Ennis Lake sits on the Madison River in the wide Madison Valley north of Ennis, held back by Madison Dam at the top of Bear Trap Canyon. The dam dates to 1906, and the lake is shallow, so it warms up quickly in summer.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Ennis Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons.
With the Madison Range on the horizon, it's a relaxed spot for boating close to one of Montana's most famous trout towns.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Ennis Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Ennis Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 10 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Ennis Lake.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Ennis Lake.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Ennis Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Ennis Lake at a glance
| Location | Madison County, north of Ennis near McAllister |
|---|---|
| River | The Madison River |
| Dam | Madison Dam, built in 1906 |
| Character | Shallow and warm in summer |
| Launches | Public ramps around the lake |
| Nearby | Bear Trap Canyon below the dam |
| Fishing | Rainbow and brown trout |
| Views | The Madison Range |
Best things to do on Ennis Lake
- Wakesurfing – warm summer water in the Madison Valley.
- Jet skiing – cruise toward the mountains.
- Tubing – relaxed family afternoons.
- Fishing – trout in the lake and the Madison River.
- Bear Trap Canyon – hiking and whitewater below the dam.
- Ennis – a classic Montana fly-fishing town.
- Virginia City – the historic gold town nearby.
- Birding – pelicans and waterfowl in the shallows.
Where to launch at Ennis Lake
- Public ramps – at access areas around the lake.
Ennis Lake is shallow, and conditions change with the water level and weed growth; check posted rules before you go. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Ennis Lake
- The lake is shallow; stay in deeper water and watch for weeds.
- Afternoon winds build across the valley.
- Stock up in Ennis.
- Bring shade and plenty of water.
- Watch for current near the dam.
Montana boating rules to know
- Every boat must carry a wearable life jacket for each person. Children under 12 must wear one on boats under 26 feet that are moving, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- When towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber, there must be an operator and an observer in the boat, and skiers must stay at least 50 feet from swimmers and swim areas.
- On a jet ski, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver’s wrist or life jacket.
Map of Ennis Lake
Ennis Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Ennis Lake?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Ennis Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Ennis Lake?
On the Madison River north of Ennis, Montana, near McAllister.
How deep is Ennis Lake?
It’s shallow, which is why it warms up quickly in summer.
What fish are in Ennis Lake?
Rainbow and brown trout.
What is below Ennis Lake?
Madison Dam and Bear Trap Canyon on the Madison River.
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