WILL TRAVEL FOR FOOD

IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST BITE. LITERALLY. FOR US AND FOR THE FISH WE WERE AFTER. THE MADISON DOUBLE R IS A FISHING AND FOODIE PARADISE LOCATED IN ENNIS, MONTANA, JUST A THREE-HOUR DRIVE FROM JACKSON. SITUATED ON THE MADISON RIVER, WITH PRIVATE ACCESS TO ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS FISHING DESTINATIONS IN THE COUNTRY, THIS LUXURY FISHING LODGE OFFERS A QUIET REPRIEVE TO THE HUSTLE OF SUMMER. WHILE YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BE AS BUSY CHASING TROUT, SHOOTING CLAYS AND ROAMING AROUND THE 1,280-ACRE RANCH AS YOU LIKE, YOU CAN ALSO UNWIND IN A DEEP SOAKING TUB WHILE THE STAFF (ALMOST A TWO-TO-ONE STAFF-TO-GUEST RATIO) CATER TO YOUR EVERY WHIM.

Think, a room attendant to stoke your roaring fire for the morning chill, and a chef who brings out your afternoon snack request of french fries with three different dipping sauces.

Your hosts and owners, John and Krista Sampson, have been fishing and guiding in the area for as long as they can remember. The pair even met through the sport they share a passion for. The Montana residents opened the ranch three summers ago and have turned the spot into a destination worth splurging on.

The property, for people in the know, offers unparalleled access to what local fisherman call “the Miracle Mile” of the Madison River, as well as to private spring creeks. Experienced guides are at your service to either start you on an epic adventure early in the morning or accommodate a more leisurely afternoon. Guests set the pace, and because every day is catered to the individual, there is no schedule — except what you are in the mood for.

Each day begins with a made-to-order spread of homemade breads, pastries, local eggs and bloody marys that are hard to resist. Again, sleep in or hit the gym, but the chefs will also be ready for your eggs Benedict order if you want to get an early start. If you are going to be out all day, they will pack you a lunch with a rotating supply of tasty snacks and cookies.

MIRACLE ON THE MADISON:

Cruise around the 1,280-acre ranch on the golf carts or fat bikes provided, though you may want to walk off your breakfast or afternoon snacks.

MADISON DOUBLE R’S BLOODY MARY

ONE 32-OUNCE BOTTLE CLAMATO JUICE 1/2 TEASPOON GARLIC POWDER 1/2 TEASPOON CELERY SALT 1 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER, FRESHLY GROUND 1 TEASPOON PREPARED HORSERADISH 1 TABLESPOON SOY SAUCE 1/2 TEASPOON WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE 3 TABLESPOONS PICKLE JUICE 7-8 DASHES HOT SAUCE

100 DISHINGJH.COMVODKA, TO TASTE Pour Clamato into a large pitcher, and whisk in all of the ingredients. Make sure to break up any clumps of spices.

Fill a large rocks or pint glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka (maybe a little more BERGSTRÖM if you like them as strong as the Madison Double R does), then stir in 8 ounces of mix.

Serve with pickled asparagus and an olive skewer.

Evenings can be as festive as you like. Join the rest of the guests at the lodge for a drink and predinner snack and compare fish tales from the day. With only around 20 guests at any given time, it is easy to get to know the rest of the crew if you choose. Dinner is a threecourse affair with local, quality ingredients. A greenhouse and garden are also in the works at the ranch.

The saloon awaits for after-dinner drinks, shuffleboard, pool or even karaoke. Or get a view of the big sky by the fire pit with your post-dinner libation. You won’t find a bar tab at the end of the trip, as everything in the price is all inclusive.

Be sure to make time for an in-room massage and a soak in the outdoor hot tub if you need a reset one day. I recommend exploring the vast property on the mountain bikes provided to each guest. But don’t worry — if you would rather take a golf cart to dinner or for a cruise around, you have that option outside your cabin door, too!

DINNER CAN BE

made an intimate affair or shared with other guests.

DETAILS

The Madison Double R is open to guests from April through October (and other times on a full-rental arrangement). Rates are all inclusive and start around $3,000 per person for three nights, which include all guided activities. While trips of three to five nights are suggested, the ranch will accommodate shorter trips when it has a window.

MADISON DOUBLE R HIGHLIGHTS

» Unlike many all-inclusive spots, Madison Double R offers premium alcohol and wines, plus curated menus that rotate so diners will never have to order the same thing — though the food was often so good that you may want to.

Special requests and dietary restrictions are no problem.

In fact, the very generous chefs will make just about anything you like.

» Staff to guest ratio is unusually high, at almost two to one.

» Each cabin comes with fat-tire mountain bikes and a golf cart to cruise around in.

» With only 11 guest cabins, the expansive 1,200-plus-acre ranch is never crowded.

» The area is home to some of the best fishing in the country on the Madison, Big Hole, Beaver Head, Ruby,

Jefferson and Snake rivers. The experienced guides will make sure your fishing trip is one you will never forget.

» With a game room, gym, hot tub, shooting range, fire pit and main lodge, you can find many different venues in which to congregate.

» Each cabin has infinite views and large open windows and doors to invite you to let the outside in as much as you can.

» Yellowstone National Park is nearby, and private tours can be arranged.