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Frequently Asked Questions

Let us answer some questions about the Montana fly fishing experience.
Not seeing an answer to your question? Ask us directly.

What is included with a guided fly fishing trip?

A guided fly fishing trip with the Montana Angling Company includes expert guiding and instruction on one of Montana’s best rivers or lakes, non-alcoholic beverages (you may bring your own alcoholic drinks), rod/reel, tackle, flies, river shuttle, and a nice streamside lunch (full day trips).

What is NOT included with a guided fly fishing trip?

A guided fly fishing trip with the Montana Angling Company does not include guide gratuity, a Montana or Yellowstone National Park Fishing license, private water rod fees, personal outdoorwear (rain jacket, waders, boots, hat, sunglasses, sun gloves, etc.), or alcoholic beverages.

What is an appropriate gratuity for a guided fly fishing trip?

Appropriate gratuity for a full day trip is $100-150 per guide and for a half day trip $75-100. Our guides rely on tips to offset their daily expenses of gas, lunch, river shuttle, tackle, and flies. All of our guides will work hard for you and appreciate your gratuity in return.

Do you practice catch and release?

Yes, we practice catch and release fishing on all of our guided fly fishing trips.

What is a General Guide Trip Itinerary?

7:00-9:00AM: Meet your Guide

Your guide will meet you at the predetermined meeting point for your trip. Pick-up at lodging needs to be arranged in advance. We often ask anglers meet at a local fly shop or other convenient meeting point. If anglers need to purchase fishing licenses or rent waders, we can stop on the way to the river.

8:00-10:00AM: Arrive at Fishing Destination

From the meeting point anglers will travel with their guide to the fishing destination. Travel time varies depending on exact location.

9:00AM-12:00/3:00-5:00PM: Guided Fly Fishing

Anglers will spend either a full or half day on the water fly fishing depending on your trip booking. Anglers can expect professional guiding and instruction throughout the day on a blue ribbon river, lake, or stream. Half day trips generally end by 12:00PM. On Full Day Trips we generally break for lunch around 12:30PM. Exact start and end times vary but anglers can expect to be on the water until 3:00-5:00PM. We can accommodate any preferred start and end times.

3:30-5:30PM: Return to Meeting Point

Anglers can expect to return with their guide to the meeting point by early evening after a great day of fly fishing for the conclusion of the trip.

Post Trip Follow-Up

Our outfitter will follow up with anglers after every trip to ensure the Montana Angling Company provided quality service beyond expectations.

When is the best time to come fly fishing?

Whenever you can make it! But to break it down simply March, April, May, October, and November you can expect low angling pressure, great fishing, but variable weather. June, July, August, and September are prime time: fly fishing is great, especially the dry fly bite, and weather is generally reliable. We have put together a fishing calendar that addresses all things fly fishing in Montana you may want to consult for more detail here.

What is your booking and cancellation policy?

For Bookings Outside of 30 days:

We take a 50% booking deposit on all trips booked outside of 30 days from the first day of a scheduled trip. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the first day of a scheduled trip. Final payment must be received prior to services rendered. This deposit is refundable less a 15% processing fee for cancellations made outside of 30 days from the first day of a scheduled trip or a 100% credit can be carried for a future booking. Cancellations made within 30 days of the first day of a scheduled trip will result in full payment and no refunds.

For Bookings Inside of 30 Days:

We take full payment up-front on all bookings made inside of 30 days from the first day of a scheduled trip. This payment is due at the time of booking. Cancellations made within 30 days of the first day of a scheduled trip will result in full payment and no refunds.

For Online Bookings:

We take full payment up-front for all online bookings. All online bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by our outfitter. Guide trip fees are refundable less a 15% processing fee for cancellations made outside of 30 days from the first day of a scheduled trip or a 100% credit can be carried for a future booking. Cancellations made within 30 days of the trip will result in full payment and no refunds.

For All Bookings:

Deposits are taken for all parts of a trip the Montana Angling Company accepts payment for. This includes, but is not limited to: guide trip fees, lodging fees, and other third-party fees. Lodging fees and other third-party fees are refundable according to the third-party’s booking and cancellation policy. Private Water Rod fees are non-refundable.

Changing the date you are booked is the same as cancelling and re-booking a separate trip. All cancellations must be given by written notice, either e-mail or by mail. The date a written cancellation notice is electronically received or postmarked will be considered the date of cancellation.

Trips may be cancelled at the discretion of the Montana Angling Company, its outfitter, or its guides at any time and all guide trip deposits and funds will be refunded. This includes but is not limited to: conditions that jeopardize client and/or guide safety, federal and/or state closures, and guide availability/illness.  Trips will not be cancelled due to natural factors, including adverse weather, river conditions and air quality.

We make no exceptions to our booking and refund policy and encourage clients to purchase trip insurance with iTravelinsured if concerned about the possibility of cancellation.

What gear should I bring on my guided fly fishing trip?

Please refer to our Gear List for more information.

How much are Fly Fishing Licenses/Permits and where can I purchase one?

 Please refer to Fishing Licenses for more information

What rivers, lakes, and streams do you all offer guided trips on?

Please refer to our guided fly fishing offerings for more detail, but we offer guided fly fishing trips all across Montana and Yellowstone National Park. This includes the Yellowstone River, Missouri River, Upper Madison River, Lower Madison River, Gallatin River, Boulder River, Stillwater River, Big Horn River, Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, Blackfoot River, Dearborn River, private lakes, private small streams, and all of the streams/rivers of Yellowstone National Park.

Where should I stay? Where are the best places to eat?

We have compiled a list of recommended lodging and restaurants that can be found here. Please give us a call at 406-579-9553 for personal recommendations or ask your guide, they are always good for a local watering hole or two.

What should I wear on a guided fly fishing trip?

Great question! Every angler should come prepared with sunglasses, hat, and suitable clothing and footwear everyday. In the Spring and Fall this means dressing warm in quick drying layers. Bring waders, wading boots, good rain gear, gloves and a warm hat. During the summer this means dressing cool in sun protective lightweight fishing clothes. We recommend long sleeves, pants, and water-friendly shoes. For some this means a tank top and bathing suit. Always be prepared for inclement weather. We have seen it snow every month of the year. Keep an eye on the forecast as your trip nears and pack accordingly.

Are there activities for non-anglers in the area?

Yes! Montana is a hub for anglers from all over the world but also has lots of offerings for the non-angler. Between Yellowstone National Park, scenic wild spaces, great restaurants, tons of microbreweries, hot springs, and wildlife sanctuaries, there is something for everyone. We can help you book all sorts of non-angling adventures including interpretive natural tours, horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, photo tours, and more. Don’t leave the non-angler behind on your next trip to Montana!

What is the best airport to fly into?

Please refer to Travel to Montana for more information

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