Testimonials

Thank you so much for making our stay at the ranch unforgettable.  We have been to a lot of places, but we have rarely felt so welcomed and taken care of.  I knew we were going to have a good time, but this trip exceeded all of our expectations. 
 
Elizabeth, your enthusiasm and interest in your guests made our visit so special.   Coming home to your smiling face, a cold beer and soon to be published pictures of our fish was absolutely wonderful.  Thanks for listening to all of our stories of excitement we had to share every day after an incredible day of fishing. 
 
Scott (and Jeremy), the meals were out of this world.  The combinations, the sauces, the fresh ingredients, the variety of meats, the local touches- Ok- I am getting hungry and my mouth is watering  just thinking about them.  Everything was delicious.  I can't tell you how many people we have told about your specialties.
 
The accommodations were outstanding.  We loved our room and the view and the hot tub was a must to come home to after an amazing day on the Madison with Chris.  Getting to meet your dogs was also special to us, as of course we missed our own "little T" at home.  Your stories, knowledge of the area, and incredible hospitality all made this a trip we have shared with all of our friends and will always cherish.

We cannot thank you enough for all you did for us to make our stay more than we could have ever expected.  We cannot wait to come back!  Writing this letter just makes us want to be there!

Julie and Roger, Newport Beach, CA  2009

We had a great time at Madison Valley Ranch.  The fishing was superb, the cuisine exceeded expectations and the hospitality was unparalleled.  You and your team were there at every turn to assist us as needed.  Although novice fly fishermen compared to most of your guests you and your guides treated us as experienced professionals.  Thanks so much.  We will be returning to fish with you again.

Steve Rull, St. Louis, MO  2009

Our trip to your lodge was just wonderful, as always.  Looking back on my numerous photos brings back such happy memories of our great time.  I appreciate your friendship and positive energy.  The cuisine is always perfect and Scott's talents are not taken for granted.  Chris Knott is a fishing guide from god's.  Such wonderful energy and enthusiasm that makes each day spent with him very special.  Thank you for who you are and everything you do. 

John Dodge, Boulder, CO  2009

We had an absolutely fabulous time at Madison Valley Ranch. You & Scott are blessed to work in such a sublime setting. Both of you are talented to the extreme & we loved the time we spent with you. Thank you again for an outstanding experience.

Kathie Asmuth, 2009

We had a blast. Thanks so much for your attention to detail and more over your wonderful HOSPITALITY. You guys did an amazing job. We really appreciate all the effort you guys went to.Shannon and I had an amazing time. Have a great rest of the season and we hope to see you soon on our next trip to Montana.

Kevin P. O'Donnell, Atlanta, GA  2009

Our trip to MVR was wonderful! The superlatives are numerous as my son and I had the trip of a lifetime. The maginity of the Rockies; the Madison and Paradise Valleys; the browns, cuts, rainbows, and even the whitties; the ranch and your warm hospitatlity; the culinary delights of Scott and staff; the weather!!  You are truly blessed by the natural grandeur and history of Montana.  Each of your guests go home to their native states and its beautiful and special topography, plant/animal life, culture and family heritage, but there is something special about Montana!  Can't wait to come back and stand in awe.  You, Scott and staff make it all the more special.  Gunnar Folsom, our guide, was terrific.  He was fun to be with, taught us so much about the rivers and trout fishing, and gave 110% each day as his passion is catching trout! Please extend our best.  You were the perfect host and I will always treasure our experience at the MVR.

Henry Dupre, M.D., Ville Platte, LA  2008

Thanks to everyone at the Madison Valley Ranch for making sure Jack and me were well received, well fed, well slaked, and well guided.  We had a great time.  The kitchen delieved one exceptional meal after another.  I do believe you'll see us again.

Don & Jack Patton, New Albany, OH. 2008

Tra and I have fished together since 1995 at least once a year for a week and several years a couple or more times. That was of course BC.  I do not mean before Christ, I mean before children.  We have been blessed to fish in some of the very best conditions and destinations.  We truly enjoy the fellowship with each other and always appreciate the challenge fishing presents.  In all of our trips, I can say without reservation that our experience at the Madison Valley Ranch tops them all.  The guides were interesting and fun, the accommodations were excellent, the food was outstanding to say the least, and the table company was so fun, thank you.  I saved the best for last because we concluded that this experience is made possible because you two intentionally see that each guests is well attended and made to feel at home, that is no small task and you both are great at it.  You each compliment the other and we want to say thanks and hope to see you next year.

John Willbanks Jr., 2008

My family has been coming to the MRV for 10+ years.....It could not be run any better....Elizabeth & Scott, as well as the guides are second to none.

Ira Mendleson, Albany, NY. 2008

I can't thank you enough for all you did on our recent trip to the Madison Valley Ranch.  The trip was absolutely perfect.  I learned more and more each day from the two excellent guides, Dave Evans and Brian McGeehan that you arranged for us.  The Fishing was fantastic and the food was even better thanks to your husband.  I came to MT knowing very little about fly fishing, but thanks to you, your staff and the guides I have come a long way and will be looking forward again to this next year.  Your hospitality was phenomenal and you were the perfect host!

Ken Zehnder, Saint Louis, MO.  2008

The accommodations were amazing.  The location was perfect.  We fished the Madison, Big Hole, McCoy Spring Creak and Milesnicks Spring Creek from a central location where travel never exceeded 1.5 hours.  Our hostess was the best and truly made us feel like the lodge was built for us and our happiness was all that mattered.  I LOVED this trip!

Spencer Blaker, Havard, MA. 2008

Thank you for giving me and my son-in-laws such a memorable and wonderful experience at the Ranch. Our stay was flawless, you have thought of everything.  As for the fishing, it couldn't have been any better and our numerous pictures prove it.  One major highlight was Montana itself and the awesome scenery we were exposed to on the Madison and Yellowstone rivers.   

Larry Waters, Virginia Beach, VA.  2007

Speaking as a 'non-fisher woman' married to an 'obsessed Fisherman', the Madison Valley Ranch is the place to go to satisfy both our needs.  He truly had an extraordinary fishing experience.  I was more than pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and inviting the accommodations were.  On top of that, I actually felt 'pampered' by your hospitality and desire to please our every whim, not to mention Scott's exquisite culinary delights.  I really enjoyed our float trips down the Madison; my husband has the MVR to thank for making me an official convert! 

Kim Diehl, Bethlehem, PA.  2007

I enjoyed the first class treatment from Elizabeth, Scott and the fishing guides.  I brought customers on this trip and they were new to fly fishing.  They remarked that it was the trip of a lifetime.

Joe Schiazzano, Oro Valley, AZ.  2007

Elizabeth is a terrific hostess with warmth, humor, and a clear desire that guests have an exceptional time at the Ranch! The guides were great; the fishing was outstanding again!  The food, service, and rooms were terrific'in summary, this was a great trip that my daughter and I will remember for a lifetime!!

Michael Carr, Minnetrista, MN.  2007

"Rarely am I so thrilled with all aspects of a vacation as with my visit to the Madison Valley Ranch.  The accommodations, meals and service provided by you (Elizabeth), Scott and the rest of the staff exceeded my expectations!  Chris' expert guidance made the best fishing either of us has ever experienced.  The meals prepared by Scott were a genuine unexpected pleasure.  I have honestly never seen such pride in both the quality of the food and the presentation.  I have traveled to many places across the world.  My time at the Madison Valley Ranch will always remain one of the most memorable vacations I've ever enjoyed."

Demetrius Kastros, Monterey, CA.  2007

'Thank you again for helping to make Kevin's 50th birthday celebration truly memorable. We had an amazing time at Madison Valley Ranch, the food was incredible... Scott, you are a genius in the culinary department and Elizabeth, you surely know how to make guests feel welcome and at home! The facility was perfect and extremely comfortable. The other guests were so much fun, what a friendly group of people! Mealtime was a treat just listening to all the stories. Fishing was superb! The mighty Madison lived up to its reputation! What a river!!! The guides we had, Charlie and Brandon, were wonderful young men who knew their stuff! Both made our experiences unforgettable.
Thanks again for everything!'

Sandy Phillips
Bend, OR.  2006

'Thanks again for a wonderful time at the ranch. Every detail was covered ' it's obvious that you guys love what you do! This was my first experience with an ORVIS endorsed lodge, but it's hard to imagine that anyone could do it better than you guys! Nothing was overlooked.'

John Jones
Cary, NC.  2006

'Chris & Gunnar blew away all expectations. I wish time stood still each day on the river as I felt like I was in the company of long time fishing buddies! The entire staff at MVR literally made this trip a dream come true. All expectations were blown away and I couldn't have dreamt of a more exceptional and hospitable stay. I will return!'

Captain William Mitchell
Swansboro, NC.  2006

'I was completely blown away with the service, and hospitality shown to our party from the folks at the Madison Valley Ranch. Chris Eaton did an outstanding job guiding and teaching us on the savvy ways of the Madison trout. We all caught lots of fish and had a ball doing so. Elizabeth and Scott are truly amazing. The atmosphere they provide extends well beyond anything we expected. Every fishing trip is really about memories. Our party left with some great moments and stories to share for years to come.'

Forrest E Knowles
Kennesaw, GA. 2006

'Thank you so much for hosting us at the Ranch in August. I can honestly say that our visit to the Madison Valley Ranch was the finest trout fishing trip I have ever gone on in terms of the fishing, accommodations, food and hospitality.'

John Gray
Charlotte, NC.

'I just wanted to say thanks for everything. The Madison Valley Ranch made my first fly fishing experience something that I will never forget.'

Erin O'Leary
New Port Ritchey, FL.

'I enjoyed the people, food, and surroundings during my stay. I look forward to my next trip.'

Randy Buckley
Houston, TX.

'Thanks for another memorable trip. The staff and guides were first rate. Best wishes.'

Tommy Womack
Jonesboro, AR.

'We had a wonderful time at the Ranch. It's a beautiful place and your management is a class act. Every hour we spent there will be long remembered as some of the best times of our lives.'

Gene Keener
Pinnellas Park, FL.

'After being home for six weeks, Diane and I are still telling our friends about our great stay at the Madison Valley Ranch. The food was 5-star quality, and the friendly,laid back atmosphere created by you and your staff made us feel like old friends.'

Brad & Diane Bischoff
Ft. Collins, CO.

'Justin and I loved the trip, the lodge and locale are great, smoothly run, relaxing, great food and great guides! I'd come back in a heartbeat.'

Bill Armstrong
Memphis, TN.

'The lodge is perfect, relaxing and the food was out of this world. We really had a good time with all the guides. At this point it's not if we will come back, but rather when we can get back.'

Eric Little
Charlotte, NC.

'I had a wonderful time at the Madison Valley Ranch. It was my first time fly fishing and I had a fantastic experience. Thank you Scott for the delicious food. I wish you would come to my house so I could have meals like that everyday. The guides were very kind to us. Thank you again and hope to come back next year.'

Kyle Tomlin
11 years old
California

'Debbie, Katie and myself had a great time with you all this past week. We wanted to thank you and the rest of the crew for all the hospitality. You guys run a good ship. '

Carl, Debbie & Katie Hansen
Ft. Collins, CO.

'Greetings from Tennessee! We have enjoyed re-living and talking about our trip toe the Madison Valley Ranch. We had a wonderful time and the memories we made will be enjoyed and embellished for many years. '

Tony Street
Johnson City, TN.

'This was our groups (6 men) 11th trip to special lodges to catch trout. This trip was as good as trout fishing gets. Chris Eaton is willing to do anything to see that his guests have a great trip.

Madison Valley Ranch gets 6 thumbs up.'
Lynn Turner
Kinston, NC.

'In my opinion this was the best trip my group has ever had in our 10 years of going on trips that Frontiers has organized. The combination of the very comfortable lodge, knowledgeable guides, unbelievable meals and the great fishing put the Madison Valley Ranch at the top of my list.'

W. Lee Thurston
Birmingham, Alabama
September 2002

'I felt you and your staff did an excellent job in providing a top flight fishing experience. The food was great and the facilities were clean and ample. The guides were as good as any I have seen, and the Madison River surpassed my expectations.'

William Goodrich
Birmingham, Alabama
September 2002

'Thank you for making my first trip to Montana an unforgettable experience. The fishing, accommodations, staff, guides and Madison River was an excellent experience. See you next year.'

Mike Stiff
August 2002

'I just can't say how much I enjoyed my visit to the Madison Valley Ranch a few weeks ago. This was my first trip out west and I'm sure that my excitement over catching the 22''brown on the first day showed. The accommodations and the food were great. For my money, I think everything at the Madison Valley Ranch is perfect. Don't change a thing.'

Mike Gartland
Poughkeepsie, NY
August 2002

"This was the first time either of us had fished a stream like the Madison. Our first day we set a boat record for daily doubles, the second we nymphed up some big browns. I cannot imagine finding trout fishing like that again. Finally, a stay in a place like the ranch is always enhanced when you note the place is well run, the beer is cold, meals were on time, grounds were clean and rooms were superb."

Don Engebretson
Wayzata, MN. July, 2001

"I was not quite sure that all of my expectations for a Montana Fishing trip were realistic. As it turns out, the trip that I had dreamed about for months exceeded those expectations. I will highly recommend the Madison Valley Ranch to anyone seeking a memorable fishing experience."

David Sentell
Johnson City, TN. June, 2001

"What truly made our trip was the quality of the guide service and the lodge experience."

Michael Davidson
Brookline, MA. Oct. 2001

"The fishing and hospitality experience that our 12 friends and business associates enjoyed this past 5 days was by all measures, the best we have had since I started these endeavors 14 years ago. Your guides were terrific and the food was outstanding."

Richard Sessler
Charlotte, NC. July 2001

"I had a wonderful time last week at the "Ranch". Food, fishing, lodge, everything was great. Even the weather with all four seasons in one day was enjoyable. I am looking forward to my next visit."

Jim Schaefer
Omaha, NE. Sept. 2001

"What an experience!! The whole package, food, lodging and guiding. I can't imagine it being any better than what you have. It was a pleasure to be a part of it for a week. If the opportunity ever presents itself again, believe me I will be there without hesitation."

Jim Monahan
Plymouth, MN. Sept. 2000

"Our 4th memorable year returning to the Madison Valley Ranch to fish with you is now history in our photo album. We have fond memories of all our floats down the rivers, the laughs, the lodging and of course the thrill of catching some really big trout. I am sure we will continue to return to the Madison Valley Ranch- what better could we want as it's like coming home."

Diane Farley & Jim MacNamara
East Haven, CT. August 2000

" You run a first rate operation, one that I would strongly recommend to anyone who wants to experience the Madison's outstanding angling opportunities."

Charles F. Gauvin
President/CEO
Trout Unlimited
Arlington, VA. 1998

"Thank you for an overall excellent experience at the Madison Valley Ranch. Guest comments have all been very positive. Your guide staff was professional, informative and fun. We enjoyed your friendly interactive chefs and the selection of fresh food they prepared. Accommodations were all very clean and comfortable. Your operation definitely meets all criteria for qualifying as a Bob Marriott's Endorsed Destination."

Angella Myers
Travel Manager
Bob Marriott's Travel Center June 2000

"I am writing to thank you and your staff for a wonderful experience at the Madison Valley Ranch! This was a perfect setting for our first trip and were treated to the best fishing and accommodations possible.'

Brian Crock DDS
Newark, OH. August 2000