Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 66 Yes, the RR is a fishing lodge, but a lodge which belies that de- scription in its business model, where emphasis on visitor experience stretches across hundreds of acres, a myriad of pursuits; and finds its nurturing spirit in the welcoming nature of the staff and the rustic yet elegant ambience of its cottages and common areas. e Madison River Ranch is situated along what local fishermen refer to as the "Miracle Mile," a beautiful section of the world-class Madison River. First opened in the summer of 2019, it already has become a choice destination for fly-fishing enthusiasts, as well as guests who would like to experience the best in outdoor recreation and indoor conviviality. But, truth be told, there is much more to know, much more to appreciate, with the Sampson's three tier approach to lodge manage- ment and visitor experience. Conservation Over 600 acres of the ranch's land, has been placed in conservation easement with the Montana Land Trust Alliance, whose stated goal is to "promote and support excellence in private voluntary land conserva- tion in Montana." Buffering the conservation easement is a vast stretch of state land and a neighboring cattle ranch. Open space and the iconic "big sky" seem to stretch forever in every direction. e Sampsons also support the idea of Madison River use restric- tions, as the numbers of fisherman, boaters, tubers and paddlers of all sorts are beginning to weigh on the visitor experience. "is river is a treasure for everyone. We can't afford to treat it poorly, or allow it to deteriorate," says John Sampson. Sustainablility While sustainability is a core goal of many lodges and outfitters in Montana, it is a practiced goal at the Madison RR. A key element is to spread guest experience across the region, relieving fishing pressure on the Madison by including the Ruby, Big Hole, Beaverhead and Jeffer- son rivers as well as nearby lakes, all with excellent fish counts and op- portunities for beginners and experts alike. Forays into Yellowstone are also arranged when requested. Notably, the lodge itself was purposely built 700' from the river bank to respect the visual landscapes and vistas of passing fishermen. But "sustainability" is not restricted to the landscape and rivers. Much attention is given to the subtleties, not always recognizable to the casual visitor. e very lodge construction was entirely performed by local craftsmen. High quality, energy-efficient windows and doors were used throughout. High density insulation, supplemental solar power and simple, low-energy light bulbs add to the responsibility quotient of the lodge. Day-to-day operations are environmentally sensitive, evidenced by the use of disposable plastics, filtered water and superior cuisine prepared with farm-to-table meat, vegetables and other local edibles. Experience Imagine yourself, as one does, drifting lazily down a glass-clear river, with the morning still a bit cool, but a brightening sun warming your back as you lift your fly rod to your shoulder, snaking the line back, then out across the sway of your drift boat, meeting the waterline where a shining cutthroat rises and snaps hungrily at your cast. Many have Is there a right way to fish? A right way to recreate, to relax? Indeed, is there a "right way" to enjoy Montana? If there is a "right" way to experience the best of what Montana has to offer, perhaps John and Krista Sampson have found it, though they would tell you that they are still working at it. We would agree. Something very different is happening at the Sampson's Madison Double R. MADISON DOUBLE•R

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