ABOUT EL WESTERN ~ A SHORT HISTORY
El Western is a rare remaining glimpse into the changing nature of the west over the past 6 decades. Begun in 1948, El Western played host to those first discovering the sport of fly-fishing and the beauty of the Madison River Valley. Although ranching was the primary occupation of the residents of Ennis and the surrounding area, many wealthy and notable guests came to spend their summers enjoying the growing sport of fly-fishing in this "exotic" location.
Neil and Maude Morgan, with their sons, Tom and Jerry, built and developed the first 8 cabins, home and office from 1948 to 1956. Later, the property on the other side of the highway was added, making 16 total acres. The Moose Lodge came as a part of that addition. In the 1960's and 70's, 4 large c
View more...abins, a restaurant (The Country Kitchen) and "Mary's House" (later the Trout Lodge) were completed. Although ranching continued to dominate, fly-fishing grew in importance to the economy of the valley during those years. Tom Morgan became a well-known fishing guide and went on to purchase the Winston Rod Company after his family sold El Western.
The Morgan family sold the property in 1975 to interim owners. In 1979, it was sold once again to Ted and Bobby Bjork. The Bjorks, originally from Wisconsin, had been living in Birmingham, Alabama. On a snowy November day they visited the property and immediately gave up corporate life to follow their western dream. For the next 18 years, they restored, expanded and maintained El Western. The restaurant became a tackle shop.Two more large log cabins were added and the lawns and flower gardens were improved.
The latest chapter officially began in 1997 when Kris and John Hauck took over operation of the property from Kris' parents (the Bjorks). After 22 years as Air Force gypsies, Kris and John, along with their children, Brian and Lauren, arrived to make El Western their home and second career in 1997. Having added the Eagle's Loft in 1995 and remodeling the restaurant/tackle shop into a conference center in 1998, the El Western is the property you see today.
Timeless and authentic, we are an independent and family owned property. We welcome you to El Western. "A Montana Tradition since 1948."
THE MADISON RIVER & FLY FISHING
The Madison River stretches nearly 70 miles from the edge of Yellowstone National Park and runs north through the heart of the Madison Valley as you travel US 287. This magnificent wild trout fishery is one of the reasons so many folks visit El Western for the first time. There are more than a dozen places for public access to the river, the closest just 400 yards from El Western.
If you are wade fishing, stop in the office and we can point you to some of John's favorite fishing spots. Or reserve a permit on the fabled Odell Creek for a day of private spring creek fishing. To float the Madison, ask us for a referral to one of our knowledgeable local outfitters or guides. They will give you an unforgettable day on the river, suggest fly patterns, View more...serve you lunch and help you find and land those Rainbow or Brown beauties - even if you have never cast a fly rod.
Plenty of other water is accessible for a day of fishing from Ennis as well. The Ruby, Firehole, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers and Hebgen, Quake, Ennis and mountain lakes have earned Ennis the distinction of being the center of the "Golden Triangle" of fly-fishing.
And for the kids, the Ennis Lion's Club park has a stocked fishing hole where the lunkers lurk. Poles are available in the El Western Office or at the Ennis Library - no charge to get them hooked on fishing!
Free in-cabin WiFi
Private baths
Flat screen/ satellite TV
Hairdryers, Phones, Daily housekeeping
24 hour service
Bear Creek Meadow and spacious lawns for strolling or relaxing
Knowledgeable staff to help you with local information and activities
TV
WIFI
Breakfast
Restaurant
Drinks
Individual toilets
Guide Service
Boat
Spoken Languages
English
Montana, United States 
