30 Jan Best of the West: A Blue-Ribbon Stay

Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming are chock-full of renowned fisheries. Whether enjoyed on a popular river or tucked into a secret hidey-hole, any regional angling adventure can be enhanced by comfortable lodging, a well-prepared meal, and intimate knowledge of the waters at hand. Here, we highlight a few local fly-fishing lodges where guests can enjoy just that.

Madison Double R

Nestled within a mature cottonwood grove on the so-called “miracle mile” of the Upper Madison River in Montana, the Madison Double R fly-fishing lodge offers refined accommodations and a high-end dining experience on a historic 650-acre ranch. Guests appreciate the friendly and experienced guides who find equal joy in teaching novice anglers and experienced fly fishers on nearly any of the waters near the lodge. In addition to wetting a line, guests can ride horses, spend time on the gun range, enjoy an in-room massage, try out the golf course, or tour nearby Yellowstone National Park.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MADISON DOUBLE R

Ennis, MT | (406) 682-5555 | madisonrr.com

Spotted Bear Ranch

South of Glacier National Park on the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Spotted Bear Ranch offers five-star, all-inclusive lodging at a century-old ranch in northwest Montana, as well as wilderness- or horse-based trips. Providing fishing access to the South Fork of the Flathead River, one of the few rivers in the Lower 48 inhabited solely by native fish species, the ranch creates customizable guided fly-fishing experiences for all skill levels, complete with casting lessons and gear. Depending on the season, visitors to the Orvis-endorsed ranch can catch bull trout (July 1–31, 2025), westslope cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish in nearby rivers and streams.

COURTESY OF COURTNEY POULIN

Hungry Horse, MT | (406) 270-5235 | spottedbear.com

Brush Creek Ranch

Consistently rated among the top destination resorts in the country since its inception in 2011, Brush Creek Ranch offers all-inclusive access to luxury accommodations, amenities, fine farm-to-table dining, and activities situated across 30,000 pristine wilderness acres in Saratoga, Wyoming. Providing wade, float, guided-creek, still-water, and ice-
fishing options in Brush and Elk Hollow creeks, the North Platte and Encampment rivers, and six well-stocked ponds, Brush Creek creates unforgettable experiences for every preference and expertise. Spring Fling Fly Fishing, held annually during April, kicks off the season with special events, lessons, spirits tastings at Brush Creek Distillery, and more.

COURTESY OF BRUSH CREEK RANCH

Saratoga, WY | (307) 327-5284 | brushcreekranch.com

Big Hole Lodge

In 1984, Craig Fellin drove up the blue-ribbon Big Hole River and turned onto a washboard-rutted dirt road called the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. He was on his way to building the Big Hole Lodge, now nestled on 10 river-front acres surrounded by national forest. Fellin stripped logs to build the company’s dining lodge and three guest cabins, all situated with views of the scenic Wise River Valley. Forty years later, the Orvis-endorsed Big Hole Lodge offers exceptional cuisine and a relaxing and intimate fly-fishing experience. With a maximum of just eight guests, Fellin and his son, Wade, cater to a wide range of fly-fishing interests and skill levels. They focus on the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Bitterroot rivers, as well as the area’s spring creeks, small mountain streams, and crystalline alpine lakes.

COURTESY OF BIG HOLE LODGE

Wise River, MT | (406) 832-3252 | bigholelodge.com