Montana Fishing Guides
Montana is the heartland of American fly fishing. More wild trout per river-mile than any state in the lower 48, strong stream-access laws that keep public water truly public, and enough cold tailwaters and freestone rivers to fish a different stretch every day for months. The Missouri, Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Big Hole, Bighorn, and Clark Fork are household names for a reason — this is where the sport lives.
Top waters in Montana
Madison River
Brown trout, rainbow trout
The classic Montana dry-fly river. Salmonfly hatch runs late June through early July. The 50-mile stretch between Quake Lake and Ennis is the most popular float.
Missouri River (below Holter Dam)
Brown trout, rainbow trout
Technical tailwater with trophy browns. Wade-friendly at lower flows, primarily drift-boat water at higher levels. Year-round fishery — one of the few Montana rivers productive in January.
Bighorn River
Brown trout, rainbow trout
Fort Smith tailwater below Yellowtail Dam. Known for high fish counts — recent FWP surveys put the upper section at 2,400+ trout per mile. 13-mile walk/wade stretch plus extended float water.
Yellowstone River
Cutthroat trout, brown trout, rainbow trout
At 692 miles, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48. Native cutthroat in the park, browns and rainbows from Livingston downstream. Fall brown trout run (October-November) is legendary.
Big Hole River
Brown trout, brook trout, arctic grayling
Last home of the native fluvial arctic grayling in the lower 48. Less pressured than the Madison. The upper river is small and intimate; the lower stretches are classic float water.
Montana fishing by season
Spring
Runoff begins. Lower rivers fish well; upper rivers are high and muddy. Skwala stonefly and March brown hatches on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork. Bighorn and Missouri are excellent.
Summer
Prime time. Salmonfly hatch on the Madison (late June), PMDs and caddis everywhere, terrestrial season kicks in by August. Peak pricing and highest demand — book 3-6 months ahead.
Fall
Hopper-dropper season through September, brown trout spawn run in October-November. Fewer anglers, stunning colors, cold mornings. Best shot at last-minute bookings.
Winter
Missouri below Holter and Bighorn are the primary winter fisheries. Tailwaters stay open and productive. Nymphing dominates. Dress for 0°F windchill on the water.
More fishable public water per capita than anywhere in America. Stream-access law means navigable waterways are open to the public regardless of adjacent land ownership. Wild trout — no stocking on the major rivers. And the landscape: this is the Northern Rockies at their most dramatic.
Skip the Madison in late June if you're flexible — everyone chases the salmonfly. The Big Hole and Bitterroot fish just as well with a fraction of the pressure. October is the real local's secret: aggressive pre-spawn browns, no crowds, and the best weather of the year.
Find a guide that fits your trip
By species
By city
By water
60 Montana fishing guides
Absaroka Beartooth Outfitters
Big Timber, Montana
World-class fly fishing in Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness with expert guides.
Big Hole Lodge
Montana
World-renowned wild trout fly fishing lodge in Montana's secluded mountains since 1984.
Black Otter Guide Service
Pray, Montana
Guided fly fishing expeditions on the Yellowstone River and local lakes in Montana's wilderness.
Broken Arrow Outfitters / Solomons 380s
Miles City, Montana
Eagle Nest Lodge
Hardin, Montana
Premier fly fishing lodge on Montana's Bighorn River with expert guides and upland bird hunting.
Firehole Ranch
West Yellowstone, Montana
World-class Montana fly fishing lodge on Hebgen Lake with access to legendary Rocky Mountain trout waters.
Fish On Charters
Kalispell, Montana
Premier fishing and ice fishing charters on Flathead Lake with experienced Montana guides.
Flyshot Outfitters
Bozeman, Montana
Intentional, low-pressure guided fly fishing trips on Montana's blue-ribbon waters.
Healing Waters Lodge
Twin Bridges, Montana
Premier Montana fly fishing lodge with expert guides, luxury lodging, and access to legendary trout rivers.
Hubbards Yellowstone Lodge
Montana
World-class fly fishing lodge on the north border of Yellowstone National Park with upscale lodging and dining.
Kemph Outfitting and Consulting
Dillon, Montana
Premier Montana destination for guided fly fishing trips and luxury lodging in trout country.
Mills Wilderness Adventures of MT, Inc.
Augusta, Montana
Bob Marshall Wilderness pack trips with excellent fishing
Spotted Bear Ranch
Bozeman, Montana
World-class fly-fishing expeditions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with ORVIS-endorsed lodge and guides.
Upper Canyon Outfitters
Alder, Montana
Guided fly fishing and western adventure in Montana's Ruby Valley since 1981.
Forrester Bighorn River Resort
Ft. Smith, Montana
Orvis-endorsed fly fishing and hunting resort on Montana's Bighorn River
Forresters Bighorn River Resort
Fort Smith, Montana
Luxury fly fishing and hunting resort on Montana's Bighorn River with Orvis-endorsed guides.
Joe Cantrell Outfitting
St. Regis, Montana
Creating memories one fish at a time on the Clark Fork River.
Kibler Outfitting and Charter Fishing
Sand Springs, Montana
World-class guided fishing on Montana's Fort Peck Lake for walleye, pike, and bass.
Madison Valley Ranch
Montana
Award-winning Montana fly fishing lodge on the blue ribbon Madison River with world-class hospitality and cuisine.
Montana River Outfitters
Great Falls, Montana
Private fly-fishing and guided river adventures in Great Falls, Montana
Bloom Outfitting
Cascade, Montana
Dedicated to the art of fly fishing on Montana's Mighty Missouri River.
Crane Mountain Guide Service
Bigfork, Montana
Expert fly fishing guides, excellent gear, delicious food, unsurpassed scenery
Cross Currents Fly Shop & Outfitters
Craig, Montana
Missouri River, Smith & Blackfoot River Fly Fishing Specialists
Edge Outfitting, LLC
Ennis, Montana
Upper Madison River and Ennis Lake fly fishing specialists with intimate knowledge
Troutchasers Flyfishing Lodge & Outfitters
Bozeman, Montana
Montana fly fishing lodge with guided trips on the Gallatin River and surrounding waters.
the Lodge At Forest Grove
Superior, Montana
Orvis Endorsed fly fishing lodge offering fully guided trips on 400+ miles of Blue Ribbon trout water.
Beartooth Flyfishing
Cameron, Montana
Guided flyfishing lodge and fly shop on Montana's Upper Madison River
Deep Creek Outfitters
Great Falls, Montana
Private fly fishing on the Smith River at Heaven on Earth Ranch, one hour from Great Falls.
Lapham Outfitters L.L.C.
Jackson, Montana
Family-run hunting and fly fishing in Montana's Big Hole Valley
Montana Fish Man Outfitting
Ennis, Montana
Guided fly fishing and spin fishing trips on Montana's Madison River and southwestern waters
Montana Troutaholic Outfitters
Missoula, Montana
Enjoy fishing the rivers of Montana with experienced Outfitters!
Montana Wilderness Outfitters LLC
Eureka, Montana
World-class fly-fishing and lodge-based wilderness adventures in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
On DeMark Outfitting LLC
Cascade, Montana
Family-run fly fishing lodge on the Missouri River offering world-class trout fishing
Brant Oswald Fly Fishing Services
Livingston, Montana
Expert guided fly fishing and instruction on trout waters near Livingston, Montana
Flatline Outfitters
Twin Bridges, Montana
Guided fly fishing trips on Montana's finest blue-ribbon rivers with lodging and home-cooked meals
Headhunters Fly Shop / Get the Drift Outfitters
Craig, Montana
Premier fly fishing guide service and shop on the Missouri River in Montana
Montana Angler Fly Fishing
Bozeman, Montana
Customize off the beaten path fly fishing adventures with lodges, float trips, wilderness trips and exclusive camps
Montana Trout Stalkers
Ennis, Montana
Expert fly fishing guide service on Montana's Madison River and beyond
PRO Outfitters
Helena, Montana
World-class guided fly fishing trips & bird hunting trips in Montana
3 Dog Outfitters LLC
Montana
Hard-working, knowledgeable and patient guides for Montana fishing
K Bar L Ranch
Augusta, Montana
World class trout fishing on the untamed waters of the Sun River in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Madison River Outfitters
West Yellowstone, Montana
West Yellowstone's complete fly fishing and outdoor specialty shop with experienced guides
Missouri River Expeditions
Craig, Montana
25 years fly fishing on the Missouri River
Pro Outfitters North Fork Crossing
Ovando, Montana
Exceptional fly fishing and bird hunting adventures in Montana with luxury lodges and expert guides.
Randy Brown’s Madison Flyfisher
Ennis, Montana
Over 50 years of guided flyfishing on Montana's Madison River and Florida Keys.
River Borne Outfitters
Ennis, Montana
Fly fishing outfitter for the Madison River with experienced guides and drift boat trips.
Ruby Springs Lodge
Sheridan, Montana
Full-service fly fishing lodge on the Ruby River with private access and world-class guided trips
Salmon Forks Outfitters, A Swan Mountain Company
Swan Lake, Montana
Fly fishing, elk hunting, and pack trips in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness since 1935.
X-Stream Fly Fishing
Wolf Creek, Montana
First Class Lodging, Meals & Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing on the Missouri River
X-Stream Flyfishing
Wolf Creek, Montana
World class fly fishing, fine dining and lodging on the Missouri River in Montana.
Yellowstone River Outfitters
Livingston, Montana
Fly-fishing guide service in the heart of Yellowstone Country providing guided adventures for all skill levels
Al Gadourys 6X Outfitters
Bozeman, Montana
Montana spring creek fly fishing specialist with guided walks and upland bird hunting
Backcountry Angler
Dillon, Montana
Premier fly fishing guide service and lodging in Southwest Montana
Big Hole and Beaverhead River Fly Fishing Guide Service and Fly Shop
Melrose, Montana
Premier Montana fly fishing guide service for Southwest Montana fly fishing trips
Fishtales Outfitting, LLC
Sheridan, Montana
Multi-day Montana Fly Fishing Guided Trips designed around your ambition
Gallatin River Lodge
Bozeman, Montana
Luxury fly fishing lodge in Montana with expert guides and world-class trout fishing
Montana Angling Company
Bozeman, Montana
Expert fly fishing guides on Montana's blue ribbon trout rivers
Montana Hunting Fishing Adventures
Hamilton, Montana
Montana's best fly fishing and trophy big game hunting adventures
The Tackle Shop
Ennis, Montana
Montana's oldest fly shop offering guided fly fishing trips since 1937
Glacier Guides and Montana Raft
West Glacier, Montana
Glacier National Park's one stop shop for adventure since 1983
Monthly fishing guide market report for Montana.
Pricing trends, top destinations, and seasonal outlook — one email per month.
Browse market reports →