Linehan Outfitting Company, MT
Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Outfitter in Troy, Montana
Overview
Date Range
Our fishing adventures generally begin around the middle of March and run through Thanksgiving.
What is Provided to Customer
We provide all Orvis gear free of charge if necessary, including rods, reels, and waders. Please bring your own foul-weather gear. Additionally, know we have plenty of Orvis demo rods and reels for you to try anytime. Guides provide flies, up to a point.
Region/Terrain Where You Fish
We believe that variety is indeed the spice of life and to that end, our fishing program is incredibly diverse. Our home water here in the northwest corner of Montana is the Kootenai River and all its tributaries. The Kootenai is a big, broad tailwater fishery that is honestly the last un-crowded river in the state. It's best fished with traditional float/wade techniques and features rainbow and cutthroats averaging 10-16 inches. The Kootenai tributaries and headwaters provide tremendous small-stream opportunities. Miles and miles of wilderness-like freestone streams tumble out of the mountains and are full of native rainbows, cutts, and brookies. Early in the season we float the tributaries but usually by mid-July they become walk/wade adventures. For the stillwater enthusiast, alpine lakes and valley ponds are yours to explore and we also spend a fair bit of time on the lower Clark Fork River around St. Regis, Montana and offer it as an option here at home, too. The Clark Fork is also best fished by driftboat; it's a fantastic fishery featuring, on average, 14- to 18-inch rainbows and cutts, and is also un-crowded.
Additionally, LOC spends time around the state fishing different waters during certain times of the year. In March and April we can be found on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers around Missoula. From mid-May through mid-June we can be found in Craig, Montana on the Missouri River. These early season adventures are awesome and offer some of the most spectacular spring options in the state. Shoulder season, pre-runoff fishing is spectacular! The fish are hungry, the bugs are starting, and the waters are un-crowded.
All information about our diverse fishing program throughout the season can be found in detail on our site.
Typical Weather by Season
This northwest corner of the state is not typical big sky country. Instead, it's a place of dense, coniferous forests, a place of lush, green mountains, and lots of water. Our summer/fall fishing season is generally lovely. Nights and mornings can be chilly with average temps in the 40s and 50s and daytime temps with lots of sunny days can average 80 degrees. As always, bring good rain gear just in case, but for the most part this area of the state sees pretty consistent weather through September.
Average water temps early in the year might still be around 50 degrees, so waders are common. After about the middle of July we generally wet wade if you're comfortable doing so.
Itinerary
Sample of Typical Itinerary
We have an extended suite of packages ranging from single-day outings to week-long full-service lodge packages. To that end, packages include 4 nights/3 days, 5 nights/4 days, and 6 nights/5 days. Generally speaking, we start the fishing day around 8:30 and end around 6pm. From time to time we adjust and offer fishing days that begin around 2pm and end around 10pm. Depending on where your guide decides to fish for the day, he or she will either pick you up or meet you at our guide shop in Libby, Montana.
Species
Species You Fish for by Season
We are trout bums and our season revolves around rainbow, cutthroats, browns, and bull trout. Throughout the season we'll fish dries, nymphs, and streamers—whatever it takes to get you into fish. But know this: if you have a preference, we're happy to accommodate.
Gear
What Should Customers Bring?
SUGGESTED GEAR LIST
- Fly-fishing rod-and-reel outfit
- Waders, wading boots, and other personal fishing gear
- Rain jacket, fully waterproof
- Clothing, fishing and lodge variety
- Hat, wide-brimmed, for sun and eye protection
- Polarized sunglasses
- Day pack or fanny pack
- Sunscreen, SPF 20 or higher
- Insect repellent
- Personal medical supplies and prescriptions
- Personal hygiene supplies-toothbrush, shaving kit, etc.
- Spare corrective eyewear, glasses, or contacts
- Camera
- Books and other reading materials
- Compact binoculars
- Bandana
- Flash light or head lamp with extra batteries
CLOTHING CHECKLIST
Non-Fishing Attire
Linehan Outfitting Company lodge and cabin settings are very casual and no special attire is necessary. Blue jeans, khakis, shorts, casual shirts, and fishing shirts are all common.
Outergarments
- Waterproof rain jacket, preferably lightweight and packable. Always carry this with you! Fishing-specific Gore-Tex or similar products are best.
- Layer for changing weather conditions. We recommend quick-drying synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, etc. Even though you may be visiting in summer it’s always a good idea to include a good fleece jacket or similar wind-blocking product.
- Long-sleeved, quick-drying fishing shirts, pants and shorts.
- Gloves and stocking cap just in case.
Undergarments
Long underwear, top and bottom, at least one pair. Mid-weight, quick drying is most versatile. For cold weather and water, use heavy weight underwear or fleece garments under breathable waders.
Footwear
- Sandals for float fishing
- Neoprene booties or socks
- Non-cotton socks; wool or synthetic fleece is best
FLY FISHING CHECKLIST
Rods and Reels
- 8½- or 9-foot rod with 5- or 6-weight floating line is most appropriate and versatile
- 3- or 4-weight rod for small streams
- 5- or 6-weight rod for bigger rivers
- Matching reels and lines
- Sinking-tip line
Leaders and Tippets
- 9- to 12-foot tapered leaders work throughout season
- Spools of 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X tippet material
- Most versatile leader is 9-foot 4X
Waders and Wading Boots
- Lightweight/breathable waders with layers underneath
- Felt-soled wading boots
Other Standard Gear
- Fishing vest, hip-chest pack, or other product to hold gear
- Fly floatant, paste, or powder
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Optional: net and wading staff
Fly Shop
Our Fly Shop
We have three handcrafted log cabins located in Yaak, Montana. They are well appointed, have everything you need, and are easily accessible off the main Yaak road just beyond the 35-mile mark in the upper valley. Access to the Yaak River and the surrounding Kootenai National forest is immediate, offering easy family activity time if you desire.
Each rental cabin has a queen bedroom, sleeping loft with two twin beds, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and a gas grill on the porch. We want to assure you that they are also well equipped and furnished with all kitchen and cooking utensils and we want your stay here at our Yaak log cabins to be restful, easy, comfortable, and without worries. All you need to bring are groceries and personal items. We provide flannel sheets, down comforters, satellite internet, and stars so bright at night you can practically hear them, all of which make for a wonderful stay here in Yaak.
As another lodging option, and more suitable for groups of up to 8 people, is our Kootenai River Lodge. It’s no exaggeration to say this is an extraordinary piece of property. Situated on 8 acres in Libby, Montana with big, green lawns and right on the bank of the Kootenai River, the lodge is also fully furnished, well appointed, including all kitchen and cooking utensils, and offers spectacular views of the river and the Cabinet Mountains out the front door. Four bedrooms and two baths with a spacious living/dining room help make the lodge a great place for your family or group to base from while fishing or hunting with us here in Kootenai country.
We offer two different packages here at the lodge:
Our full-service fly-fishing package is all-inclusive, with meals prepared by Joanne. Instead of singing the praises of Joanne’s culinary experience, suffice it to say that Joanne would easily be included in a list of the best and most accomplished and praised chefs in the industry. For over 20 years she has been preparing meals for Linehan Outfitting Company guests by cooking with fresh, locally grown ingredients with a dedication to being thoughtful and innovative about meals without being pretentious or over the top. Most recently, Joanne studied and worked in the kitchen with noted Boston chef Gordon Hamersley of Hamersley’s Bistro.
We also offer a package at our lodge without meals. Basically you rent the entire place yourself and do your own meals. Generally speaking, we do not mix parties at the lodge. You are there with your group and that’s it.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where should I fly?
A. Air travel to and from Spokane, Washington is best. We do not provide airport transportation to and from our operation.
Q. What is a typical gratuity for a guide?
A. Guide gratuities average $80-$100 per day.
Q. How big is the closest town?
A. Libby and Troy, Montana are fairly good-sized towns with grocery stores, hotels, motels, etc.
Q. What else is nearby?
A. Glacier National Park is three hours away from our operation.
Reviews
35309 Yaak River Road
Troy, MT 59935
406-295-4872
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