Montana’s Rivers and Streams


At Montana Fishing Outfitters, we are not tied down to any particular river or location. Sure, we have our home waters, our favorite valleys, our local beats and our secret stashes, but we like to fish all over this great state. We have a core group of professional Montana fly fishing guides in each region that we offer trips who are up to speed on all things fishy in their area.

Missouri river Brown troutOur home water is the Missouri River near Craig, MT, and it's where we do the majority of our guide trips. The Missouri River here is a large, classic tail-water river and is considered by many to be a true Montana trout fly fishing mecca. The 'Mo', as locals call it, is best described as a gigantic spring creek where the rainbow trout grow fast and strong and the brown trout become husky and cunning. The Missouri River will amaze you with its dryfly fishing, average fish size, and over-all population of big rainbow trout and brown trout. Arguably, the Missouri River has no equal when it comes to sight fishing dry flies for rising trout. The Missouri River is an insect factory, pumping out hatch after hatch throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The trout are accustomed to this and grow accordingly! [back to the top]

Yellowstone river Rainbow troutThe Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley is a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Montana fly fishing. Early on, anglers worked diligently to protect this free-flowing masterpiece. These pioneering fly fishers knew what magic lurked in the Yellowstone's waters, and have managed to keep it the country’s longest free flowing river. Rising deep in the heart of a Wyoming wilderness area and gaining momentum in Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone River tumbles out of The Park near Gardiner, Montana. Surrounded by jagged peaks and banked with cottonwoods, the Yellowstone River is one of the most scenic places on earth and a near perfect place for a fly fishing trip of any sort.
The Yellowstone River is usually the last Montana river to work through its run-off, and it's this necessary waiting that makes fishing the Yellowstone River so great. Typically, for almost two months, it is too high and off-color to fish, but when it drops and clears just enough on the edges, the big bugs (salmon flies) and the big rainbow trout, brown trout and Montana native cutthroat trout turn on to them. Fishing on the Yellowstone River is primarily dryfly fishing, but stripping streamers in the fall can land some trophies as well. This river is a true favorite of ours. [back to the top]

Rainbow trout from Milesnick Spring CreekThe Paradise Valley spring creeks are steeped in history and tradition and PACKED with fat trout. Armstrong's, DePuy's, Nelson's, and Milesnick's in the Gallatin Valley all offer anglers the best in challenge, scenery, and classic spring creek fishing. These creeks are private, require a rod fee, and advance booking for the summer season - but they are worth it. We recommend these spring creeks for the serious angler as part of a multi-day Montana trout flyfishing trip.
The spring creeks offer great opportunities for sight fishing, small fly-big fish action for rainbow trout and brown trout, and they all tend to fish the best when other rivers are in run-off.

Fishing a small creekFishing small streams and having private access is one sure-fire way to beat the crowds. We have arranged access to many smaller creeks and rivers that are too special to mention here. Wade fishing on a small stream is an intimate experience. We have selected some the finest creeks in Montana for this. These creeks are the place to fish your 3 and 4 weight rods, but beware because we don't pick these creeks for their scenic nature alone! You would be surprised how little water it takes to grow big trout. Private lakes are great for those anglers wanting a little different Montana experience, or want to mix up their trip some. Most of these lakes can be fished from drift boats and most of the fish are brutes. Many lakes and some of the other private waters charge a rod fee and require advance booking. Ask us for more details if you are interested. [back to the top]

Straub netting a Madison river Brown troutThe Madison River has long been regarded the greatest trout stream in the nation, but due to whirling disease the fishery suffered some fish population downturns and negative press in the '90s. However, the Madison River is back! . . . and a lot of folks think it is fishing better than ever. We wholeheartedly agree.
Formed in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, the Madison River enters Montana near West Yellowstone. The Madison's characteristic riffle-run-pocket water nature makes it a joy to float fish. Watching your 'hopper pattern bounce along the braided currents and then disappear into the sipping mouth of a burly brown trout is what this sport is all about. Add that to the aesthetic beauty of the peaks of the Madison Range and the western hospitality of Ennis, Montana, and you see why we have never forgotten the Madison. [back to the top]

 

Happy guide with troutThe Blackfoot River is a true classic on the western side of the Continental Divide. Beginning as a trickle atop the dividing line between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean drainages in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Blackfoot River remains a favorite for Montana fly fishing enthusiasts. The Blackfoot River is as 'freestone' as you can get. Just after a raucous run-off, the salmon fly hatch brings up big brown trout, large and lazy native cutthroat trout, spunky rainbow trout, and maybe a massive native bull trout as well. The Blackfoot is home to one of the largest populations of bull trout in the U.S., a testament to the river's overall health. From its birth as a 'crick' in the wilderness, through meandering meadows and white-water canyons, to its confluence with the Clark Fork River, the Blackfoot River is a favorite of many of our fly fishing guides and anglers.
This river is typically fished from specialized fishing rafts due to some exciting fast water. Over 60 miles of the Blackfoot River are floatable, giving anglers a broad choice of water. There are deep pools, fast runs, pocket water, riffle corners, and grassy banks. The beauty of the Blackfoot River lies in its character, from steep canyon walls to a fast mountain river to the broad valley floor. The Blackfoot River is water that will always call you back. [back to the top]

The Bighorn River is another classic tailwater fishery where we love to spend time. It arguably has the highest density of rainbow trout and brown trout per mile in Montana and maybe the country, and certainly has a lot of big fish per mile . The Bighorn River flows out of the Pryor Mountains in southeast Montana, less than two hours from Billings, our state’s largest metropolitan area. Dryfly fishing can be great on the ‘Horn, but nymphs tend to produce in ridiculous numbers for most anglers. The Bighorn River is a must stop for any angler looking to put a check on the classic blue-ribbon trout fly fishing trips list. [back to the top]

We also offer guided fly fishing trips on many other well-known rivers like the Clark Fork River, Bitterroot River, Big Hole River, and the Gallatin River to mention a few. [back to the top]

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'I cannot think of a better way to spend a day fishing than with my friend Patrick Straub; he is knowledgeable, experienced, and the best of company.'

— Nick Lyons
The Lyons Press

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