Montana Guided Fly Fishing Trips

The Missouri River and Land of the Giants

Ed Lawrence's Fly Fishing Outfit

Drift Fish the Missouri River for Wild Browns, Rainbows, and Cutthroat. Ed Lawrence, a veteran Montana guide, offers quality and affordable fly fishing trips.
Rivers are teeming with wild browns, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. To fly fish Montana, you don’t need to be a casting whiz, but you do need to be able to make a decent backcast or roll cast and place a fly 20 feet away from a 16-foot drift boat. Fishing trips are available from April through late September. Ed Lawrence has arranged double-occupancy lodging at mid-range motels for each location, so all you need to do is pack your gear and head to Montana.
Book now for 2024 and 2025.



Fly Fishing the Missouri River

Missouri River Fly Fishing

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.


The Missouri River Package

Fly Fishing the Missouri

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. Space is limited, and there’s a $50.00 p.p. surcharge for the Coast Guard licensed guide and powerboat to ferry you upstream. Coast Guard licensed guides transport you 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


Fly Fishing Montana

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.

Mike Merritt with Large Rainbow Trout

The Fishing Program:

2024 Season:  April through late September.
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 per day, stopping to wade those pools and runs that look most promising.
Fishing Equipment:  Guides provide flies and tie-on tippet. 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, guides will have loaner rods and reels available. A $25.00 loaner fee per day is suggested. Should an accident occur with the loaner fly outfits, a rod breakage fee may apply at the guide’s discretion. In late spring and early fall, you’ll need waders and wading boots. We provide a detailed packing list in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License:  Here is the link to purchase a Montana fishing license.

The DoubleTree in Downtown Helena

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....

Standard Room with Two Queen Beds

Standard Room with Two Queen Beds and TV

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.


The Missouri River Package 2024 Rate:


5-nights and 4-days guided fishing
$2,135.00 per person

Land of The Giants:
Add a day trip for an additional $50.00 per person per day.
According to Ed, it's worth every penny.


The Package Includes:

• 5-nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Helena
• Daily ground transfers from the hotel to the river
• 4-days guided fishing
• Gear if necessary
• Flies
• Lunch on the river.

The Package Does Not Include:

• Transportation to Helena, MT, and return
• Fishing equipment
• Montana 4-day fishing license
• Gratuities to guide and staff
• Dinners
• Alcohol
• Global Rescue
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.

Fishing Travel Experts


Guy Schoenborn

1-800-205-3474 ext. 1

MT Office:  406-322-5709

Email:  guy@fishingwithlarry.com

Brad Staples

1-800-205-3474 ext. 3

Cell (503) 250-0558

Email:  brad@fishingwithlarry.com