Montana Fly Fishing Experience

What to Bring:

Montana fishing license available at: fwp.mt.gov/fish/license

• Medications
• Bug Spray
• Phone
• Cash for guide gratuity

Gear Recommendations:

We typically use 9 ft., 5 and 6 wt. fly rods for trout. Floating lines with 9 ft. leaders size 3X-5X can be used for dry-fly and nymph fishing. Pike and bass are typically targeted with 7-9 wt. fly rods rigged with a dry line or slow sink-tip fly line.

Polarized sunglasses for eye protection and cutting glare on the water. We recommend some sort of lanyard to keep your sunglasses around your neck when not in use.

• Camera, waterproof is best
• A billed or brimmed hat for sun protection
• Sunscreen
• SPF clothing
• Packable rain jacket
• Personal dry bag
• Extra warm layer
• Wading boots, sandals, shoes you don't mind getting wet, or waders, depending on the season

Species:

• Westslope cutthroat trout
• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Bull trout
• Brook trout
• Grayling
• Northern pike
• Large and smallmouth bass

Season:

Montana offers fly-fishing opportunities all year round. We fish all year, and love it!

December-March: Nice weather days will produce fish on the Missouri and Flathead rivers. Some surface activity for dry fly die-hards with nymphs and streamers getting the more consistent bite.

Spring fishing: April-June can be good for all species. His is a great time to look for a trophy pike or some of the first really good dry-fly fishing of the year. High mountain lakes start producing as the ice comes off and their waters warm. Fill the quiver this time of year with streamer, nymph and dry fly rods.

June-October: is peak time in Montana. There are numerous fly fishing opportunities to take advantage of, the choice is yours. Hatches are now prevalent daily on the cold freestone streams of northwest Montana. Dry-fly fishing is the norm during the summer months.

Oct-November: is an outstanding time to be in Montana. Mornings are brisk, rivers are quiet, and you can often have the rivers to yourself. Fall colors are beautiful, days are shorter, and the rivers seem endless. Fishing gets a little tougher, but the rewards are great. Some of the biggest fish of the year throughout Montana will be netted in the fall.

Region/Terrain:

Montana is a big and diverse state. We fish the high plains of eastern Montana to the mountainous terrain of western Montana. Views of Glacier Park, high mountain cliffs, and wooded river bottoms will all be part of your Montana Fly Fishing Experience. We fish remote rivers on foot. Some small streams with tough access require us to float and fish from rafts. Larger rivers are fished from modern drift boats. No matter the river you choose to experience, the views will be incredible and the scenery ever-changing.

All of our trips are custom tailored to your desires and schedule. Depending on the experience you choose, travel time could be 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Typical Weather:

Montana can be a fickle state weather-wise. We try to be prepared for just about anything. Typical summer weather is 40s in the morning followed by daytime highs in the 80s with occasional temps in the 90s. Days are long with peak daylight hours at 5:00 AM to almost 11:00 PM. These long summer days make Montana the perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast. There are endless outdoor activities during the summer months.

Fall can be brisk in Montana. Enjoy shedding layers as the day goes on. Mornings are cool, dipping into the 30s, but daytime highs can reach the 60s and sometime 70.

Spring is Montana is a most beautiful, changing season. There is usually a chance of rain in the spring months, but normally just a passing shower.

Rates start at $400. for a half-day trip and $500 for a full-day trip.
Full-day trips on a jet boat with a USCG Captain are 650.00.

Pricing information is available by calling or emailing Chris or Tara.

What is Provided:

Montana Fly Fishing Experience provides all equipment necessary for your fly fishing trip. Included but not limited to rods, reels, fly lines, leaders, tippet, flies, all terminal tackle, and safety gear. On full-day trips and jet boat trips, you will be served a stream side meal, drinks, and snacks. All of the above mentioned items are included with a 1/2 day trip, minus a full meal. Snacks and drinks will be provided with a 1/2 day trip.

All trips include professional, courteous instruction.

Additional Activities:

Montana Fly Fishing Experience is a full service fly fishing outfitter. We offer itinerary assistance in helping our customers customize their Montana trip and guided fly fishing experience. Our guides are specialized on multiple Montana rivers allowing us to take care of the first time fly fisher, families, corporate groups, or an expert wanting to fish multiple rivers during their Montana stay.

Can I row?

Sure! No seriously, we are often asked. Don't feel bad if your guide doesn't let you row. They really, really want to see you catch fish.

Can I bring food and beverages?

Yes, we do provide and offer great food and drinks on our fishing trips, but you are certainly welcome to bring more. We will make room in the cooler.

Will we see wildlife?

There is always a chance, but they are wild animals. We see a lot of wildlife and birds on our fishing trips. We recommend you take time to look around and enjoy Montana's beauty.

Do you practice catch and release?

Yes! We see the fish and rivers as our business partners.

Can we come back next year?

Absolutely, we would love to have you back!