(406) 579-9553
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Montana Fly Fishing Trip

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Montana Fly Fishing Trip

Montana Fly Fishing

Making the Most of your Montana Fly Fishing Trip

So you are ready to book your fly fishing trip to Montana? Great! Our Montana fly fishing outfitter will work personally with you to book your ultimate Montana fly fishing trip. It is our job to make your next Montana fly fishing trip your best yet and you can count on our fly fishing guides to make it happen. Want to know what you can do to make the most of it? Read on!

1. Trust Experience

As a professional fly fishing guides we have decades of combined experience fly fishing and guiding all across the state of Montana and beyond, all 12 months of the year. We have seen how seasons, flows, weather, and angler experience impacts the quality of Montana fly fishing trips on all of Montana’s blue ribbon rivers.

Our goal when booking every fly fishing trip is to give our anglers the best possible Montana guided fly fishing experience, custom fit to their particular group and expectations. We rely on our experience earned on the water, guiding anglers and booking trips every day of a Montana fly fishing season to be able to make this happen. As an independent outfitter, our primary concern is the quality of your trip. Anglers can trust our experience to know where to go, when to go there, where to stay, and to make the most of their next fly fishing trip to Montana.

2. Book Early

We are lucky to be able to work with some of the most experienced and professional fly fishing guides and outfitters in Montana. From the Yellowstone River, to the Missouri River, the Big Horn River, and all of the smaller waters in between, we work with local fly fishing guides that consistently exceed angler expectations for a Montana guided fly fishing trip.

Demand is high for the best guides in Montana and many of our Montana fly fishing guides’ calendars book out well in advance. In some cases a full year even. We know the quality of guiding largely impacts the quality of a Montana fly fishing trip. The earlier you are able to book your trip, the better availability we have for our fly fishing guides.

We would rather inform our anglers we are all booked up for the day than to send them out with a guide we have anything less than full confidence in. And during the primetime months from May-October, we book out early and often. Book early to make the most of your next Montana Fly Fishing trip.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Montana fly fishing trips are great for anglers of all skill levels. There is no better place to learn to fly fish than on a blue ribbon river with one of our experienced and professional Montana fly fishing guides. The opportunities for experienced anglers to enjoy fly fishing for trophy trout are endless. Between freestone rivers like the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and the endless waters of Yellowstone National Park and the famous tailwater rivers of the Missouri River and Big Horn River we really do have it all.

Anglers coming in cold will find their guide will provide them with great instruction and the experience to guide them into success. Anglers who practiced polish some of their skills at home before their trip will find even more success. Every angler, regardless of skill, has something they can work on. For beginner anglers this may be working on the mechanics of casting. For the seasoned angler this may be perfecting their reach cast. The more you put in off the water, the more you will get out on the water. Need to know what to work on? We are always here to point you in the right direction.

4. Let Your Expectations be Known

Clear communication between an angler and their outfitter and guides is a key part of making any Montana fly fishing trip the best it can be. From the moment you book your next trip, to on the water with your guide, clearly making your expectations known will help you make the most of your next Montana fly fishing trip. We treat all of our fly fishing trips as custom and work closely with anglers to understand their preferences and expectations. The more we know, the better we can build your trip.

Every angler is different. Whether you are a beginner angler, seasoned vet, dry fly fanatic, or streamer junkie, we work to build the perfect Montana fly fishing trip for you, your group, and your budget. The better we understand your expectations, the better we can book the best Montana fly fishing trip for you.

5. Ask Questions

There are no bad questions! The more you ask the more you will be able to learn and make the most of your Montana fly fishing trip. Our outfitter and all of our Montana fly fishing guides are all knowledgeable local experts about the fly fishing, but also about much of the rest about what makes fly fishing in Montana so great. We encourage all anglers to fire away with any and all questions about the flora, fauna, mountains, rivers near and far, history, culture, favorite this and favorite that, local eats and drinks, and anything else that may present itself. While we can be reached anytime via phone and email and love to hear from anglers, you only get so much time each trip with your Montana fly fishing guide. Make the most of it and pick their brain! You might just be surprised by what you will learn…

Bozeman, MT Fly Fishing Report 8/12/18

Bozeman, MT Fly Fishing Report 8/12/18

Fishing Reports, Madison River Fishing Reports, Missouri River Fishing Reports, Paradise Valley and Spring Creeks Fishing Reports, Yellowstone National Park Fishing Reports, Yellowstone River Fishing Reports

Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview

Every once in a while we get it right. So far our August fly fishing forecast has looked spot on. Hopper fishing has been as good as it gets with great fish being caught on big foam dry flies daily. Just walk 10 feet down any grassy bank. Lots of hoppers to be found buzzing around. The weather has turned hot. Downright sizzling the last few. Good to get out early and wrap it up by mid-afternoon. Temperatures looking to cool back off in the coming weeks. You’ll be good to go all day then.

Pink, tan, yellow, green, you name it— the trout having been eating hoppers in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They will get wiser. If your hopper gets a few refusals, cut it off and change it up. And don’t be afraid to make it dance. Big brown trout love the twitch. Our calendars are filling up fast for September and October. Get ahold of us today to get your 2018 Montana fall fly fishing trip all lined up.

Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report

Tough to beat fly fishing on the Yellowstone River right now. Also where you will find most of our Montana fly fishing guides through the end of the month. Hopper fishing has been as good as it gets. Lots of days fishing single hoppers from ramp to ramp. Midges, mayflies, and caddis flies still around in the mornings too. If they aren’t on the hopper right out of the gate, you could do worse than throwing a big parachute. We have fished from Gardiner to east of Livingston, MT in the past week and have had great fishing across all stretches.

While our primary focus is dry fly fishing, the nymphing has been good with stonefly nymphs, caddis nymphs, and mayfly nymphs while the streamer bite has been tough lately. We blame the big bright sun. Temps are looking to drop in the coming weeks. We like to be on the water early when it’s warm but are usually in no rush once daytime highs are down to the low 80s.

Madison River Fly Fishing Report

Some of the best late summer dry fly fishing we have had in awhile on the Upper Madison. Hoppers, caddis, and ants are what you will find on the end of our Madison River fly fishing guides’ lines. Spruce moths on the upper river. Hoppers down lower. If early mornings are your thing we like the lower lower Madison this time of year. Patience and persistence throwing the hopper will result in finding some nice browns in tight to the banks. Might just hit a home run. Nymphing continues to be steadily good with prince nymphs and variants, girdle bugs, worms, micro-mays, and sculpins being our top producers. But the hopper bite has been good enough to fish it early and late.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Report

Tricos in the AM and terrestrials in the PM. Trico dry fly fishing on the Missouri River is some of the most rewarding fishing any angler could experience. Good casts get rewarded, bad casts get laughed at, but lots of shots at great trout are to be had. Probably no better time of year to get shots at 20 inch fish with sz 20 or smaller flies. Sounds like fun to us. The spinner fall stars before 9AM. Get out early to hit it.

We like to fish terrestrials all afternoon after the tricos start to wane. Pick a hopper, any hopper, and fish it well, tight to the banks or out in the middle. Head to the upper river if nymphing is more your speed. Lots of big brown trout are being caught on crayfish and various trailer flies. Fish it shallow and tight to the banks or deeper against the grass lines. Lots of cold water still pouring out of Holter Dam. This fall should be great.

Yellowstone National Park Fly Fishing Report

If wade fishing for wild native cutthroat trout is your idea of a good time, Yellowstone National Park is the place to be right now. The Yellowstone River and its many tributaries are all fishing well right now. Hopper fishing has been great on the Lamar River, Soda Butte Creek, and Slough Creek. Beetles, ants, and small parachutes are always great second options. Classic dry fly fishing for cutthroat trout at its finest right now. If solitude is your thing, consider going for a short hike before starting to fish. The people disappear quickly.

Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report

In between hatches right now on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. PMDs are mostly gone and the sulphurs are yet to start. Daily hatches of midges and tricos have kept things interesting, and some days have made for all day action. The midges are small. Consider throwing a smaller cluster. Or throw an ant or a hopper. Either way works. Terrestrial fishing can be great in some of the faster riffles. Nymphing has been as good as always with midges and sowbugs being our flies of choice. And 7x tippet.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides, Trips, and Outfitting

Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides, Trips, and Outfitting

Missouri River Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Trips and Guides on Montana’s Missouri River

Our Missouri River fly fishing guides are all dedicated, fun, and courteous professionals with the experience and hard work ethic to make your next Missouri River fly fishing trip with the Montana Angling Company your best yet. Our commitment to our anglers is to provide custom outfitting, expert guiding, and an authentic Montana fly fishing experience on every trip.

The Missouri River is known to most locals and our Montana fly fishing guides as the Mighty ‘Mo. For our anglers and guides the ‘Mo is a special place. Immediately what comes to mind are miles of pristine water and the large wild trout that thrive in this classic western tailwater fishery. With some of the highest fish per mile counts in the state, the largest average wild trout, and consistent hatches throughout the spring, summer, and fall, fly fishing the Missouri River is a trip every angler needs to experience.

Missouri River Guided Fly Fishing Trips:

Missouri River Fly Fishing Overview

Craig, MT is our home base for our Missouri River guided fly fishing trips and outfitting. Craig sits right on the banks of the Missouri River and offers great access to both the blue ribbon fly fishing and also the best lodging and dining for anglers. Our custom outfitting program offers anglers both single- and multi- day fly fishing trips and lodging packages on the Missouri River. Anglers can expect Missouri River Fly fishing trips to be the ultimate Montana guided fly fishing experience.

 

Our Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides

Our Montana fly fishing guides are all seasoned professionals and we consider the Missouri River to be one of our home waters. Our guides’ hard work, patience, and experience as well as their commitment to personal service makes guided fly fishing trips on the Missouri River with the Montana Angling Company great for seasoned and beginner anglers alike. All of our guides are dedicated to making all our anglers’ trips safe, productive, and fun.

 

Missouri River Fly Fishing Seasons

The Missouri River is a four season fishery for our anglers and Montana fly fishing guides and we consider the prime-season to be April-October. Spring, Summer, and Fall fly fishing on the Missouri River all have something different to offer, and anglers can count on great fly fishing throughout the year. Reliable hatches, consistent flows, some the highest trout per mile numbers in Montana, and some of the best dry fly fishing in the west make the Missouri River a favorite amongst our anglers and guides.

We encourage anglers interested in a Missouri River fly fishing trip with our Montana fly fishing guides to contact us to learn more.

Montana Guided Fly Fishing Trips

Montana Guided Fly Fishing Trips

Montana Fly Fishing

Guided Fly Fishing Trips with the Montana Angling Company

Our Montana fly fishing guides know there in no better place in the world to fly fish for wild trout than Montana. There are more miles of blue ribbon water than anyone could hope to fish in a lifetime. Consistent yet diverse hatches keep trout feeding year-round. Great numbers of trophy sized fish test the skill of even the most accomplished angler. Simply put our guided Montana fly fishing trips are the best way for anglers to make the most of their Montana fly fishing experience.

Custom Montana Fly Fishing Outfitting

The Montana Angling Company offers custom outfitting, expert guiding, and an authentic Montana experience for anglers looking for the ultimate guided fly fishing trip in the Big Sky State. Our network of seasoned guides and unique lodging options allow us to build custom fly fishing trips for all anglers, regardless of budget and skill level. Experience fly fishing on classic Montana trout streams like the Yellowstone River, Missouri River, Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, and DePuy’s Spring Creek.

Our Montana Fly Fishing Guides

Enjoy expert guiding from our friendly and professional guide staff. You can count on all of our guides to work hard and make your next Montana fly fishing trip a truly special experience. We pride ourselves on working with many of the most respected guides in the state, that all work well with both seasoned and novice anglers. All of our Montana fly fishing guides value safety, learning, and having fun: a winning combination that makes every trip a success.

The Best in Montana Lodging

We believe your Montana fly fishing trip should be just as great off the water as it is on. Our lodging partners and recommended dining allow anglers to rest easy and eat well after a great days’ fishing. We have lodging options for every price-point and preference, from rustic river cabins to world-class all inclusive lodges. Fish Montana’s blue ribbon water, with our expert guides, and enjoy the best lodging on your next Montana fly fishing trip.

Bozeman, MT Fly Fishing Report 8/30/18

Bozeman, MT Fly Fishing Report 8/30/18

Fishing Reports, Madison River Fishing Reports, Missouri River Fishing Reports, Yellowstone National Park Fishing Reports, Yellowstone River Fishing Reports

Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview

Cold and wet the last few here on the rivers in Bozeman, MT. Translation: great fly fishing. We’ve seen great hatches of pseudos and fall drakes on the Yellowstone River and our fish continued to look up for big foam bugs through it all.

The high mountains got a little taste of winter early this year, snowcapped peaks lined both the Yellowstone River Valley and Madison River Valley. Water temps have come down and flows are up a bit on all of our local rivers. Great time to get out and explore some water that you may not normally be able to in late August. Our Montana fly fishing guides have been spending the bulk of their time on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and Missouri River.

Hopper fishing continues to be great. The future weather forecast looks great for the upcoming weeks. Expect the good times to keep rolling through the end of September. 2018 has been a great year to be an angler in Montana. One for the books. Bookings are starting to come in for 2019. June is filling fast as always. Contact us today to book your Montana fly fishing trip.

Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report

The Yellowstone River has continued to spoil our anglers and fly fishing guides with consistently great dry fly fishing on a daily basis. Hard to go wrong out there right now. Hoppers, beetles, and anything resembling a mayfly either 18-20 or 10-12 and probably 14-16 too have been getting gobbled up. Head up river or head down, it is all fishing well.

We’ve been seeing a trend over the past few weeks of less total strikes but bigger average fish. I’ll take it. A lot of trout 15-18” turning up in our guides’ nets. No surprise that we’ve had a lot of happy anglers too. Oh yeah…the nymphing and streamer bite has been ok too. You could do a lot worse than a #10 girdle bug to a #18 lightning bug under an indicator. 3.5ft to your first fly.

Madison River Fly Fishing Report

The summer of the hopper continues on the Madison River. Dead drift it, twitch it, strip it, or drown it, seems to all be working out there. Lots of good fish looking up for them. Look for the bite to continue into mid September this year. BWOs will start to show up on overcast days. Big caddis will also start flying around in the coming days. You could do worse than fishing a big hopper to a #10 or #12 caddis.

Head to Beartooth Fly fishing in Cameron, MT for the best Madison River fly selection around. And great people too. Pro tip: there’s always hot coffee in the back. You’ll need it come fall. Nymphing continues to be great.

You’ll find our Madison River fly fishing guides running girdle bugs, worms, sculpins, and other big junk as their top fly to smaller finesse bugs as their second fly. Try a #18 or #20 red lil’spanker next time you’re out. Streamer fishing has started to produce big brown trout all over the river. Late summer and early fall is a great time to target mid-river structure. We love seeing pics of big Madison River brown trout. Send‘em our way if you’ve got ‘em!

Missouri River Fly Fishing Report

2018 has been kind to the Missouri River. Flows were higher than we would have liked as anglers in June, but it meant the fish we able to eat, eat, eat, and grow all summer long. It is paying off in a big way now. Lots of bigger than average fish coming to the net.

Nymphing on the upper river has been great. #16 seems to be the ticket for playing small ball with big fish. Caddis, scuds, sows, and PTs are all great top flies. Finesse mayflies and midges are great second flies. Or drag around a crayfish. It still works. Dryfly fishing continues to be the main attraction. Trico hatches have started to dwindle but terrestrial fishing has been great. Head below Craig for the best head hunting around. Pseudos, midges, October caddis, and callibaetis are right around the corner. Get it while the getting is good!

Yellowstone National Park

Fall drakes are popping on the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek after this last cold front. Short window to see them, but look for this only to improve/expand as we move into September. Early fall fly fishing is some of the best of the year in Yellowstone Park.

The rivers of the western half of the park around Madison Junction start to fish great and angling pressure becomes more evenly dispersed. Flows are low so the wading is easy and endless. Hoppers and smaller terrestrials are still consistently catching trout all over.

Our Yellowstone fly fishing guides feel that smaller is better when it comes to hoppers in the park. Try a #14 or #16 dave’s hopper. No foam. Mayfly hatches on Slough Creek will start to pick up in the next week or so. Great opportunity for sight fishing to larger and smarter than your average cutthroat trout. And as always remember to bring your bear spray in, and leave your felt soles and lead shot out.