The high water of late May through early June can be really good for fly fishing Montana. Our summer season usually starts after runoff, typically in late June into July. Every year is a little different depending on snowpack and how warm things get and how early. If nymphing and streamers are your thing, this runoff season can be very good. This is a perfect time to float but remember to be careful and know your water. Wade fishing is limited during runoff. Dry fly fishing can best during the summer months, particularly mid-June through August.

Yes. You can check out Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks website or stop in a licensing agent. We are a short two and a half hour drive to Yellowstone and they have their own fishing license requirements for inside the park. Glacier is a little further but a great spot to check out while visiting Montana. Fishing inside Glacier National Park not require a license. It is recommended to ask around for local expertise where to fish because some water up there is sterile. Always check up to date information on all areas.

The following list is not limited to or all required. This is a compiled list of our favorites and needed items to make your day on the water the most comfortable and successful.

• Fly rod: 5wt or 6wt for general purpose. 4wt for small dries and nymphing. 7wt for big streamers
• Reel
• Line: Floating for general purpose. Sink tip or sink for streamers and subsurface Stillwater.
• Leaders: 7.5ft-9-ft, 2x-5x, nylon mono is great, but anything subsurface fluorocarbon is recommended.
• Tippet: 1x-6x, nylon mono is great, but anything subsurface fluorocarbon is recommended.
• Vest/pack
• Nippers
• Forceps
• Zinger/retractors for tools
• Hat
• Polarized sunglasses 
• Sunscreen
• Fly boxes
• Flies: variety of dries, nymphs, streamers
• Waders: We use these primarily during colder months.
• Boots
• Wet wading socks or boots/sandals (warmer months
• Rain jacket
• Sun gloves
• Warm gloves
• Quick dry pants and shirts
• Bug repellent 

You need to have your fishing license on you while you are fishing. You do not need to display your fishing license in the state of Montana. A picture of your license on your phone works or download the app Montana MyFWP to be sure to have all your Montana licenses handy.

Butte is the most historically rich city in the nation. We encourage you to take a historical tour of Uptown Butte. Hiking, biking, hunting, boating, are some of the best here in Butte. 

We are in trout mecca here in Southwest Montana. Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout, and Brook trout are plentiful in most places. Grayling can be found many places including our very own Big Hole River and many nearby high mountain lakes. Many other species are around including Pike, Carp, Bull trout, Lake trout, and many others. Be sure to always read regulations on specific bodies of water and species targeted. 

We have many options here in southwest Montana. We specialize in Big Hole River, Beaverhead River, Jefferson River, Madison River, Missouri River, Clark Fork River, and Blackfoot trips. We also head to Georgetown Lake for that specialized stillwater experience. We usually choose the water that is fishing best, but may have the option to go to a specific body of water.

Transportation to and from the water if needed is provided in most cases. If gear like fly rods, reels, and lines are needed they can be provided, but we encourage fishing your favorite personal setup. The shuttle needed to move vehicles down river are always included. Flies, leaders, and tippet are also included. Basically, the only thing not included is the cost of your fishing license and gratuity.

Though tipping is not a guarantee, remember our guides work their tail off day in and day out to provide the best possible experience for everyone. Standard tip for a guide is 20%. This of course is dependent on how you feel they did. More is greatly appreciated if you feel your guide did a particularly fantastic job. 

Yes we do practice catch and release on all our guided trips.

Butte has a great airport (BTM) and provides you access to all of what Southwest Montana has to offer.

You should book your trip as soon as you know specific dates. Certain dates do fill up quickly so the sooner the better. The Stonefly can usually handle 30 days’ notice but dates are not always open. When making travel plans do remember that our guides are typically on the water most of the day, most days during peak season. We don’t always have every guide’s schedule in front of us at all times so some advance notice is appreciated to have ample time.