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Our team at the Madison Valley Ranch is passionate about fly fishing, and we’re excited to share the wonders of Southwest Montana with our guests. In 1993, Scott Carver and his family looked at the picturesque property on the banks of the world famous Madison River and knew they were hooked. An original and ongoing owner of the Ranch, the Carver family has put a lot of hard work into making the lodge feel welcoming and homey to please even the most discerning guests.
When they first met in the early 80’s playing pick-up basketball at the Denver YMCA, Scott Carver, Tom Fochtman, and Dan Larson had no idea they eventually would jointly own a piece of heaven on the Madison River. But, after a couple blocked shots, they did find out that they shared an intense passion for fly fishing. In 2003 the three friends and successful business owners became partners in the Madison Valley Ranch. With Dan living in nearby Bozeman and serving as Managing Partner, this team works hard to ensure the Ranch exceeds guests’ expectations, while creating an ideal environment for fly fishermen and women of all skill levels.
For these three owners, it was vitally important to have the best of the best at the helm and they found just that with Eaton Outfitters. Chris and Julie Eaton have been with the Madison Valley Ranch since 1998. They provide exceptionally qualified and experienced professional guides with a depth of knowledge of our local waters. With over 4,000 guide days logged on the rivers of southwest Montana, this team knows what it takes to get it done and have fun doing it!
Scott is the original owner of MVR and has 38+ years of senior and executive experience mostly in the insurance/HR space. He is a passionate outdoorsman, up for any adventure. Winters you'll find him somewhere buried in powder and of course his summers are reserved for his deep passion for fly fishing.
Tom has a storied career working the Green Industry, founding Denver Based CoCal Landscape in 1992. Fly fishing is just one of his many passions. When not on the river he's off duck hunting with his dogs, skiing, golfing...you name it.
Dan is an accomplished lawyer, entrepreneur and business advisor with experience in many different industries. Montana is Dan's playground where on any given day he's out enjoying this beautiful landscape with his camera in hand. During the fall months, Dan serves as our official brown trout specialist as he searches SW Montana for that elusive 30 incher!
Jeff brings a wealth of business management knowledge as CEO of Pacific Steel & Recycling, based out of Great Falls, MT. He's hosted his employees, business partners and friends at the ranch for many years prior to becoming our newest owner. Living "just down the road", it's not uncommon to have Jeff around the lodge, sharing his passion for fly fishing and the Madison River.
Back for her 9th season, Manu is from the Rhineland Valley in Germany. She spent college in New Zealand where should would eventually meet Parker and wind up here in Ennis, Montana. Her background in commercial real estate and client services combined with her relentless work ethic make Manu one of the leaders in fly fishing hospitality.
This is Manu's 9th season at Madison Valley Ranch. She grew up amidst the vineyards of the Rhine Valley, where she developed a love for the mountains during family hiking trips in the Alps. She attended college in New Zealand where she met her husband, Parker. Her journey led her to California and into a budding career in commercial Real Estate. In 2015, Manu and Parker moved to Ennis in search of open space, trout and new opportunities. Manu’s energy, thoughtfulness and attention to detail compliment the vision and goals of MVR as she brings a wealth of experience in property management and client service. In her free time Manu can be found floating the Madison, skiing Big Sky, cooking, exercising and enjoying time with her children.
Parker has been with us for 6 seasons now and is your source for fly fishing information and instruction. Parker has been obsessed with all things fishing since he could walk. He and Manu met in New Zealand while studying abroad. A short time in California after getting married landed them here in Ennis where they now raise their 2 children. His experience in fly fishing and background in teaching and customer service serve as a well rounded resource for our guests.
Parker has been with us for 6 seasons now and is your source for fly fishing information and instruction. Parker has been obsessed with all things fishing since he could walk. He and Manu met in New Zealand while studying abroad. A short time in California after getting married landed them here in Ennis where they now raise their 2 children. His experience in fly fishing and background in teaching and customer service serve as a well rounded resource for our guests.
You'll likely speak to Zach in preparation for your next trip with us. As an avid angler and outdoorsman, Zach has a strong commitment to conservation. He graduated with a degree in Biology and was a member of his university’s Wildlife Society, the Duck’s Unlimited Eagle River Committee in his home state of Wisconsin. You will recognize Zach by his endless energy, warm and welcoming personality and enthusiasm for a great day in the outdoors. Be sure to ask Zach about his latest fishing or hiking adventure as he knows the local backcountry like no other. This is Zach's 7th season with us!
You've likely talked to Zach on the phone or through email. He has been our jack-of-all-trades here at the Ranch for the last 7 seasons. Originally from Wisconsin, he has a lifelong passion for fishing, duck hunting and all things outdoors. His upbeat personality, can-do attitude and desire to share this wonderful place makes him a joy to be around on a daily basis during your stay.
Matt Pease heads up the kitchen as Executive-Chef for his 10th season at MVR. Following formal training at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, Matt gained an impressive repertoire of experience in kitchens from Pittsburgh, PA to Raleigh, NC working under several industry leaders in a variety of dining settings. He has a love for seasonal sustainable practices, working with small producers, and utilizing fresh seasonal ingredients. Expect innovative dishes with great attention to detail and creative use of local ingredients. When not preparing culinary delights showcasing his passion for scratch cooking, Matt may be out chasing trout or tying flies! Matt enjoys sharing with guests his culinary passions and love of the outdoors, and is always ready to chat about his favorite Pittsburgh sports teams!
Matt returns to the MVR kitchen for his 10th season in charge of our award-winning culinary program. Matt has a diverse background and brings an extraordinary amount of creativity to our kitchen for every meal. In his freetime, Matt is usually casting small dry flies to finicky trout in the region.
