Plan Your Montana Fly Fishing Trip
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:
Fishing Licenses
We highly recommend visiting the state website and purchasing your license PRIOR to you trip.
Montana FWP Online Fishing License
Yellowstone National Park fishing license (if needed)These are only available in person at local area fly shops.
Rods & Reels
Included on all trips, but if you prefer yours we recommend a 9 foot 6 wt. This is perfect for almost 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 us if you have specific questions.
Wading Boots
Felt soles are still allowed in Montana. Studded boots are not allowed in drift boat or rafts as they damage the boats. Please remove all studs prior to your float fishing days.
Cash
Some retail locations charge more for credit card transactions on fishing licenses, some establishments do not accept credit cards and guides always appreciate cash gratuities
Waders
Breathable waders are the only way to go. If prefer not to travel with your own they are available locally to rent by the day at reasonable prices.
Water Shoes or Sandals
For wet wading on warmer days
Long underwear or fleece pants
For under your waders in cooler months
Fishing vest, fanny pack, or net
all optional
Layers of clothing and warm socks
For both hot and cool weather
A Waterproof Bag
For personal items you bring in the boat
Sunscreen
Use water resistant sunscreens
Hat
This not only provides better vision it protects you against hooks and fly lines
Sunglasses
Quality polarized sunglasses are a must
Phone/Camera
For that big one!
Frequently Asked Questions
At Montana Fly Fishing Guides, LLC we pride ourselves on being a full service Montana fly fishing outfitter. Our goal is to develop long lasting relationships with anglers, helping them to not only enjoy the sport of fly fishing, but to progress in their individual skills. Many of our anglers return annually, but newer anglers often have plenty of questions. We are happy to answer questions directly through phone or email, but feel free to browse our most common questions and answers.
All anglers 12 and over must purchase the $10 conservation license, a $15 aquatic invasive species stamp, followed by your fishing license. Non Resident Licenses are sold in consecutive 2 day increments for $25, 10 day licenses for $56 and season licenses are $86 for the season.
We highly recommend that you purchase your license prior to your arrival online or in the days prior to your trip at a local fly shop. To purchase online visit the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Automated Licensing Site (link is https://app.mt.gov/als/index/index.html)
Yellowstone National Park Fishing Licenses
Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses cannot be purchased online but most local fly shops will have them. A 3 day YNP license is $18, 10 day $25, and Season $40.
June - October:
Full Day $500/guide
Half Day $400/guide
Early Season
March - May (some rivers excluded)
Full Day $425/guide
Half Day $325/guide - not offered on all rivers
Each guide can accommodate 1 or 2 anglers. We do not offer 3rd angler float trips as the drift boats and rafts are not designed for additional people. Three angler walk/wade trips are discouraged, but we will accommodate by request for an additional $150.
Private water rod fees and special permit areas like Yellowstone National Park have additional charges that are not included in our daily guide rates.
Within 30 days: a 100% deposit is required to secure a reservation.
Balance is due within 30 days of the trip.
Within 30 days of arrival: The entirety of your balance will be retained by Montana Fly Fishing Guides, LLC. as a cancellation fee. This fee goes to cover the costs of our guides, as we are unlikely to rebook the trip on such short notice. If we are able to rebook your specific guide for your specific cancelled dates we will refund your money less a $75 processing fee.
Because of our reliance on advanced bookings and operation in good faith, we make no exceptions to our cancellation policy. If you are at all concerned with a cancellation possibility, we encourage you to purchase trip insurance.
- Please view our When is the Best Time to Fish Montana page where we have detailed descriptions and recommendations by Time of Year and Fishing Preferences.
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.
When is the Best Time to Fish Montana?
We say the best time to be here is whenever you can. In all seriousness, most anglers can find excellent fishing between late March all the way through early November. 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 we'll give you a recommendation based on our conversation and 20 years of expertise.
See our When is the Best Time to fish Montana page for detailed descriptions of seasons and times that suit your fishing preferences.