Montana Fly Fishing Trips & Guides

With Yellowstone being at the source of some of America's most wild and scenic rivers, Montana is fortunate enough to be the recipient of many of these famous fishing waters. Legendary river names such as the Bighorn, the Yellowstone, the Gallatin, the Madison, the Stillwater, the Clarks Fork and the Boulder, all eminate near the Yellowstone caldera or neighboring mountain ranges.

Feeding these larger rivers are hundreds of smaller creeks, streams and tributaries that offer incredible angling, sometimes rivaling the experience found in their larger cousins.

Though spin and bait fishing is permitted in many of these famous waterways, fly fishing seems to be the most popular form of angling in the state. Montana fly fishing, as experts will tell you, is second to none when stacked up against other world-renowned angling destinations. Its peers might include the waters of the Patagonian and Chilean Andes, the rivers and lakes of Scotland, Wales & Ireland; the backcountry waters of New Zealand, and the frontier waters of Alaska.

For visitors to the state, there is so much to consider when trying to decide what kind of angling experience they seek. During the prime fishing months of May through September, major rivers can see very high usage rates by pleasure floaters, guides and outfitters, local anglers, and visitors. Special Tip: to avoid crowds, fish mid week days if possible, and fish the periphery of the day (early morning and late evening). The most pressure occurs between 9:00am and 4:00pm, no different than a typical work day. Here is another local's secret: some of our biggest fish are taken in the months from October through April statewide. In Montana, there is no off-season, but check the FWP regs just to make sure!

Maximizing your success, when coming to new waters, is best accomplished by seeking advice from a local outfitter, guide or fishing shop. Many of our sponsors have live fishing reports on their sites which enable you to get an up-to-date picture of local conditions (water levels and temperatures, insect hatches and water clarity). Being informed before you head out may save you a wasted trip, or keep you from being disappointed.

From our many years of local fishing experience, we agree that the fastest way to become successful fishing new Montana fly fishing waters is to hire a guide for an afternoon or full-day. Though $350-450 may seem like a fair chunk of change, consider it an investment in "trout education". The faster you learn the "tricks of the trade", the more success you experience and the more happy memories you generate in a shorter period of time.

Enjoy your angling exploits throughout the state. And if you had a good time, send us an email with an attached photo of your trip. We may feature it in our website.

Mike Banville
ALL Trips Angling Expert