The 12 Days of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing

Written by: Kaitlin Groundwater, Madison Valley Ranch


Guest Linda is all smiles as she shows off an epic Madison River rainbow.
Photos courtesy Madison Valley Ranch

Editor’s note: To celebrate the holiday season, we are counting down the twelve days of Christmas with a fly-fishing theme. (Yes, we realize that the actual Twelvetide celebration comes after Christmas, but that didn’t seem as fun.)  We’re using classic posts that align with the lyrics of the traditional tune as closely as possible. This post from last year about a brilliant ladies’ week on the Madison River seemed just the ticket..

“On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing. . .”

It was ladies’ week here at Madison Valley Ranch! The lodge hosted an all-women’s fly fishing trip from August 21-25. In addition to guided fly-fishing on the Madison River, participants enjoyed evening fly fishing presentations, birding outings, and wine tastings. There were lots of fantastic fish boated, but also new friendships formed over a common love of the outdoors. These ladies certainly exemplified how incredible it is to “fish like a girl!”

Kaitlin Groundwater is the Assistant Lodge Manager at Madison Valley Ranch in Ennis, Montana.


The ladies got a few casting pointers from outfitter Julie Eaton over appetizers and wine.

Guide and outfitter Julie Eaton shares the success of her client.

An evening birding expedition in the fields next to the lodge.

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