Montana Guided Fly Fishing Trips

Fly Fishing the Missouri River

Missouri River:  The 30-mile-long stretch of the Missouri River between Holter Dam and Cascade may be the best trout habitat in Montana. In the words of Biologist Eric Roberts:  “Downstream near the town of Craig, state fisheries crews estimated the Missouri River held 5,194 rainbow trout that were greater than 10 inches long per mile. That surpasses the long-term average of 3,174 rainbows per mile." Brown trout populations are on the rise as well. For this package, you'll chase trout on the 30-mile stretch of water between Wolf Creek and Cascade.
2025 Season:  April through late September.

The Missouri River Package

Land of Giants:  If you’re interested in catching Alaska-size rainbows, add the Gates of the Missouri, a reservoir above Holter Dam (also known as the Land of Giants), to your Missouri River fly fishing adventure. The average fish netted is 20-22 inches and may weigh more than five pounds. The package now includes a day trip to the Land of the Giants. Coast Guard licensed guides transport anglers upstream in a flats boat equipped for two fly casters.

“With Ed’s persistence and knowledge, I managed to put seven rainbows and browns in the net. He is very personable and has a thorough understanding of fly fishing and boat handling.” - Guy Schoenborn

Getting to the Missouri River:

You'll fly or drive to Helena, Montana. You can rent a car or call the DoubleTree Hotel for a shuttle. The evening before your first day of fishing, your fishing guide will hold an orientation at the hotel. After breakfast the next morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and drive you to the river. The river is less than a one-hour drive from the hotel. You'll return to your hotel each evening by 6:00 p.m., in time for an early dinner.

The Fishing Program:

Boats:  You’ll fish from 16 ft. fiberglass drift boats. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides:  Experienced flyfishing guides who provide top-notch instruction and guidance, if necessary. They can instruct you in the fundamentals of casting and presenting flies, selecting flies, and, generally, making life simple for you.
Guided Hours:  You're guided up to eight hours per day. You can meet your guide as early as 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The guides are flexible and want the trip to suit your needs. There is a one-hour drive to the river, and then you'll fish until +/- 5:00 p.m. before returning to the hotel.
River Miles:  You'll cover 8 to 10 river miles daily, stopping to wade the most promising pools and runs.
Fishing Equipment:  Guides provide flies and tie-on tippets. Bring your rod, reel, and leader material—5-weight fly rods with matching reels and floating lines are the go-to equipment, but other sizes will do the job. In a pinch, fly outfit rentals are $25 per person per day. Should an accident occur with the loaner fly outfits, a rod breakage fee may apply at the guide’s discretion. You’ll need waders and wading boots in late spring and early fall. We provide a detailed packing list in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License:  A non-resident 4-day MT fishing license is about $73.50 (with fees 2024 rate). Here is the link to purchase a Montana fishing license.

The DoubleTree in Downtown Helena

You'll stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Helena. The package includes a standard double-occupancy room with two queen beds. The air-conditioned rooms have a 50-inch HD TV, Keurig K cup coffeemaker, free Wi-Fi, and more.

Standard Room with Two Queen Beds

Meals:  You'll enjoy freshly cooked breakfasts at the hotel. Guides provide a typical lunch with oversized sandwiches or wraps, chips, salad, cookies, soft drinks, and water. If you have dietary concerns, we need to let them know ahead of time. You may bring wine or beer, and they’ll provide cups.
Dinners are on your own and not included in the package. There are a wide variety of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.