December 2024

MADISON VALLEY DECEMBER “HAPPENINGS” → What’s happened in Ennis, the Basecamp of the Madison Valley?  The Ennis Christmas Stroll was a big hit, even without a blanket of snow!  → DC Dances presented “The Nutcracker” at Ennis Elementary School. → There was a Christmas Cookie Swap at the Ennis Library. →  The Madison Valley Ranch offered two more of their   fabulous wine pairing dinners. →  And the very special event, the Elling House & Humanities Center in Virginia City hosted The Splendid Feast. → There were Candlelight Tours at Lewis & Clark Caverns. →  Karen McMullen presented another book signing of Love Wins:  Ennis, Montana – A True Story of Tragedy, Heroes & Healing in a Small Town  at the Ennis Library. → Shedhorn Sports hosted a Ladies Night. → Birders participated in the Montana Christmas Bird Count.  → Willie’s Distillery offered County Western dance lessons! →  Several local churches offered Christmas Eve services.

MADISON VALLEY JANUARY 2025 “HAPPENINGS” → The Elling House & Humanities Center in Virginia City will begin their Chautauqua Winter Series on the 18th.  Call (406) 843-5454.  Check them out on FB or at:  http://www.ellinghouse.org/. → Jack Creek Preserve is offering their Winter Wildlife Tracking (with snowshoeing!) on the 25^th.  However, the class is already full!  So, check out their events calendar and book early for the next event! https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org/.  →  The Madison Valley Medical Center received a Cardiac Recognition Award from the State Health Department.  The MVMC demonstrated they have the infrastructure & commitment to provide high quality care for patients with acute coronary syndrome, which includes heart attack.  The MV is fortunate to have this Critical Access Hospital serving our community.  https://www.mvmedcenter.org/. →  And you can still go river fishing, ice fishing, disc golfing, skiing, x-country skiing, snowmobiling, bowling, visit the library, do yoga, go to the gym, take exercise classes, have a facial & a massage, see a movie, or eat, drink, stroll through Ennis, and go shopping! Extend your visit and Just do it all!

FUTURE “HAPPENINGS” → The Elling House & Humanities Center in Virginia City will  continue their Chautauqua Winter Series on February 15^th,  March 15^th and April 29^th.   Call (406) 843-5454.  http://www.ellinghouse.org/. →  Splurge for your Valentine and sign up for one of the fabulous wine pairing dinners at the Madison Valley Ranch in Jeffers, on February 14^th  or 15^th at:  https://www.madisonvalleyranch.com/wine-dinners-montana, → Register your 12-16 year olds for the Winter Outdoor Skills Camp, a 3-day-2 night program, February 21-23, at the Jack Creek Preserve. https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org/. →  Mark your calendars for the Madison River Foundation’s Annual Fund Raising Gala, on July 12^th. Https://www.madisonriverfoundation.org/.

MONTANA NEWS → The Montana Supreme Court ruled in “Whisky is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting” case, over stock water rights on Indian Creek in the Ruby Valley.  The decision points the way for other water rights holders who can supply historic documentation & scientific evidence affirming those rights. → Big Sky Resort opened a new chairlift, called The Madison 8.  It is now the longest eight-place chairlift in the world! It has an uphill capacity of 2,745 skiers per hour and a travel speed of up to 6 meters per second (15 miles per hour)!  It has ergonomic heated seats, individual head & foot rests, and automatic safety bars that lower & lock after loading.  The One&Only Resort partnered with Lone Mountain Land Company on this project. Check it out at: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/moonlight-basin, and https://www.bigskyresort.com/. → Montana’s 2025 Legislative session will be addressing topics such as, property taxes, education funding, water resource management, critical shortage of available workforce housing, especially in attracting needed workers in education and healthcare. → Montana snowfall is well below average for this time of year.  However, the predictions show that winter 2025 in Southwest MT is expected to be cold and wet with above-average snowfall, which could mean an epic ski season!

FISHING REPORT → New year, new fish, new you.  This time of year, everyone is making plans and resolutions on how to improve their life.  Most believe that even taking one small step could drastically change their lives.  While this is true, many will not stick with it.  I’ve had a lifelong philosophy of striving for excellence each day and working to be at least .01% better every day.  That is not a big increase or a huge effort, but if you add it up over the year, you are now 36% better by the end of the year.  Simple, not easy – small steps.   Just like fishing. My resolutions are simple, not easy.  Never take any fish or person for granted.  Work hard physically and mentally during the winter to be ready for another great season in trout country.  Watch my own damn bobber and do not worry what others are doing.  Lastly, have more appreciation for this wonderful life I have been given.  Make the most of 2025 because it is going to be a great year.  Simple, not easy.

If you’re around the Cultural Epicenter of Trout and want to try out that new Christmas rod, collect the January fish, or just get away from the family for a few hours, there is a chance. Simple, not easy.  You’re going to have to pick your day.  Look for days that are above freezing, with little to no wind.  The fish will be in the deepest water of the river.  Luckily, this year, there is hardly any gorging, as winter hasn’t really shown up yet.  Fish the typical winter fare of worms, eggs, midge larva, and stone fly nymphs.  Get them down deep near the bottom and fish them slow. When you find the fish, you will find a bunch of them.  These fish are stacked up in the slower, deeper water.  We should soon see some afternoon hatches of midges and some limited dry fly fishing.  Keep an eye out.  Usually by the end of the month, in places like the Beartrap, there are some heads.  Something to look forward to.

Speaking of things to look forward to, we are gaining daylight!  For a solar-powered person like me, this is the best news yet.  Every day the days are getting longer, and summer and good fishing are on the way.  But if you are looking to fish now, give us a call, or stop by the fly shop. We have lots of time to chat this time of year.  Guides schedules are starting to fill, so if you are looking for a guided trip this summer, give us a call.   Good Fishing and God Bless.   John Way.  http://www.thetackleshop.com)  Ennis, Montana, the CULTURAL EPICENTER OF TROUT.  (406) 682-4263, or cell: (406) 370-5206.

If people concentrated on the REALLY important things in life,  there would be a shortage of fishing poles!

Watch “The Rocky Mountain Fly Highway” on Amazon Prime

Check out other fishing reports at:

• Madison River Fishing Company at: https://www.mrfc.com/
• Dan Delekta at: https://www.beartoothflyfishing.com/
• The Madison Valley Ranch at: https://www.madisonvalleyranch.com/
• Joe Dilschneider’s Montana Trout Stalkers at http://www.montanatrout.com/
• Yellowstone Fly Fishing at http://www.yellowstoneflyfishing.com/madisonreport.htm.

WEATHER →WEATHER → December was dry and windy, with barely a skiff of snow for Christmas.  But it did allow for easier and safer travel to grandma’s house!  The daytime high was 56° and daytime low was 31°, with a nighttime high of 34° and a nighttime low of 16°.  It was not too much different from our November weather.  We can expect Mother Nature to make up for this dry spell fairly soon and bring on the white stuff we need so desperately, for many reasons.  Stay tuned!

REAL ESTATE TIPS. What’s New for 2025? Home buyers are expected to be looking for homes that are comfortable, sustainable, and technologically advanced.  It sounds almost nostalgic.  Some of the top home-buying trends for 2025 include:

• Move-in ready homes:These homes are expected to be in high demand. They are more popular now than “fixer-uppers,” because they require significantly less work, offer predictable costs, and allow buyers to immediately settle into their new home without the hassle of renovation.
• Multifamily homes:These homes are more affordable and can accommodate multigenerational living. It is becoming more popular, with 64 million Americans living in multigenerational homes.
• Vintage-inspired design Homebuyers are looking to combine old-world charm with modern technology. “Sooner or later, everything old is new again.” Stephen King
• Energy-efficient and climate-resilient features:These features are becoming more popular as buyers look to reduce costs. Substance vs. appearance and quality vs. quantity. Smaller homes are cheaper to buy, build and maintain.  They also have lower property taxes and insurance costs.
• Whole-home batteries: This amenity offers energy independence, lower electric bills, environmental benefits, increased home value, cost savings and greater control over energy usage. A real selling point.
• Some other home features that are popular with buyers include:Garage storage, front porch, hardwood flooring, full bath and bedroom on the main level, Energy Star appliances, walk-in pantry, landscaping, laundry room, ample closet space, exterior lighting, climate control, kitchen island, ceiling fans, open floor plan, table space in the kitchen, and outdoor gathering areas.

HOME FOR YOUR SOUL. FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE MONTH → THE BEST PRICED 20 ACRE LOT, with AVAILABLE POWER, and ACCESS to the RIVER, in the Madison Valley! Spectacular views & wide-open spaces. This lot is directly across from the BLM & approx. 3,260′ from the river. There is fiber optic cable to every lot & power runs along the boundary of this lot.  No HOA at this time, but one could be set up by property owners in the future. All lots will require wells & septic systems. Covenants require 1,200 SF of living space, no modular/mfg. homes & no more than 7 acres may be permanently fenced. Sphinx is located in the middle of the Madison Valley with abundant access to great recreational opportunities in the many mountains, rivers, lakes & public lands. Just 15 miles South of Ennis & approx. 1-1/2 hours to the Bozeman AP & to Yellowstone Nat. Park. A great place for that Montana “dream” fishing/hunting cabin! Sphinx Mountain subdivision, Lot 65, $159,000. MLS #397098.  Google Coordinates: 45.16172, -111.7001, Elevation: 5,324’.  https://www.eralandmark.com/listings/view/397098.   Home – Toni Bowen

NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEWS → WASHINGTON (December 30, 2024) – Pending home sales gained 2.2% in November – the fourth consecutive month of increases and the highest level since February 2023 – according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Midwest, South and West experienced month-over-month gains in transactions, while the Northeast decreased. Year-over-year, contract signings increased in all four U.S. regions, with the West leading the pack. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)* – a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings – advanced 2.2% to 79.0 in November. Year-over-year, pending transactions improved 6.9%. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001. “Consumers appeared to have recalibrated expectations regarding mortgage rates and are taking advantage of more available inventory,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Mortgage rates have averaged above 6% for the past 24 months. Buyers are no longer waiting for or expecting mortgage rates to fall substantially. Furthermore, buyers are in a better position to negotiate as the market shifts away from a seller’s market.”

Pending Home Sales Regional Breakdown – The Northeast PHSI fell 1.3% from last month to 67.8, up 5.6% from Nov. 2023. The Midwest index increased 0.4% to 78.1 in Nov., up 1.6% from the previous year.  The South PHSI improved 5.2% to 94.5 in Nov., up 8.5% from a year ago. The West index rose by 0.5% from the prior month to 64.3, up 11.8% from Nov. 2023. “It appears that some markets will outperform, driven primarily by local job gains and the flow of new inventory supply,” explained Yun.

Existing Home Sales Ascended 4.8% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.15 million, the swiftest pace since March (4.22 million). Sales accelerated 6.1% from one year ago, the largest year-over-year gain since June 2021 (+23.0%).  The median existing-home sales price rose 4.7% from November 2023 to $406,100, the 17th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases.  The inventory of unsold existing homes slipped 2.9% from the prior month to 1.33 million at the end of November, or the equivalent of 3.8 months’ supply at the current monthly sales pace.

The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.  The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. 

LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET STATISTICS: If you’ve been watching Montana’s housing market, you’re not alone – it’s a hot topic with big implications for buyers, sellers, and investors. Here is what is affecting our market:  1) 80% of Montanans with mortgages hold rates 2-3% lower than today’s rates.  This makes homeowners reluctant to sell, freezing the market.  2) Home prices have more than doubled in most cities over the last decade.  3) Montana is short 14,000 housing units, and it could take 3 years of non-stop building to catch up.  4) People are moving to Montana faster than new homes are being built, pushing prices even higher.  So, for sellers, this could mean more competition for your listing.  For buyers, understanding the market is key to finding opportunities.  ‘25 will be an interesting year!   Big Sky Country Multiple Listing statistics for the Madison Valley area (including Ennis, Cameron, McAllister, Norris, Virginia City, Nevada City, Harrison, Pony), for the month of December were as follows:  

• HOMES: 42↓ homes listed ($250,000 to $10,000,000); 8 pending sales ($250,000 to $3,650,000); and 71 homes sold in 2024 ($282,000 to $6,200,000), totaling $56,715,750, at 3%↓ of list price.
• MULTI-FAMILY: 5↑ listings ($1,499,000 to $3,150,000); 0 pending sales; 1 sold in 2024 ($830,000) at 6% of list price. (This would indicate that multi-family units are not great investments in this area.)
• VACANT LAND: 93↓ lots listed ($7,102 to $1,000,000); 12↑ pending sales ($79,000 to $595,000); and 65 lots sold in 2024 ($5,000 to $1,250,000), totaling $15,846,915 at 1% ↓ of list price.
• LAND w/STRUCTURE: 6↓ lots w/structures listed ($269,000 – $1,998,000); 2↑ pending sales ($419,000 to $1,548,000; 5 lots w/structures sold in 2024 ($124,900 – $1,100,000), totaling $2,049,900, at 2% of list price.
• COMMERCIAL: 6 commercial properties listed ($494,000 to $3,150,000); 0 pending sales; and 2 commercial properties sold in 2024 ($295,000 to $553,300), totaling $848,300, at 7% of list price.
• RANCHES: 0↓ ranches listed; 0 pending sales, 1 ranch sold in 2024 ($1,350,000) at 6% of list price.

“The best investment on Earth is Earth.” Louis J. Glickman, real estate mogul/philanthropist

MONTANA TRIVIA…. Did you know that…the Madison River was not always the incredible “wild” fishery that it is today?  According to Brian Anderson’s report in Drake Magazine back in April 2013, “Wild trout and those of us who fish for them are forever indebted to Dick McGuire, for he played an instrumental role in the paradigm shift away from hatchery-produced fish in the Madison River.” According to long-time fishing guide, Randy Brown, “Kill ‘em and Grill ‘em” was the way it was from the 1940’s through 1970’s, when killing and eating trout was the norm, not the exception.  And limits were generous. It meant putting food on the table and bait fishers did not mess around.  As a fishing guide in the early ‘70’s, Dick McGuire shared a conviction with a young fisheries biologist and manager named Dick Vincent that stocking hatchery-raised trout in the Madison River was harming wild fish.  To the greater fishing community, the notion that stopping hatchery-fish stockings would somehow increase fish numbers and fish size was illogical.  Fortunately, Vincent performed the science, and McGuire performed the herculean task of convincing fellow fishing guides and anglers that the no-stocking experiments should proceed.  Vincent claimed that McGuire’s support and encouragement was critical to the successful evolution of the Madison River from an ailing put-and-take fishery to the healthy, robust, wild trout fishery it is today.  McGuire’s roles as head of the local Trout Unlimited chapter and as a respected Madison fishing guide helped him spread the word and convince folks that wild is best.  After the plantings were halted, the Madison’s wild fish grew bigger and more numerous.  The no-planting strategy combined with catch-and-release regulations were a resounding success that still reverberates throughout the West and has forever altered the way fish-and-game professionals manage river fisheries.  “Dick McGuire died as all fishers should hope to die – fishing his home water.  At 82 years of age (on July 8, 2007), McGuire launched his boat on Ennis Lake and never came home.  They found him the next day floating face down.  The coroner didn’t perform an autopsy, so we don’t know exactly what caused his death, but it doesn’t matter anyway.  What matters is what made him live.”  https://drakemag.com/dick-mcguire/;  https://randybrownsmf.com/2021/03/26/kill-em-and-grill-em/;  https://www.edgeoutfitting.com/post/50-years-of-wild-trout-management; and last but not least, this fabulous history of the valley: https://www.askaboutflyfishing.com/madison-river-country-a-historical-fly-fishing-novel/.

A wise Old Timer from the area once told me,  

“Don’t try to change the Madison Valley… let the Valley change you!”

Don Bowen, a Realtor Emeritus, with 58 years as a licensed Broker, retired at age 90! My mentor, partner, husband, and best friend, passed away November 18, 2024. But his memory and influence live on. Read more about this amazing man at: https://www.dokkennelson.com/obituaries/Donald-Don-Bowen?obId=33856937#/obituaryInfo