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With over 7,000 Montana fly fishing guide trips on the Madison River and many other waters, we are proud to have had Eaton Outfitters on board for almost 30 years.
Chris and Julie Eaton are among the best fishing guides in Montana. Their professionalism, knowledge, teaching abilities, rowing skills, patience, sense of humor and sheer "fishiness" are the reasons why they have remained our outfitters all these years. Along side them is a team of Montana fishing guides (including their son, Josh) that all share the same qualities.
Julie grew up working & fishing on her dad’s charter fishing boat in upstate New York. After moving to Idaho to attend Idaho State University in the early 80’s, she earned degrees in both ecology and secondary education. Since then she's worked for the Idaho Fish & Game, U.S. Forest Service, taught high school biology, worked for Trout Unlimited on the Western Water Project and now spends countless hours fishing and guiding on the local rivers. As a fishing guide and instructor, she's taught fly fishing courses for “Becoming an Outdoors Women” in Colorado and Idaho. She co-owns, guides and instructs for Eaton Outfitters. Her fishing instructional workbook called “A Fly Rod and a Trout” was published in early 1997 and she continues to be on the pro advisory staff for the Scott Fly Rod Co. and Ross Reels.
When he's not a Fire Chief he's continuing to log over 2,000 guide days on the rivers of southwestern Montana. Alongside his wife Julie, he co-owns, operates and guides for Eaton Outfitters. Chris specializes in working with the beginning fly fisher and with his vast fishing experience gives his clients a variety of blue ribbon fishing opportunities. Chris has also been the featured on ESPN for “Fly Fishing the World” and “Trout Unlimited TV”, and on PBS for their show “Flyfishing Destinations”. His business background includes a degree in public relations along with many years spent working for an investment banking firm.
Among Montana's best young fly fishing guides is Josh Eaton, son of Chris and Julie. Josh grew up in a drift boat on the Madison River. That's no exaggeration for a kid who's parents both made their living as professional fly fishing guides. His parents and his grandfather taught him the art of fly casting at a young age and many well known Montana fly fishing guides have shown him a thing or two in the rower's seat. Josh is currently finishing up his degree at Montana State University, but continues to service as one of our ace guides each summer. It's a sight to behold when you see all three Eaton's show up for a morning guide trip at Madison Valley Ranch. Talk about a fly fishing family!
I have been fishing with and staying at the MVR every year for over 15 years and have never ever had a bad experience! Excellent guides/fishing...excellent accommodations...excellent food!
The fishing was unreal. I'm relatively new to the sport, and my guide/instructor was patient, yet had high expectations and improved my casting and confidence by the end of my stay. The Madison River is breathtaking, and both the drift boat and wade fishing were top notch.
Everyone was very professional and worked very hard to ensure an unbelievable stay including our guide who worked diligently to ensure fishing experience was above average. Recommend a trip to MVL if you are looking for a fantastic adventure!!!
