APRIL 2026

APRIL “HAPPENINGS” → WHAT’S HAPPENED IN ENNIS, THE BASECAMP OF THE MADISON VALLEY, AS WELL AS NEIGHBORING AREAS?
⮚ Madison Valley Ranch hosted another great Wine Pairing Dinner.
⮚ The Lions Club held their annual Kids Easter Egg Hunt at Lions Club Park.
⮚ Big Sky Resort Season officially closed April 11, with extended weekends when conditions permitted.
⮚ Yellowstone National Park officially opened.
⮚ The Elling House Arts & Humanities Center hosted two Chautauquas.
⮚ Rocky Mountain Elk foundation held their Big Game Banquet at the Historic Round Barn in Twin Bridges.
⮚ There was live Music and more, at Willie’s Distillery, the Longbranch Saloon and the Gravel Bar.
⮚ Noah Coughlan ran through Ennis on his Run Across America on April 19 th . See more at: https://www.runforusa.com/

MAY “HAPPENINGS”! → WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS MONTH!
⮚ May 1 → Opening Day of Displays in Virginia City, https://virginiacity.com/events-schedule
⮚ May 2 → Kentucky Derby Party at Willie’s Distillery
⮚ May 2 → Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) is offering, Beginning Archery https://fwp.mt.gov/education/becoming-an-outdoors-woman
⮚ May 5 → Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Willie’s Distillery, 5 – 8 PM
⮚ May 11 → Hebgen Reservoir & Madison River topics discussed and sponsored by Northwestern Energy, at the El Western Resort, 6 – 8 PM.
⮚ May 16 → Tap into Ennis – MT Craft Beer & Distilleries Festival, Lion’s Club Park, 2 – 6 PM.
⮚ May 16 → Pony Fiddle Fest  Concert, at the Pony Gym in Pony, 6 – 8 PM
⮚ May 16-17 → BOW is offering, Beginning Fly Fishing, https://fwp.mt.gov/education/becoming-an- outdoors-woman
⮚ May 22 → Ellinghouse Arts & Humanities Center in Virginia City presents, Ben Larson – Off the Beaten Path, http://www.ellinghouse.org/
⮚ May 23 → Memorial Season Kick-off Parade and Duck Race in Virginia City
⮚ May 23 → Madison Valley Fire Department “Pancake Breakfast” is baaack! 7 – 10 AM

⮚ May 29 & 30 th → Madison Valley Ranch, Flyfishing Lodge, Gourmet Wine Dinners https://www.madisonvalleyranch.com/wine-dinners-montana
⮚ May 29 → BOW is offering Adventure, https://fwp.mt.gov/education/becoming-an-outdoors-woman
⮚ May 30 → Summer Kick-Off Rodeo + live music! Ennis Rodeo Grounds, 5:30, (406) 930-1571.
⮚ May 30 → Ellinghouse Arts & Humanities Center in Virginia City presents, Ray Marxer, Cowboy in a Corporate World, http://www.ellinghouse.org/
⮚ Now through Sept 7 – A Traveling Exhibit, Frogs – A Chorus of Color, at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, museum@montana.edu.
⮚ And, you can go fishing, golfing, play pickleball, go exploring, bowling, visit the library, sit on the Mark Twain bench; do yoga or Pilates, take the kids to Lions Club Park (a Skate Park is coming!); go to the gym (at the Madison Square Athletic Club), take exercise classes, have a facial & a massage, see a movie, or eat, drink, stroll through Ennis, or go shopping! JUST DO IT ALL!

FUTURE 2026 “HAPPENINGS” → WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR!
⮚ June 6-7 → Jack Creek Preserve is presenting, Conservation Field School for Educators – Birds of a Feather, https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org/events
⮚ June 13 → Jack Creek Preserve is presenting, Old Growth Forests. https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org
⮚ June 13 → Ennis Community Children’s School 2026 Scramble will take place at the Madison Meadows Golf Course. Call to register: (406) 682-7468
⮚ June 13 → Irish Days in Virginia City. https://virginiacity.com/events-schedule
⮚ June 13 → Opening Night at the Brewery Follies, in Virginia City! Make reservations on line: https://www.breweryfollies.net/
⮚ June 17 – Sept 6 → Virginia City Playhouse, Tuesday – Sundays. Reservations at: https://www.umwestern.edu/bank-of-commerce-performing-arts-series/box-office/
⮚ June 17 → Montana Premier of, MAN CALLED LEGEND – the Bill Poole Story, an 80-minute documentary of the deep sea fishing industry in San Diego, to be shown at the Madison Theatre, FREE.
⮚ June 18 – Sept. 24, Music in the Park, in Peter T’s Park, every Thursday evening, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
⮚ June 20 → Jack Creek Preserve is hosting a Wildflower Walk. https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org
⮚ June 27 → Duck Days at 12 noon, at the famous Pony Bar, in Pony! https://montanaponybar.com/

⮚ July 3 → NRA Rodeo at 7 PM, Ennis Rodeo Grounds,
⮚ July 4 → Fourth of July Parade, Main Street Ennis, 10 am (come early to get a spot!)
⮚ July 4 → Veterans Memorial Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, Ennis, 12 noon
⮚ July 4 → NRA Rodeo at 7 PM, Ennis Rodeo Grounds
⮚ July 4 → Fireworks at Dusk, in Virginia City
⮚ July 5 → Kids’ Fishing Derby in Virginia City
⮚ July 11 → Vigilante Car Show in Virginia City. https://virginiacity.com/events-schedule
⮚ July 11 → Jack Creek Preserve is offering, Mindful Foraging, https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org
⮚ July 12 → Bozeman Symphony at the Ellinghouse Arts & Humanities Center in Virginia City.
http://www.ellinghouse.org/
⮚ July 18 → Madison Valley Home Tour, sponsored by the Madison Valley Medical Center Foundation.
⮚ July 19-20 → Jack Creek preserve is presenting, Keep it Wild. https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org.\

⮚ July 25 → Madison Valley Arts Festival in Peter T’s Park, 10 AM – 5 PM, by Ennis Arts Assoc.
⮚ July 31 → Hunter’s Rendezvous, in a tent outside of Shedhorn Sports
⮚ July 31-Aug 2 → BOW presents their Summer BOW Workshop, learn how to be an outdoors woman!
https://fwp.mt.gov/education/becoming-an-outdoors-woman

⮚ August 5-9th → Madison County Fair & Rodeo in Twin Bridges https://madisoncountymt.gov/210/Madison-County-Fair-Rodeo
⮚ August 15 → Fly Fishing & Outdoor Festival, Peter T’s Park, https://www.ennischamber.com/events
⮚ August 28-30 → Jack Creek Preserve is hosting, Woman’s Wilderness Weekend!
⮚ October 23 → Hunters’ Feed, Main Street, Ennis, 3 – 5 PM – Free wild game food! And Critter Call at Willie’s Distillery.
⮚ December 4 – Spirit of Christmas Stroll, Main Street, Ennis, 3 –7 PM

MONTANA NEWS → What’s Happening around the State and the Legislature
⮚ Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at in February, remaining below the national rate of 4.4%. Governor Greg Gianforte emphasized strengthening workforce pathways through career, college, and military opportunities.
⮚ The construction industry continues to be a major driver of Montana’s economy. In 2024, it employed over 39,000 people, making it the state’s 5th largest industry. Construction growth has been strong, with output rising 3.7% annually since 2019 and contributing the most to economic growth in 2024. The sector has added over 7,000 jobs since 2019 and offers higher-than-average wages, with average earnings of $71,250.
⮚ Looking ahead, Montana expects more than 3,700 annual construction job openings over the next decade, largely due to retirements and workforce turnover, with demand concentrated in key trades like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and equipment operation.
⮚ Montana also leads the nation in year-over-year growth in single-family home permits, reflecting efforts to increase housing supply by streamlining permitting processes.
 Additionally, the state is rolling out new “Welcome to Montana” highway signs featuring the updated Montana brand. Installation will begin soon at entry points across the state, replacing signs last updated in 2014.

FISHING REPORT → Trout Live in Nice Neighborhoods!
What a time we find ourselves in. May, in the Cultural Epicenter of Trout. The grass is getting green, flowers are blooming, daylight is at a good level and increasing daily, our river is in good shape, and everyone is happy. Most winters, this is the date where we can finally say we survived another Montana Winter. But this winter was so mild I am not sure that brag is useful. Either way, it is great to be here. Town is starting to get the summer buzz. Part-time residents are arriving daily, and travelers are starting to make an appearance. The Trout Kingdom is waking up. An interesting fact – the full moon this month is called the Flower Moon. So, by now you have all heard that we are in a dry spell. Yes, this is true, but the big storms we got last month went a long way. There is a water meeting on the 11 th at the El Western. The folks who control the dam will give their update for flows for the year. I think we will be OK. We will just need to get accustomed to the river
being lower. Be prepared for lots of rocks and banging around in drift boats. It might be a good year to start a fiberglass drift boat repair service! In all, we will be OK. We have a lake full of water and people downstream who will call for it. Remember, everything is going to be OK in the end. And, even if it is not OK, it is not the end. If you are in Ennis now, go fishing. It does not get much better than this. There are skwala, Blue Winged Olives, March Browns and Caddis out there. Yes, the Mother’s Day Caddis came a week early. I guess they are not looking at the calendar. Want to nymph fish? Great! You will catch 30.

Want to dry fly fish? Yes, we can find that as well. Streamer guy? Get after it, Bro! We should see some good fishing almost all month. At some point, we will see a plug of dirty water from the creeks. Not sure when this will happen, but it should be later in the month. Don’t worry, fish like dirty water. Long story short, if you can come fishing now, that would be good. Who knows what the dog days of summer will bring, but I know the fishing this month will be epic. Stop by the store for the latest intel and some great flies that fool fish. We like helping folks. We were recently honored to be awarded the Orvis Outfitter of the Year award for 2026! This national award is given by Orvis and is determined by guest reviews and testimonials. So, it comes from you all and for that I say, Thank You. This is the second time we have won this award, and it is humbling, each time. Thank you to everyone who trusts us with their money and more importantly their time.

Good Fishing and God Bless, John Way, The Tackle Shop, Ennis, MT, the CULTURAL EPICENTER OF TROUT, (406) 370-5206.
If people concentrated on the REALLY important things in life, there would be a shortage of fishing poles!

Check out other Fishing Reports at:
⮚Madison River Fishing Company 
⮚Dan Delekta 
⮚The Madison Valley Ranch 
⮚Joe Dilschneider’s Montana Trout Stalkers 
⮚ Kelly Galloup’s Slide Inn 
⮚Yellowstone Fly Fishing 

⮚ WEATHER in the MADISON VALLEY → Springtime in the Rockies! It never disappoints – always unpredictable. April was typical with wind, rain, snow, sleet, sun, clouds, and sometimes, all in one day! We keep many layers in our vehicles, for what could come our way! The daytime high in April was 78° with a daytime low of 56°. The nighttime high was 47° and the nighttime low was 25°. We could still get winter!

⮚REAL ESTATE TIP → Baby Boomers (Adults ages 61 to 79) continue to dominate the housing market, making up the largest group of home buyers and sellers, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ newly released 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report. But many older adults—nearly 90%—prefer to age in place, remaining in their homes or communities as long as possible. This approach offers key benefits, including comfort, lower costs compared to assisted living, independence, and continued connection to family, friends, and community life. Many also want the option to downsize within their community into more accessible housing such as apartments or condos with features like single-level living or elevators. This trend has Baby Boomers on the move – both selling and buying. However, aging in place also comes with challenges. Homes may require costly modifications for safety and accessibility, and ongoing maintenance can become difficult with age. There is also a risk of social isolation, especially if family support is limited, and in-home health care can be complex and expensive to arrange. Ultimately, the decision to age in place depends on an individual’s health, finances, and support network, and is best supported by careful planning and available assistance programs.

HOME FOR YOUR SOUL → FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE MONTH → CHARMING VICTORIAN in HISTORIC VIRGINIA CITY! The home has been lovingly restored to preserve its historical integrity while incorporating modern comforts. With 1,455 SF, 2 BR/2 BA on 2 levels, it is the perfect size for year- around living or vacations. Located just one block off the Main Street of the historic village, it offers convenient access to the museums, shops, restaurants and seasonal events that celebrate the town’s heritage. On 2 city lots that
include an original miner’s cabin and a bunkhouse, plus a creek across the road. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Montana’s history. Price $445,000. 115, W. Cover St, Virginia City, MT 59755, MLS # 393502, GoogleEarth Coordinates: Lat. 45.294549°, Lon. -111.945400°, Elevation: 5,790’

NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEWS → Washington, April 21, 2026.
⮚ Pending home sales rose 1.5% in March (down 1.1% year-over-year), signaling underlying demand despite higher mortgage rates. Activity increased in the Northeast and South, with the South leading annual gains. As NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun noted, “Contract signings rose in March despite higher mortgage rates, pointing to pent-up housing demand.”
⮚ Existing-home sales fell 3.6% from February and remain below last year’s pace, held back by weaker consumer confidence, slower job growth, and limited inventory. Yun emphasized, “March home sales remained sluggish and below last year’s pace.”
⮚ Inventory continues to be a major constraint, driving prices higher. Yun explained, “An additional 300,000 to 500,000 homes for sale would help bring the market closer to normal conditions.” Tight supply has pushed prices to a record high for March, contributing to significant homeowner wealth gains.
⮚Looking ahead, NAR revised its 2026 forecast downward due to rising mortgage rates. Existing-home sales are now expected to rise 4%, new-home sales are expected to remain flat, and home prices are still projected to increase 4%. Yun added, “Even with a more modest pace of sales growth, home prices continue to steadily increase due to minimal inventory growth.”
⮚ Demographically, Baby Boomers remain the largest share of buyers, while first-time buyer participation has dropped to a record low, highlighting affordability challenges—especially for younger buyers.
⮚ Mortgage Rates: The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.30% as of April 30, 2026, up from last week when it averaged 6.23%. A year ago, at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.76%. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.64%, which was up from last week when it averaged 5.58%. A year ago, at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.92%.

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 → Yes, the new hit series, The Madison, has definitely had an effect on our valley. April is not usually a particularly busy time for real estate sales in this area, but this year has been different. There are more buyers wanting to find property on or near the Madison River, and more owners thinking it’s a great time to sell! It has been “summertime” busy already, and who knows what summer will bring! “The dreamers are coming! The dreamers are coming!” Statistics for the Madison Valley area (including Ennis, Cameron, McAllister, Norris, Virginia City, Nevada City, Harrison, Pony), for the month of APRIL were as follows:

• • ⮚ RESIDENTIAL: 55 listings ($350,000 to $11,900,000); 17 ↓ pending sales ($225,000 to $1,795,000); and 22 homes have sold in 2026 ($270,000 to $4,450,000), totaling $19,636,885 @ 96.1% ↑ of list price.
    ⮚ MULTI-FAMILY: 6↑ listings ($824,000 to $2,449,000); 0 pending sales; 1 sold in 2026 ($640,000), @100% of list price.
    ⮚ VACANT LAND: 107↓ listings ($6,500 to $4,750,000); 15↑ pending sales ($144,000 to $799,000); and 42 lots have sold in 2026 ($12,000 to $1,589,000), totaling $10,518,400, @ 93.3% ↓ of list price.
    ⮚ LAND with STRUCTURES: 3↓ listings ($315,000 to $2,490,000); 2↑ pending sales ($405,000 to $1,485,000); 2 lots w/structures sold in 2026 ($405,000 to $1,485,000) @ 82.2% ↓ of list price.
    ⮚ COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: 8↓ listings ($475,000 to $3,250,000), 1 pending sale ($1,750,000); and 3 commercial properties have sold in 2026 ($260,000 to $1,500,000) totaling $2,322,500, @ 93.9%↑ of list price.
    ⮚ RANCHES: 2 listings ($11,900,000 to $23,500,000), 1 pending sale ($3,300,000), 0 ranches have sold in 2026.

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

MONTANA TRIVIA → With the spotlight now on the Madison Valley, and river—thanks to the hit series The Madison—we’re seeing a surge of calls from people searching for their own piece of what the show promises: a kind of western bliss. By contrasting life in New York City with life in Montana, the series stirs something deep—a longing for peace, quiet, and open space. Many speak of wanting to simply “stand in that river!” And more will come, drawn by that elusive bird—or fish—of happiness. My hope is that they arrive with humility and respect. If you’ve caught the bug, take time to test the reality and see if this life truly fits.

⮚ Cowboy Rules – A Primer for Newcomers to Montana – Embrace the “Code of the New West” by respecting the land, your neighbors, and long-standing traditions. This is a rugged, rural lifestyle, and it asks something of you in return. In some respects, it is still the “wild west!”
⮚ Respect property – Do not trespass. “No Trespassing” and “No Hunting” signs mean exactly that. Always ask permission before entering private land or fishing a stretch of river.
⮚ Self-Reliance – Be prepared for limited or no cell service, long distances, and unpredictable weather. Help is not always nearby.
⮚ Guns – Montana is a gun-friendly state, but with that comes an expectation of strict responsibility and safe handling.

⮚ Rural Living – Expect agricultural realities—cattle on the road, equipment moving slowly, and fewer services than you may be used to. Most likely, no one plows your roads or hauls your trash. And when driving on back roads, you wave at passing vehicles.
⮚ Respect the Land – This landscape is both beautiful and unforgiving. It is dry, often harsh, and easily damaged. Noxious weeds thrive where the ground is disturbed—tread lightly.
⮚ Cultural Awareness – Rural Montana values tradition, privacy, and self-sufficiency. This can sometimes create tension with newcomers. Aim to fit in rather than stand out—in how you live and what you build on your land.
⮚ Social Attitudes – Locals tend to be reserved but genuinely friendly. Newcomers are welcome—especially those who come for the quality of life and leave behind the attitudes that made them want to leave elsewhere.
⮚ The Code of the New West – Consider this a candid look at what to expect. If it feels like home—if this is how you want to live—you’ll be welcomed. Just don’t come expecting to change it. Read more about the good life in Madison County, Montana,

A wise old timer from the area once told me,

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