Montana TroutfittersA Fly Fishing Tradition since 1978

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Guided Trips in Southwest Montana & Beyond


Full Day Float Trips  •  Half Day Float Trips  •  Extended Float Trips
Full Day Walk Wade Trips  •  Half Day Walk Wade Trips  •  Lake Trips
Spring Creek Fishing  •  Private Waters  •  
Taste of Montana
Montana Troutfitters University Full & Half Sessions
Troutfitters Guide Trip Policies & FAQ's


Once you've decided to take your next fishing trip to Montana, the next most difficult decision you'll have to make is "What All Can I Do While I'm Out There and Where are We Going to Fish?" You can leave that up to us and let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you with a trip consultation. Or you can choose from the options below and book your trip yourself online and we'll follow up with details with you at a later date. Our online booking service is safe, secure and easy to use.

We can get you set up with everything from float trips on the Yellowstone, to half day walk and wade trips on the Gallatin, to excursions to the Missouri or Bighorn, or maybe even a special hike to a high mountain lake for some Golden Trout! The possibilities are endless, with more fishable trout water than anywhere else in the lower 48 states, we can customize a trip for you on your next time out to Montana! Our outfitter's license allows us the freedom to guide on nearly every body of water in the state, and if we can't guide on it, we know someone for you who can.


Full Day Float Trips



Full Day Float Trip Includes:
Transportation from Montana Troutfitters, lunch and beverages, full day of guided services for one or two anglers.
 
Click Here to Book a Full Day Float

Our most popular trips since we started rowing boats down rivers in 1978, full day float trips are the best way for anglers to fish many of Montana's big Western Rivers. In addition to a fantastic way to scout for fish and soak in the scenic beauty that Montana has to offer, full day float trips are a great way for novice anglers to learn casting, mending, reading water, and landing fish in moving water.

Full day trips available on the Upper & Lower Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Boulder, Stillwater, Upper Missouri and Jefferson Rivers.

2010 Guided Service Rates:
One or Two Anglers: $450
Three Anglers: $550
Bighorn and Missouri River trips available for an extra $45 to cover travel costs.


Half Day Float Trips



Half Day Float Trip Includes:
Transportation from Montana
Troutfitters, beverages, 4 hours
on the water for one or two anglers.

Click Here to Book a Half Day Float



Not nearly as popular as the full day float trips, the half day offers a taste of fishing from a drift boat - giving the angler on a budget or time constraint the opportunity to fish the bigger Western Rivers. Half day floats are done under a strict time and travel constraint, we will not travel more than 80 miles round trip and trips are limited to 4 hours on the water, no exceptions. We recommend this only to clients on a strict time constraint.

Half day trips available on the Lower Madison and Yellowstone (near Livingston) Rivers only.

2010 Guided Service Rates:
One or Two Anglers: $395
Three Anglers: $495

Extended Float Trips



Extended Float Trips Include:
Transportation from Montana Troutfitters, two days lunch and beverages, breakfast and dinner, two full day's of guided services for one or two anglers, and one overnight camping on the river all camping and cooking equipment included. Additional days available at additional cost.

Call to Book an Extended Float



If you think that just one day's stay on the river just isn't enough for you, this might be your trip. Roughing it though isn't exactly how we'd describe this trip. We have the necessary camping equipment to make your trip as comfortable as sleeping on your couch at home (ok maybe not quite as cush). These trips require a bit of detailed planning so they must be booked out in advance in order to secure the necessary food items and equipment and are subject to availability on short notice. You'll dine on the river and enjoy the night life Montana style as you pursue trout on the river for two days and camp riverside.

Extended trips available on the Yellowstone, Jefferson, and Missouri.

2010 Guided Service Rates:
(All Prices for One or Two Anglers)
Two Days & One Night: $1,125 
Three Days & Two Nights: $1,625
Additional Days & Nights: $500/day
Call for Availability and Consultation


Full Day Walk Wade Trips



Full Day Wade Trip Includes:
Transportation from Montana Troutfitters, lunch and beverages, full day of guided services and instruction.

Click Here to Book a Full Day Wade

 

For over three decades we've been walking the waters of Montana and educating our clients on the finer points of reading water. Our full day walk and wade trips are a great option for learning the basic skills of fly fishing, or for honing your mending and water reading skills. And let's face it, you can't put a drift boat in on every body of water, and Montana has plenty of hidden gems that we'd like to share a day on with you!

Full day trips available on the Upper & Lower Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Boulder, Hyalite Creek, East Gallatin and Others On Request.

2010 Guided Service Rates:
One or Two Anglers: $450
Three Anglers: $550

Half Day Walk Wade Trips



Half Day Wade Trip Includes:
Transportation from Montana Troutfitters, beverages, 4 hours of on the water instruction and fishing.

Click Here to Book a Half Day Wade
 

Like our full day wade trips, these are a good way for you to get out and onto the water and refresh your skills. Or maybe you just need to get a little time out and on the water with a guide to pick his or her brain about something that you can't seem to figure out on your own. Half day trips are constrained to four hours on the water and are done within an 80 mile proximity of Bozeman. Half days are not available on Spring Creeks or other Private Waters, sorry.

Half day trips available on the Lower Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Hyalite Creek, East Gallatin and Others On Request.

2010 Guided Service Rates:
One or Two Anglers: $395
Three Anglers: $495

Lake Trips



Lake Trips Include:
Transportation from Montana Troutfitters, lunch and beverages, full day of guided services for one or two anglers & any equipment needed for your trip (float tube, fins etc).

Click Here to Book a Lake Trip
 

So you've heard of Montana's famous rivers and streams, but did you know we also have some of the most prolific lake fishing right out of our backdoor here in Southwest Montana? Whether it's hiking into an alpine lake somewhere in the middle of paradise, or fishing gulpers on Hebgen, or just poking a few grayling on Hyalite, we've got you covered. With the most experienced lake staff in Montana we can outfit you for your first lake fishing trip. All the necessary equipment (float tube, fins, etc.) is included in the cost of your trip. 

Lake trips available on Hebgen, Quake, Cliff, Wade, Hyalite, Canyon Ferry, Ennis, Harrison, and other lakes on request - call for availability of guides.

2010 Guided Service Rates:
One or Two Anglers: $425
Three Anglers: $525

Spring Creek Fishing



Spring Creek Trips Include:
Transportation from Montana Troutfitters, lunch and beverages, full day of guided services and instruction.

Spring Creek's require a rod fee of $40-150 depending on the season and property and are subject to availability - call for further details.

Click Here to Book a Spring Creek
 

For the experienced angler looking for seclusion and technical fishing, the spring creek's have a special lore in Montana. The spring creeks are not recommended for first time anglers, these fisheries require intimate knowledge of line control, fly selection, and casting ability. They offer solitude, large resident fish, and some of the most consistent hatches due to the unfluctuating water temperatures. Whether it's DePuy's in the dead of winter, or tricos on the MZ in September, the spring creeks offer something for the avid dry fly fisherman wanting to test his skills.

Spring Creek trips available on DePuy's, Nelson's, Armstrong's, the MZ Ranch and several others on a request basis. Spring Creek's are subject to availability and seasonal restrictions.

2010 Guided Service Rates:
One or Two Anglers: $450
Three Anglers: $550

Private Waters



Private Water Trips Include:
Transportation from Montana Troutfitters, lunch and beverages, full day of guided services and instruction.  

Some properties may require a rod fee and are subject to availability - call for further details.

Call to Book a Private Water Trip
 

If seclusion is what you seek, let us show you some of the properties that we've gained access to through landowner permission over the last 30 plus years. These fisheries typically receive less pressure and boast some great seasonal fishing. Certain properties may require a fee and certain properties are only accessible to Montana Troutfitters and are subject to specific guide's availability. To protect property owners' privacy we do not list the properties that we have access to, but can furnish suggestions upon request for the type of fishing you are after. Since all of these bodies of water are more or less self contained, we only offer full day trips and all are walk and wade only. 

Private Water trips available on a request basis only and must be booked well in advance.

2010 Guided Service Rates:
One or Two Anglers: $450
Three Anglers: $550

Taste of Montana



Taste of Montana Trips Include:
Transportation to and from Montana Troutfitters, 5 days of guided services for one or two anglers. Full accommodations and meals are included.

Call to Book Your Taste of Montana
 

To put it plainly, it's the ultimate Montana fishing experience. Let us take you all over this great state of ours and show you the rivers that you've read about and a few that you surely haven't. With our outfitter's license we can fish nearly every body of water in the state and we have the guides on staff to show you all of it! Spend 5 days fishing with our staff as we take you on the customized trip of your dreams. From the big names like the Madison and Yellowstone, to some of the lesser known tributaries, and some off the wall places you wouldn't ever think of finding fish, we'll take you there. Kris Kumlien our General Manager will work with you to personalize and fit a trip to your desires. We'll put the miles on our rigs to ensure that this trip is one that you won't ever forget. Due to the planning required for this trip, we recommend booking well in advance.  

Booking Now for 2010: 
Call Today For Your Trip Consultation With Kris - pricing varies based on your needs and destinations.


Troutfitters University



For Pricing & Details on Montana Troutfitters University Click Here



What we've found over the 30 plus years of being in the fly fishing and outfitting business is that many people want to learn to fly fish but are intimidated by the concept and steep learning curve that presents itself to a beginning fisherman. To that end we came up with a way to introduce future anglers to the sport in a no pressure atmosphere where you don't feel like you have to get your money's worth on the river catching fish.

For more details on our
Troutfitters University Sessions
please visit the link below.

Montana Troutfitters University

 



Trip Policies and Frequently Asked Questions
Guide Trip Policies

Trip Deposits

A $100 deposit per day is required to reserve your trip. Cancellations made within 30 days will be given a 25% refund, cancellations made within 10 days are not eligible for a refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours require full payment. VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or a personal check are accepted.

Gratuities 
Gratuities for all guided trips are not included in the prices listed above. Our guides work hard to ensure you have a wonderful outdoor experience. If you would like some guidance in determining a gratuity, we would be glad to help.

Rental & Demo Gear
Montana Troutfitters has a fine selection of rods, reels, wading boats, waders, float tubes and fins for rental or demonstration purposes. All rental or demonstration costs will be applied to the purchase price of each trip. Check with us for availability and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of my Montana Troutfitters guided trip?
All of Montana Troutfitters guided trips include transportation to and from your destination for the day. All full and multiple day trips include fully catered lunch and beverages from only the finest local providers, and some of our specialty trips include full meals and accommodations (see your individual trip description for more info). Not Included Is: Gratuity, flies and tackle, rental equipment, and licenses.

How Do I Go About Getting Flies and Tackle for My Trip?
Unlike some outfitters who make you buy an unnecessary amount of flies for your trip, we send our guides out fully equipped for the day with a selection of flies that you may use on your trip. You are required to pay for all flies that are used or lost, but there is no up front cost for flies. Guides will also provide you with floatant, leaders, and any other necessary gear for the trip that you may purchase.
 
How Much Advanced Notice Do I Need to Book a Trip?
With one of the largest guide staffs in Montana we can accommodate you at most any time, sometimes we can make arrangements for last minute trips within 24 hours. However, Montana is a busy place during the summer months and we recommend making all reservations as far out as possible. We understand that in this day and age more and more people aren't booking out 6 months in advance any longer, as such we structure our business to accommodate this. Settle on your date and give us a call and we'll get you taken care of.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?
At Montana Troutfitters our guides are reserved for your trip sometimes as much as months out, so we are financially obligated to compensate guides for days that they are cancelled and cannot work. Thus cancellations made inside of 30 days are not eligible for a full refund, period. Inclement weather is the norm in the Rocky Mountains, not the exception, so unless the weather conditions are hazardous preventing travel, you may not cancel due to rain or less than ideal temperatures. We will work with you to reschedule your trip and reapply your deposit, but as guides are contracted out, we are obligated to compensate them for their time. Call us with further questions.

Who Will Be My Guide and Can I Request a Guide?
Our guide staff is full of fun, energetic and enthusiastic fishermen that are just as excited about getting you into fish as you are about catching them. So we try and match your needs and expectations with the right personality and guide for the job. That said, if there is someone that you'd like to fish with or have fished with in the past, just let one of our staff know when you book your trip and we'll do our best to get you out with your guide of choice. If you book a multiple day trip, you will likely have the same guide everyday, but sometimes guides are booked out months in advance and you might have several different guides on your trip, each will provide unique insights and tips for your fishing trip.

Where Do I Meet for My Guided Trip and at What Time?
We prefer to have all of our trips meet at Montana Troutfitters so we can make sure that you get the same level of service that all of our loyal customers enjoy. However, we can make exceptions if you'd like for us to meet you at your cabin on the river for the day. If you need a ride to the shop, let us know and we can make arrangements for you. There is no "typical" meeting time at Montana Troutfitters. Some of our clients enjoy the early morning fishing and we're not opposed to seeing you at 5:30am for some coffee and doughnuts, and others prefer the evening fishing and will meet in the afternoon. We're flexible and will work with you, we're not a 9-5 guide service operation as we realize there is good fishing early and late.

Where Will I Fish On My Trip, Can I Choose?
Fishing in Montana is as diverse as anywhere in the world and we understand individual clients have preferences of where to fish and we'll do our best to accommodate. However, fishing conditions are up to Mother Nature, rivers requested may be dirty, or worse yet fishing terribly. Our guides live to fish and spend nearly every waking moment on the river, thus they know what's fishing well and what isn't and will advise you on the day of your trip. We do our best to take you to where you want to go, but suggest that if something isn't fishing well you might follow our guides recommendations, after all they want you to enjoy your fishing trip as much as you do.

What's the Best Trip You Offer?
That's easy, it's the one that's best suited to what you want to experience. That's why we offer so many different types of trips and why we're willing to work with you. Is there something that you don't see offered on our list of trips? Then ask us and we'll see what we can do for you. The bottom line is this, everyone is different and looking for a different but equally quality experience, and that's what we provide at Montana Troutfitters, service that has made us a Fly Fishing Tradition Since 1978.

Ok, So How Do I Book My Trip?
Give us a call at the shop to have a personal one on one consultation with one of our knowledgeable employees toll free at (800) 646-7847, or shoot Kris an email and he'll get back to you within 24 hours, sometimes within minutes. Or if you know your dates and what you'd like to do, book online safely and securely with our online booking service below. We will follow up with you well before your trip and iron out all the details before you come out.

Book Your Trip Online With