Just 45 minutes from both Helena and Great Falls airports

0 out of 5 Customer Rating

Just 45 minutes from both Helena and Great Falls airports

0 out of 5 Customer Rating
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Western Prairie Outfitters, MT

Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter


Phone icon406-422-6267 Email iconinfo@westernprairieoutfitters.com Link iconwesternprairieoutfitters.com
Craig, MT
Item #3N270000

The Story

Western Prairie Outfitters was a dream hatched in the rower’s seat of a drift boat and in the field behind hard-running bird dogs. The goal was to assemble an exceptional cast of characters dedicated to the craft of guiding—guides who live to feverishly chase both fin and feather into every nook and cranny beneath western skies.

Armed with contagious smiles and bottomless patience, we’re committed to delivering an unforgettable experience. During the spring, summer, and early fall, you’ll find us casting to rising fish—or to the places we believe they’re hiding. While the fish counts are often high, we believe it’s the pursuit—the art of fooling fish with feather and fur—that is truly magical.

It’s no coincidence that many who spend a day with us become friends we see year after year.

Craig, Montana, is conveniently located 45 minutes from both Helena and Great Falls airports. We operate March–October.

Highlights

  • The Missouri River appeals to anglers of all skill levels
  • Technical dry fly fishing
  • Targeting large rainbow & brown trout
  • Full-day rates: $700 (drift boat) & $800 (jet boat to “Land of the Giants”)
  • Fishing season runs March–October

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

From the moment you choose Western Prairie Outfitters to handle your angling adventure, you’ll have a resource to answer all your travel and fishing questions. Our guides provide everything needed to enjoy a full day on the water—boat, shuttle, lunch, cold drinks, rods, terminal tackle, flies, and more. It’s no secret that it takes a lot of gear to outfit our adventures. From jet boats to drift boats and rods to terminal tackle, we pride ourselves not only on our selection but on the maintenance of our gear.

Have a rod you’d like to try? Let us know when booking your trip, and there’s a good chance we’ll have it waiting for you in our quiver. We’ll choose the stretch of water to float the morning of—or the evening before—based on your input and our knowledge of what’s going on and where.

Expect eight hours on the water, casting to the trout you’ve dreamed of. If multiple boats are in your party, we’ll plan to share lunch, trade lies, and tell stories. Come late afternoon, we’ll drop you off with a smile the size of the Montana skies.

The Missouri River takes shape where the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin rivers converge near Three Forks, Montana. We focus our attention on the upper reaches, specifically the Land of the Giants below Hauser Dam and the designated Blue Ribbon fishery below Holter Dam. The Missouri River system is the tailwater of all tailwaters. Blanketing hatches leave even the most seasoned guides in awe.

Wildlife sightings are just as memorable. Elk, bear, bighorn sheep, eagles, osprey, and pelicans are only the beginning. There are endless opportunities to spot a wide array of critters throughout your time on the water.

Fly Fishing Trips

  • A full-day drift boat float trip is $700 for two anglers. Our most dedicated dry fly anglers often elect to fish as single anglers.
  • Launching from Gates of the Mountains Marina, our $800 jet boat trip explores the famed “Land of the Giants.”
  • We also offer evening hatch jet boat fishing and cruises. Meet your guide after 5 PM and fish or sightsee until dark. $450.

Missouri Riverside Lodge

Room & Board

  • Single Occupancy: $1,420.80 (3 days, 4 nights)
  • Double Occupancy: $2,064.00 (3 days, 4 nights)
  • Trip rates do not include Montana state fishing licenses or gratuities.

When is the best time to come for dry fly fishing?

Mid-June through July and again in September.


When is hopper season?

Late July through September and into early October.


When does your season start?

The Missouri River is open year-round; however, we recommend planning your trip between mid-April and late October for the best overall conditions.


What rods should I bring?

We recommend a 9' 5-wt. or 6-wt. for most nymphing and dry fly applications. For dedicated dry fly anglers, the Helios 9' 4-wt. F is our personal favorite.


Sounds like Western Prairie Outfitters has everything covered—is there anything we can bring?

Feel free to bring anything that enhances your day. Have a lucky hat or a favorite rod? Bring it. We’re unable to provide alcohol, but there’s usually room in the cooler.