Frequently Asked Questions

Why Fish with Montana Fly Fishing Guides | Questions Before you Book
What to Bring | When to Visit | Fishing Gear

Why Choose Montana Fly Fishing Guides?

In your search to plan your next Montana fly fishing vacation it's important to identify a qualified, reliable and safe fishing outfitter to enjoy your time on the water. Not to mention, feeling comfortable spending your hard earned dollar with this outfitter. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself and your outfitter. Our answers are listed below.

• This is our business. We don't pound nails in the off season, have a trust fund, or employ part time guides. We work all year either fishing, booking trips, and keeping our guests informed about the upcoming season.
• We have a great guide staff, and so do a lot of other outfitters. Obviously, there are a lot of other qualified outfitters and guides in the area. However, we feel we've put together a team that focuses on being; fun, approachable, instructive, professional, informative, and are great at what they do.
• Exceptional fishing opportunities are right out our back door. Where else can you; fish 120 miles of blue ribbon trout water (Yellowstone River), world famous spring creeks (Armstrong, DePuy, Milesnick & Nelson), raft fast flowing freeston rivers (Boulder & Stillwater), or look for trophy trout (Burns Lake & Story Lake) within a short drive?
• Contact us for more information about one of the many great fly fishing opportunities in Montana. We'd be happy to customize a trip for your needs.

Questions to Ask Your Next Outfitter

• Are your rates comparable with other local outfitters?
• MFG Answer - Yes we are very competative with local outfitters. There are some outfitters that offer 'buddy' deals, trades and other random discounts. While we offer a few early season discounts we are professionals - this is our living. So our prices set by what we need to stay in business. Beware of discount fishing outfitters it might include a discount work ethic as well!
• Are you a licensed & insured Montana Outfitter?
  • MFG Answer - Yes we are fully licensed by the State of Montana (Outfitter #10184) and insured for liabilty. Be careful of "friends" or "buddy" trips the state, and other outfitters, take this very serious and not only can the illegal outfitter have legal reprocussions but so can the individuals that hire them.
• All these outfitters seem the same how can I figure out the best one?
  • MFG Answer - That's a tough one. There are dozens of great outfitters and guides in the area. We've would suggest hiring local outfitters for the steams, lakes and rivers you intend of fishing. Hiring someone from out of town vs. a local doesn't make much sense. We have spent over a decade developing relationships with guides to provide you with the best fishing experience during your stay with us.
• What if the weather is bad or the fishing is tough?
  • MFG Answer - We don't look at our guide trips on a day to day basis we have built our reputation on years of developing repeat clientele. We want to see our guests for years to come. Having said that fishing is fishing - we don't sell catching. We sell a great experience on the water, developing fishing skills, increasing our anglers knowledge and working hard for you on the water. If the weather or waters are unfishable then we look for alternatives on a case by case basis.
• I've had bad experiences with other outfitters in the past what's to say it won't happen again?
  • MFG Answer - We've heard that statement too. Unfortunately, people can disagree or just have bad chemistry. We will always be direct with clients and give our honest opinion in a professional manner. This is our business and we want satisfied guests. Make sure you talk with your outfitter about your expectations for your trip your outfitter should be able to tell you if they can meet those expectations.
• Can't I just do this on my own?
  • MFG Answer - Sure you can. We'd be happy to point you in the right direction. However you'll probably learn more and have a better experience with a professional guide who's been on the river more days in one year than you have in 10 years or more. Trust us we want to see you catch more fish than even you do! What's your time worth if you spend half your vacation figuring it out? That's our job.

What should I bring?

While fly fishing gear can vary depending on the time of year you are visiting us here are a few staples that you should remember to check off your list before your trip: 

• Montana Fishing License - we highly recommend visiting the state website and purchasing your license PRIOR to you trip.  https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index
• Cash for fishing licenses and tips
• Rod & Reel (Line weights from 4 to 7 with floating fly lines, a 9 foot 6 wt is perfect for everything, but if you have a combination of two rods to fish with; like a 5 wt for spring creeks and a 6wt for big rivers and windy days it is even better)   This is a broad subject that depends on the angler’s preferences and the type of water fished.  Please contact Eric Adams, our Director of Fishing Operations if you have specific questions.
• Wading Boots - studded boots are not preferred
• Waders - breathable waders are the only way to go!  If you would like to purchase waders we recommend Sweetwater Fly Shop for a full selection of fishing supplies.
• Rain Coat - should be taken even on clear days our mountain weather can change in a matter of minutes.
• Water Shoes or Sandals - for wet wading on warmer days.
• Fishing vest, fanny pack, or net – all optional
• Long underwear or fleece pants for under your waders
• Layers of Clothing for Hot and Cool weather
• Warm socks
• A Waterproof Bag for personal items you bring in the boat
• Sunscreen
• Hat - this not only provides better vision it protects you against hooks and fly lines.
• Sunglasses - quality polarized sunglasses are a must.
• Camera - for that big one!

What time of year should I visit?

Depending on your preferred style of fishing (dries, freestones, spring creeks... etc.) we suggest you contact us so we can provide you with the most up to date information, then give you a recommendation based on our conversation. In general here are some popular times to fish our area with the pros and cons listed.

March/April

• Pros
  • Take advantage of 15% rate discount !
  • Consistent hatches - Blue Wing Olives, Midges
  • Good water conditions (clear)
  • Few crowds
• Cons
  • Variable weather conditions

Late April/May

• Pros
  • Mother's day caddis hatch! This hatch is indescribable check out our Caddis section
  • Take advantage of 15% rate discount !
  • Excellent fishing for numbers of fish and big fish
  • Few crowds
• Cons
  • Variable water conditions (too clear to too dirty)
  • Difficult to predict the timing of the caddis hatch
  • Variable weather conditions

Mid May/Mid June

• Cons
  • We don't recommend planning you trip this time of year the hatches on the spring creeks and tailwaters are minimal. The freestone rivers are experiencing high, dirty water due to spring run off when the snow melts from the mountains and floods the rivers.

Mid June/Early July

• Pros
  • Spring creeks see the emergence of Pale Morning Duns (PMD's)
  • Yellowstone River has Salmon Flies - with big fish eating dries!
  • Consistently good weather
  • Relatively few crowds
• Cons
  • Salmon Fly hatch is difficult to predict and can occur very quickly and end just as fast
  • Variable water conditions on the freestone rivers

July/August

• Pros
  • Typically the most consistent weather and consistently good fishing on freestones, tailwaters and spring creeks
  • The Boulder River and Stillwater Rivers start fishing well
  • Yellowstone National Park waters begin fishing well
  • Good water conditions
• Cons
  • More anglers on the water - but we can avoid the crowds if you'd like

September/October

• Pros
  • Yellowstone National Park fishes very well
  • Yellowstone River and spring creeks have some great days on streamers and dries respectively
  • Fewer anglers on the water
• Cons
  • Variable hatch conditions
  • Variable weather conditions

November/February

• Pros
  • We will be fishing abroad in the Keys, Bahamas, Brazil and other great destinations
  • We'll be enjoying Montana's great 'Cold Smoke' powders turns on one of the great ski areas near us
• Cons
  • We won't be fishing again until the spring

What fishing gear should I bring?

Montana Fly Fishing Guides has teamed up with Sweetwater Fly Shop to give you our top gear recommendations for fishing Montana. If you have specific questions regarding equipment please contact Eric Adams or any of the helpful staff at Sweetwater Fly Shop.

Rod & Reel (Line weights from 4 to 7 with floating fly lines, a 9 foot 6 wt is perfect for everything, but if you have a combination of two rods to fish with; like a 5 wt for spring creeks and a 6wt for big rivers and windy days it is even better)

• Scott G2 9’ 5wt, 6wt – all around dries, nymphs, & spring creeks
  
• Sage Z-axix 9’ 5wt, 6wt – all around dries, nymphs, & spring creeks
  
• Sage ZXL 9’ 5wt, 6wt – great dry fly rod
  
• Sage VT2 9’ 5wt, 6wt – affordable, great back up rod
  

Waders

• Simms G3 Guide Wader
  
• Cloudveil 8x Pro Wader
  
• Dan Bailey Lightweight Wader
  
• Dan Bailey Women’s Lightweight Wader
  

Wading Boots - studded boots are not preferred

• Cloudveil 8x
  
• Simms L2
  
• Simms Keen River Sandal – for wet wading
  

Rain Coat

• Cloudveil 8x Pro Wading Jacket
  
• Simms G4 Pro Wading Jacket
  
• Simms Freestone Jacket
  

Fishing vest, fanny pack– all optional

• Fishpond Waterdance Guide Pack
  
• Simms Dry Creek Pack

Sunglasses - quality polarized sunglasses are a must

• Action Optics are the highest quality lenses available we recommend copper, amber, brown or yellow lenses for best visibility
  

Misc. Gear

• Long underwear or fleece pants for under your waders
  
• Layers of Clothing for Hot and Cool weather
  
• Warm socks
  
• A Waterproof Bag for personal items you bring in the boat
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Hat
  
• Nippers
  
• Forceps
  
• Dry fly floatant
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Mosquito repellent