Madison Valley Ranch Reviews

If I could rate MVR a “6”, I would! Manu, Zach and the entire staff are fantastic and went out of their way to make sure we were having a great experience! The lodge and grounds are immaculate and the surroundings are truly amazing. The food was comparable to some of the finest restaurants I have been to and the atmosphere was like being among friends. Our guides were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and truly “world class” fishing guides. We caught lots of fish and they went out of their way to help accommodate our 91 year old Dad. (Thanks again!). MVR is definitely one to put on the top of your list for your next fishing adventure. Also, whatever you envision about Montana, multiply it X 10. Absolutely beautiful ! Many thanks to all at MVR for a great experience!

I've been to MVR on executive retreats as well as taken both my wife and son individually, every trip has provided exceptional professional and personal experiences that we'll always remember. The entire staff, facilities and overall experience is world class, consistent and professional at every level from booking thru arrival and accommodations to the incredible guided fishing on some of the most beautiful rivers you'll ever come across.

Montana! Wow is all I can say. While it was 100 degrees in Houston,were we live, we “suffered” with temps from 40 degrees to 80 degrees. We had rain, wind and sunshine while there. We fished hard from the beginning to the end, but don't forget to look around. We encountered Moose on the river and while at the dinner table. Had bald eagles, ospreys and Sand Hill Cranes flying all around us. Watched new snow accumulate over the week on mountain peaks. We fought some fish forever, some were quick; but all were memorable. Nothing however was as great as experiencing it with my wife Kelly. MVR matched us up with the perfect guide. Our personalities were very much in sync and we had a blast on the river. When we got back to the ranch we sat down and ate appetizers with everyone discussing the days events. We then moved to the dinner table for a fantastic dinner. The only thing that topped dinner was being able to sit around with other guest we had just met and have great conversations. Madison Valley Ranch and their staff give you the ability to unplug, fish and relax.

Flew into Ennis with a friend to try our hand at the Madison in late August. Was a little worried about the window as late August can be great hoppers and it can also be a shutout. Was our first trip to MVR but was there to celebrate a dear friends’ 60th. Have fished all over the world in some of the best lodges and is some very tough back country self guided places. MVR was exceptional. The food was top notch at every meal. The staff was friendly and focused on the clients having a wonderful time. Fishing turned out to be excellent. If you want to hit the many rivers NW of Yellowstone MVR is a great choice.

Susan and I have fished domestically and internationally with Orvis endorsed providers including the Crystal Creek Lodge in Alaska and Nomads of the Sea in Chile. I have to say that the Madison Valley Ranch experience is simply a “10”. The lodge and guest rooms are so well appointed, the management team are so welcoming and professional, the meals are superb and the guide service is top notch. Manuela and Zach reached out to us daily to be sure our needs were met. The chefs more than accommodated Susan’s vegetarian diet with flare and care. Of course fishing the legendary Madison River and staying at what we consider a legendary ranch property puts the Madison Valley Ranch experience at the top of our fly fishing travels.

Beautiful Property. Excellent food. Attentive, accommodating, and cordial staff. Guides are top-notch and know the rivers well. Staying in Ennis puts you right in the heart of several rivers within an easy drive. I have no reservations in recommending Madison Valley Ranch to anyone seeking great fishing, great lodging, and five star dining.

Great fishing, great food, great friends. The Madison is a great river. The guides are great teachers. This is a great place for first-time fly fishers to learn and catch fish as well as for experts. The food is exceptional. The menus include unique salads, soups, entrees, and deserts with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The guests were interesting, from all over the country. Last but not least, the staff is friendly and engaged. MVR is a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.

The owners of MVR had the good sense to locate the ranch in one of the most scenic places in the USA and then build the lodge on one of the great trout streams in the entire world. Add an extremely attentive staff and a gourmet chef and you have the makings of a five star resort. And that’s before accounting for fly fishing guides who can put you on great water with plenty of fish throughout the day. From sun-up to past sundown, the experience was one of the better vacations we’ve had and that includes plenty to do for my wife who does not fish! We will definitely return.

My wife and I were hoping to sneak in a nice late-summer getaway in Montana when we happened upon the Madison Valley Ranch. A great stroke of luck indeed! We spent four nights in the "Madison" room of the main lodge and three days drift fishing different sections of the famed Madison River. Our room was cozy, clean and well-appointed, the meals were first-rate (thank you Matt and team!), and the entire staff overwhelmingly friendly and attentive (Manu and Zach are hospitality rock stars!). Our fishing experience on the Madison was everything your could dream for, but the real difference was the excellence of the guides. We worked with two guides over our three days, and they both proved to be outstanding instructors for my less-experienced wife and possessed an almost uncanny sense of where the big fish were holding. I should note that we left all of our fishing gear at home, and it was nice to be fully outfitted with fine Orvis equipment upon our arrival. In summary, if you are looking for an outstanding outdoor experience with top-notch lodging, meals, guides and fishing, look no further than the Madison Valley Ranch. We intend to return every summer!

This was our 9th consecutive visit to MVR. As with the previous 8 visits this one was also a great experience. The accommodations, food , fishing and especially the people are wonderful. Lodge managers Manu and Zach greet you like family and are always available to ensure that any needs you may have are met . Executive chef Matt and his staff use local ingredients to prepare very creative and very well presented meals. After a day of fishing, tasty appetizers are served at cocktail hour prior to a four course dinner that is served in just the right proportions. Rooms are very clean , comfortable and well appointed. The fishing guides are very knowledgeable about the Madison River. They will put you on fish and also provide instruction to make you a better fly fisher. We had several great days of fishing despite some cold weather. The fish do not care if it's cold. We will be booking our next visit very soon. Thank you Manu, Zach, Parker and Chef Matt for another great adventure at MVR.