never thought I'd enjoy fishing that much, and at the end of our day, I was disappointed we'd only booked a half day. We'll be back for sure and book a full day next time.

Ray Killian

2023-06

The Tackle Shop is my headquarters on the Madison River. I have used The Tackle Shop for 4 decades now and I gotta say it just keeps getting better and better. High quality tackle, great staff, and quality guides. There are lots of fly shops in the world but some, like The Tackle Shop, rise to the top. The owner has been able to develop a shop culture that is straight forward and honest while making you feel home. The guides are extremely hard working and really know the river. I look forward to my trip back to Ennis every year. Thanks John for making it all happen.

Alan Leo

2021-06

John Way and guides are the best! I have fished with them several times over the years and just finished up a week of fishing the Madison River with them. Fished three days with John and did really well in what were very tough conditions; high winds, rain and temps in the low 40's. Did not mater, John put me on the fish with the right flies and we caught a bunch of Rainbows and large Browns. John is really the 'best of the best' and his fly shop is fantastic.

Andrew Billings

2020-06

John and the staff at The Tackle Shop are the absolute best! Not only are they knowledgeable, but they are friendly and always down to share the hot fly. They have an awesome selection of rods, reels, lines and whatever else you need. They have also been known to toss a t shirt or a hat your way if you spend some time with them! There isn't a better fly shop around, and John and his staff are awesome!

Jake Campbell

2022-06

We had an absolute blast visiting this shop and fishing with these folks. From a great day on the water to multiple visits to the store for advice and gear, each interaction was genuine, helpful and fun. Hank and Jimbob were a blast out on the water and Manny and Riley were so helpful in the shop. Thanks all!!

Brent Barsdale

2018-06

John Way and his team are the Best in the business. Always very helpful and knowledgeable about gear and equipment. They never fail to have a good pulse on fishing conditions. I have had a great experience at the Tackle Shop over the years, look forward to seeing everyone again in the spring..Thanks again,Bars....

Lily W.

2020-06

Friendly service and good small business. It is always good to support local businesses, especially when they are seasonal! John Way always is friendly, kind, and never too intrusive into what your needs might be. He knows when to give a customer space or talk to them more. Plus he is incredibly knowledgable about the rivers. Best fishing shop in Ennis, hands down!

Nathan Matlock

2021-06

This is a great shop and the staff is always very helpful. I have visited them at least once a year for the last six years. This past week, I was out in Ennis fishing and a member of our group broke their rod. The staff got us set up and taken care of to enjoy the remaining time on the water. I would highly recommend them to anyone visiting and wanting to have a great experience on the water.

Duncan Dorris

2020-06

We went fishing with John and Jim Bob on 8/1/2019. Couldn’t have had a better set of guides. We had all levels of skill in our group and John and Jim Bob were patient and went out of their way to make sure we all had a great day.I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great fishing experience on the Madison River.

Phil Spohn

2021-06

Great four days on the Madison. We are a group of eastern guys who fish for salmon and trout that are stocked. it was great a good trip and we landed some nice fish we wish we would have communicated better about our desire to fish a variety of rivers rather than only the Madison. I especially enjoyed the trip in which i got out of the boat and stalked trout with dry flies and nymphs. fishing the zones of the Madison when you are not allowed to fish from the drift boat was challenging and exciting and lots of fun.

Steve Shore

2020-06

This is a great shop run by great guys. My wife and I fished with John last fall and had a blast. John was as excited as my wife when she landed a whale sized brown. The have excellent knowledge of what is happening on the local rivers and are always willing to provide friendly advice.

matt farni

2022-06

Booking a guided float with Jim Bob was one of the best decision I've ever made. Worth every penny. Jim Bob was extremely nice, took incredible care of us the whole trip, served us delicious lunch, very encouraging and cheering us on the whole trip. Jim Bob may be one of the best trout guides ever. Thanks Tackle Shop!

Dennette Janus

2019-06

Steve and I had Mike H. As our guide today. The shop staff were fun and helpful, the guided float was all we'd hoped for (even though most of the fish were too savvy for our efforts! ). We would highly recommend both the Tackle Shop and Mike H! He was funny, easy-going, respectful, conscientious, knowledgeable, encouraging and obviously very comfortable coaching guests on the river!

Hunter Crose

2021-06

Great day on the Madison. We had the pleasure of fishing with John Way. He put us on fish and basically worked with us all day to become better fisherman. He is a patient and willing teacher, in addition to knowing the river like the back of his hand. John has top notch equipment, served a delicious feast for lunch, and seemed genuinely motivated to make our day on the river special. I look forward to more days on the river with John!

Christopher Condie

2021-06

All staff including our guide Ken were excellent. Very knowledgeable of the area and where to take us. My wife and I had a great time and will definitely go back. We felt like you couldn't beat the price for how long we were out fishing. We both had a great time.

Lucian Hodges

2022-06

Jim Bob is one of a kind guide. He knows where the fish are and knows how to catch them. He is extremely encouraging and just an overall great guy. He landed us 4 big fish and put us in plenty more. Highly recommend Jim Bob to anyone looking to float the Madison.

Brian

2022-06

If Fly Fishing is your thing, this is the place to go. GREAT GUIDES! Me and my family had a great time with James, Jim and Hank. Young, energetic and know their river. I'll be back as this was a sort of scout trip for some friends as well. I will be back. All guy trip coming soon!

Linda Allen

2018-06

Amazing trip on the Madison River. Bill is my hero! He taught me to fly fish and I caught 4 beautiful trout. When I think of all the wonderful things we did on our trip to Montana, my favorite memory is fly fishing.The Tackle Shop put together a great day for us. Thanks from Linda and Phil from Georgia.

Kelly Sullivan

2021-06

I Could not have had a better experience. Amazing day with friends and fish. Jim Bob was an amazing guide - he took us right where we needed to be and was so helpful and knowledgeable. We had a Great time being with him.Cannot wait to do it again. Thanks for everything from beginning to end!!

Arthur Smith

2019-06

The Tackle shop has the most up to date fly fishing equipment and the most knowledgeable staff for the Madison river and all the streams and lakes in southwest Montana. They have never given me bad advice. John Way and staff will put the right flies in your hand and point you in the right direction to have one of those epic days fishing. The rest is up to you!