Eaton Outfitters, flyfishing the Madison River in Montana with lodging and quality guides

What our clients say

For over 25 years, we've specialized in guided flyfishing trips on the Madison river near Ennis, Montana, and other quality streams nearby. Eaton Outfitters makes sure each angler receives individual attention custom-fitted to his or her skill level, wants, and needs. Our local, well-trained, experienced guides make your fishing successful and fun.

We also have two comfortable houses for rent by the week or month. They are located close to the Madison river in Ennis and just west of Varney Bridge upstream from Ennis.

And, we can recommend many activities and tours for after fishing or your non-angling guests, including hiking, biking, golf, local shopping, tours of Yellowstone National Park, Virginia City, and other local sights.

Because we're closely involved with each trip, we thought you might like to know a little more about us, the co-owners and your hosts for Eaton Outfitters.

Julie Eaton is a licensed Montana Outfitter who has guided the rivers of southwestern Montana for 14 years. She began her fishing career working on her dad's charter boat in upstate New York in the 70's. In the early 80's she earned degrees in ecology and secondary education at Idaho State University. Julie has worked for the Idaho Fish & Game, the U.S. Forest Service, taught high school biology for many years, currently works for Trout Unlimited on the Western Water Project and spends countless hours fishing and guiding on local rivers. As a guide and instructor, she teaches fly fishing courses for 'Becoming an Outdoors Woman' in Idaho and Colorado. She is on the pro advisory staff for Ross Reels and Scott Rods. In 1997, Julie wrote “A Fly Rod & A Trout”, a fishing instructional book for Scott Rod Co. Nobody is as passionate about flyfishing as Julie.

Chris Eaton has logged over 1000 guide days on the SW Montana waters as a licensed professional fishing guide. Chris also works for Madison Valley Ranch and the Tackle Shop, an Orvis-endorsed fly shop in Ennis. Chris specializes in working with the beginning flyfisher, helping with basic casting, reading the water, and finding fish. Chris has been the featured Madison river guide on seven TV shows, including Fly Fishing the World, Trout Unlimited TV, Columbia Country, and PBS. All Chris's clients can expect a variety of blue-ribbon fishing opportunities because of his longtime fishing experience on the Madison and other local rivers.

"You are one of a select few of the most knowledgeable guides who work on the Madison."

- Charles Gauvin, CEO, Trout Unlimited

And here's the whole Eaton mob - (l to r): Hannah, Julie, Josh and Chris - after a day on the Madison. Remember, even guides get a day off to enjoy the water, the weather, and some fishing, not to mention their kids. Silent testimony to the quality fishing is rendered by Josh's proud display . . . come to think of it, it's hard to tell who's prouder - Josh or the folks. And Hannah looks a little shy, but she's leaning into the deal, too. Does her lifejacket say 'Pretty in Pink' or what?

The Eatons are also the outfitters for the Orvis-endorsed Madison Valley Ranch, a full-service lodge located right on the Madison in one of the finest stretches for walk-wading and searching for big fish.