Montana Fly Fishing Guides - Recommended Gear
We highly recommend having at least one heavier weight rod in your arsenal when visiting Montana due to the strong winds that can occur during your stay.
8 1/2' to 9' 5wt , 6wt or 7 weight rods on the bigger freestone rivers.
8' to 9' 4wt or 5wt rods on the spring creeks.Freestone rivers can be fished with 9' leaders tappered to about 4X tippet (dependent on fly size) for general fishing purposes. Streamer fishing can be done with 7 1/2' leaders tappered to between 2X and 0X.
Spring creeks can be fished with 9' to 15' leaders tappered to about 5X, 6X or 7X (again fly size dependent).
Vest Accessories
Nippers Forceps
Extra leaders
Tippet 2X - 7X
Fly floatant
Split shot
Strike indicators
Fly boxes
Flashlight
Sun screen
Polarized sunglasses
Insect repellent
Camera
Drinking Water
Clothing
Remember that Montana is wide open country with variable weather conditions. Always be prepared for adverse weather conditions - even in the summer, especially if the weatherman calls for perfectly sunny skies.
Early Summer / Late Fall Clothing
Heavy weight socks
Long underwear
Fleece shirt
Fleece pants
Fleece gloves
Warm hat
Waterproof rain jacket
* It's good idea to keep some extra dry clothes in the car just in case you take a spill.Summer Clothing
Lightweight long pants
Shorts
Short sleeved Tshirts
Long sleeved Tshirts
Cap / Hat
Rain Jacket
Lightwieght fleece pull over
Bring along lightweight underwear and a fleece layer
in the event the weather changes quickly.
Wading Gear
Even if you plan to fish from the boat its a good idea to bring these items along.
Breathable waders
Felt soled wading shoes
Wading staff
Gravel guards
Neoprene socks*
Extra wool socks
* If you plan to wet wade
