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.
Our
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]
The
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]
The
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
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]
The
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]
The
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]
