Multiple Dates | Starting at $3,797 — Join us on some of Montana's most iconic Western rivers. We'll show you how to become a complete trout angler at Madison Valley Ranch.

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Multiple Dates | Starting at $3,797 — Join us on some of Montana's most iconic Western rivers. We'll show you how to become a complete trout angler at Madison Valley Ranch.

0 out of 5 Customer Rating
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Seth Berger

Trout School At Madison Valley Ranch, Montana


Phone icon800-547-4322 Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM ET Email iconorvistravel@orvis.com
Item #2MEL

The Story

Learn how to become a complete trout angler on some of the most iconic western rivers at the new Orvis Complete Trout School at Madison Valley Ranch in Ennis, MT. When people talk about fishing in Big Sky Country on rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and the Big Hole, the phrase "big trout" is usually not far behind. While you're at the lodge enjoy luxury accommodations, unparalleled hospitality, and wonderful food. Professionally-trained Chef Matt Pease will prepare gourmet meals made with the freshest and many local ingredients.

Madison Valley Ranch is a perfect location to learn how to fly fish or to improve your skills. Our exceptional instructors can help anyone progress in their fly fishing. Learn how to cast just outside the lodge on Jurassic Pond then put your newfound or refined skills to the test floating down some of the best trout rivers in the West. Whether you are a beginner who would like to get into the sport, or a skilled angler looking to progress to the next level, we have the knowledge and expertise to help. We provide all the newest Orvis equipment, fantastic amenities, and a beautiful setting for the ultimate Fly-Fishing School. Our on-the-water instruction and practice on actual fish can't be duplicated on a city lawn or parking lot.

In this comprehensive school, you will have the opportunity to fish from drift boats or get out and wade for different species of trout, such as brown and rainbow. Learn how to catch trout in many different scenarios. You will learn how to fish with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers and learn how to read the water and select the right fly. The skills and memories you gain here will certainly last a lifetime.

 

Dates:

August 3-7, 2026
August 7-11, 2026 SOLD OUT
September 6-10, 2026
August 2-6, 2027
August 6-10, 2027
September 5-9, 2027

 

Length of Trip:

4 nights, 3 days of instruction and guided fishing

 

Pricing:

2026: From $3,797 shared room/shared guide
2027: From $4,009 shared room/shared guide

*Pricing does not include, per person, $80 Montana resort tax that is charged on site.

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

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Dates (4 nights, 3 days of instruction and guided fishing)

August 3-7, 2026
August 7-11, 2026 SOLD OUT
September 6-10, 2026
August 2-6, 2027
August 6-10, 2027
September 5-9, 2027

 

2026 Pricing

$3,797 shared room/shared guide
$5,157 private room/shared guide
$6,126 private room/private guide
*Pricing does not include, per person, $80 Montana resort tax that is charged on site.

2027 Pricing

$4,009 shared room/shared guide
$5,405 private room/shared guide
$6,385 private room/private guide
*Pricing does not include, per person, $80 Montana resort tax that is charged on site.

What's Included:

  • Accommodations
  • Instruction & Guided fishing
  • All meals
  • Beer & Wine
  • Private access to: Jack Creek, MVR trophy trout pond and The Channels
  • Use of Orvis fishing gear

What's not included:

  • Airfare
  • Montana fishing license
  • Montana Resort Tax ($20/person/night)
  • Airport transfers
  • Store purchases
  • Guide & lodge staff gratuities
  • Liquor
Arrival Day
2 PM Check in.
6:30 PM Appetizers and cocktails.
7 PM Dinner and introductions with discussion of the class.
Day Two
7:30 AM Breakfast.
8:30 AM Introductions and a brief presentation
9:15 AM Rigging your fly rod
9:30 AM Introductory Casting Instruction
10:30 AM Depart to a Madison River Fishing Access site
11 AM On-river session covering reading water, presentation, bug identification, wading & river etiquette
Noon Streamside lunch, followed by knot tying & wade fishing
1 PM Nymphing from a drift boat
2:15 PM Intermediate Casting Instrution
3 PM Student Choice: Wade Fishing or Boat Fishing
5 PM Return to Madison Valley Ranch
6:30 PM Cocktail Hour & Dinner
Day Three
7:30 AM Buffet breakfast
8 AM Depart for full day of guided fishing and try out your new or refined skills
Noon Lunch served streamside
4-6 PM Return to lodge
6:30 PM Cocktail Hour & Dinner
Day Four
7:30 AM Buffet breakfast
8 AM Depart for full day of guided fishing and try out your new or refined skills
Noon Lunch served streamside
4-6 PM Return to lodge
6:30 PM Cocktail Hour and Dinner
Day Five
7:30 AM Buffet breakfast
10 AM Guests depart

At The Ranch

The Madison Valley Ranch offers 14 guest rooms across three buildings and accommodates up to 28 guests at a time. Outside each rooms' front porch is a stunning view of the surrounding three mountain ranges, the ever-changing Montana Big Sky, and the resident wildlife in the fields. While each room differs slightly in size and bed configurations, the local and warm Western touches are comfortable and consistent in all.

Various gathering areas provide a relaxing environment to catch up with friends, check emails using wifi or the house computer, watch HD satellite TV, sit by the fire, or even host a corporate meeting using the fully-equipped conference space. Enjoy the hot tub as a relaxing way to unwind at the end of the day or to gaze up at the night sky the likes of which you’ve never seen before.


Food & Drink

Madison Valley Ranch takes great pride in providing an exceptional food and beverage program. Executive Chef Matthew Pease works with his team to provide gourmet breakfast with house-baked bread, pastries, locally-sourced meats, and eggs. Evening appetizers present an opportunity to connect with your fellow guests sharing stories from your day on the river, and is followed by a gourmet four-course dinner made entirely from scratch using uniquely Montana ingredients. Everything is prepared fresh in house from the dessert to the bread and pasta. The Ranch features local craft beers and a wide selection of wine that pair nicely with each dinner.