We have been outfitting Montana flyfishing trips for over 25 years and understand that the experience is unfamiliar to many first-time fly anglers. Even experienced anglers are often surprised at how unique a Bozeman fly fishing trip is compared to many other destinations in the western US.
For example, we primarily float and fly fish the rivers of Montana as our stream access laws give us access to hundreds upon hundreds of miles of river and our rivers are difficult to wade. Most destinations are limited to short stretches of rivers and streams or are focused on one river while we operate on several rives in multiple watersheds.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from our guests, please use the form at the bottom of the page for additional questions.
Yes, a Montana fly fishing trip is a great family activity for experienced and novice angling families alike. It is recommended that children under 12 be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets are required to be worn by all children 12 and under while floating. These activities are not appropriate for infants or toddlers.
No, fly fishing in Montana is an immersive experience, catching fish is only a part of the overall trip.
Weather and water changes can happen quickly and cause changes in fish-feeding behavior.
The Bozeman fly fishing rivers have robust populations of wild trout and native whitefish and our guides are some of the most talented fly fishing guides anywhere. That combination ensures that we consistently do catch fish on our guided fly fishing trips in Montana.
Although rare, we have seen days in which a combination of weather and bad luck come together and keep fish from successfully reaching the net. Thankfully, these days are rare!
Yes, alcoholic beverages are allowed on your guided fly fishing trip.
You are more than welcome to enjoy a drink while enjoying the beautiful landscapes that Montana has to offer!
We do ask that you drink responsibly and respectfully while out on the water.
I am a DFO angler, is that ok with your Bozeman fly fishing guides?
Yes! Our Montana fly fishing guides enjoy having experienced anglers fishing whatever fly method they prefer. Fish your own flies, or use ours. We tailor each day to our guests' skills and interests.
No, we only practice catch and release fly fishing on our guided Bozeman fly fishing trips.
Yes, by all means, let us know if you have a preference. We recommend being flexible as weather and water conditions can change quickly. The variety of rivers around Bozeman ensure that we almost always have a few good options for the day when conditions change.
The Fins and Feathers Bozeman fly fishing guides typically recommended a day trip destination on the morning of each trip based on weather, water conditions, time constraints, and crowds - so be sure to let your guide know if there is a fishery near Bozeman that you prefer or would if there are any that you wish to avoid.
No, we do not offer guided trips using conventional tackle - we only offer catch and release fly-fishing trips as that is our expertise.
Does weather affect your Bozeman fly fishing cancellation policy?
We do not cancel day trips due to weather. We fish in a wide range of conditions, including rain and snow, so be sure to check the weather before your trip to and dress accordingly. Sometimes, days are cut short due to unexpected, inclement weather creating unsafe conditions beyond our control. View our deposit policy.
Day Trips Can Be Booked A Few Different Ways - Choose The Easiest Method For You
1) Book Online, Anytime by Clicking Here
2) E-mail us your requested dates along with important details like the number of anglers in your group, where you will be staying, and any pertinent details like a preferred river, fly fishing experience level, and requests for gear usage. We will then build your reservation and email you everything you need to complete the booking if the dates are available. If your requested dates are not available, we will let you know and offer alternative options.
3) Call us at 1-406-468-5019 to place your reservation. Leave a voicemail with your name, phone number, requested dates, length of trip, and number of anglers in your group and we will return your call as soon as possible - typicall within a few hours on the same business day.
4) Text us at 1-406-468-5019 with all your pertinent details and we will respond quickly to confirm availability and set a follow up call if needed.
Absolutely! All of our Montana fishing guides are patient instructors that work with anglers of all skill levels, everyday. Guests are often amazed at how quickly they pick up the basics of Montana fly fishing with just a few minutes of training at the start of the day.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Wade or Float Trip?
Fins and Feathers Guide Service highly recommends float trips as the best way to experience Bozeman fly fishing. This is because floating enables our guides to take full advantage of the diverse local fisheries.
Wading in Montana fly fishing rivers requires long walks on slippery and unstable river bottoms to get away from popular access points. Many visiting anglers find this much more challenging than they anticipate.
Floating allows our Bozeman fly fishing guides the luxury to choose from a large variety of blue-ribbon waters, ensuring flexibility when conditions change as the better wade fishing areas are much more limited.
We have been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips for 23+ years and have learned that wade-specific trips are very difficult for most visiting anglers, regardless of their skill levels.
For anglers that prefer to wade-fish, we tailor the day to emphasize wade-fishing opportunities by using drift boats or rafts to move from one spot to the next. These day trips are a combination of fishing while floating and wading.
The truly unique aspect of Bozeman fly fishing is the abundance of wild trout fisheries within an hour's drive - all of which are best suited for fishing from a drift boat.
Our guide to client ratio is always 1:1 or 1:2 - we cater to larger groups of up to 20 anglers, with advance notice. Floating allows these groups to fish near one another and have lunches together while also ensuring that everyone has access to good water.
Learn more about Float vs. Wade Fishing Trips
Our Bozeman fly fishing guides can each accommodate a maximum of 2 guests, regardless of age or skill levels.
3 person groups will want to book 2 guides for their Bozeman fly fishing day trip.
Montana fly-fishing guide services typically handle 1-2 anglers per guide. This is to ensure a quality and safe experience. The guide provides "hands-on" approach instruction, which is most effective with 1-2 anglers at a time.
The boats used for drifting and fly-fishing are small (16 feet long) drift-boats that can accommodate a total of 3 people, including one seat in both the front and back of the boat for anglers. The Montana fly fishing guide rows the boat downstream while coaching and navigating the diverse waterways to maintain a position in favorable trout-holding water.
Each day trip is reserved for 1-2 anglers, the pricing remains the same whether there is 1 or 2 anglers in the booking. Group trips that consist of 3-10 anglers are common and easily accommodated. To keep groups together on the river, our guides float the same stretch of river on group bookings.
In general, ee do not put more than 2 anglers with one guide as it compromises the quality of the experience and the safety of our clients. Our guides are responsible for the safety of their clients, and having 3 anglers on board or under their supervision is not feasible while rowing or wading across a river.
We take reservations for 3 person trips (with one guide) for a Gallatin River wade fishing day trips. These trips are priced at $1250 for groups of 1-3 anglers and last anywhere from 4-6 hours. E-mail us for availability as these trips are limited and based on water conditions in the Gallatin Canyon.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Trip Includes...
Use of all gear (waders, boots, rods, reels, terminal tackle, and flies), drinks, transfer to and from the fishing destination, and lunches on day trips for 1 or 2 anglers fishing with our Bozeman fly fishing guides. Fishing license and gratuities are not included in the standard rates.
Having the correct clothing and outerwear before heading out on your fly fishing guided trip is very important and we advise that you plan according to forecasted weather as well as time of year.
Refer to our recommended pre-trip Packing List for a general overview of what you should bring in preparation.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Trips: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
Missouri River Fly Fishing Trips: Great Falls International Airport (GTF) or Helena Regional Airport (HLN)
Missoula Fly Fishing Trips: Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)
Bozeman Fly Fishing Day Trip Duration
The length of the trip depends on the Bozeman fly fishing destination, water conditions, Montana fish activity, and angler fishing requests. The standard full day trip is usually a 7-9-hour experience with 5-7 hours on the water - we can tailor the length of the day around your schedule. When reserving a full day trip, guests are welcome to opt for a shorter day - just let your guide know that you would prefer to be off the river at aspecific time and we will tailor the float to align with your plans.
Day trip meeting times vary throughout the season. Spring and fall trips usually meet between 8 and 9 am. Day trips during the summer start between 6 and 7 am. We can adjust the meeting and return time to fit your schedule on our guided fly fishing day trips.
Half-day trips are 4 hours in duration from start to finish and only offered with early morning starts, when available.
The daily ($695-$725) and half-day ($650) rates apply to groups of 1 or 2 anglers per guide. The price is the same whether there is one or two anglers.
How Much to Tip A Montana Fly Fishing Guide
Montana fishing guides work long hours, row boats down many miles of river each day, and cover their own expenses such as gas, shuttles, lunches, drinks, ice, flies, boats, insurance, and equipment.
Spend a day trip with one of our crew and you will have a deep appreciation for the effort and skills required to keep everyone safe and to catch some Montana fish. Ensuring that our guests have a great experience is paramount; our guides work hard to ensure that this is the case, every day.
The recommended gratuity is $150-$200 per day/per guide (1-2 anglers) for a job well done. This is at our guests discretion and anything is always appreciated.
Cash or Venmo paid directly to the guide at the end of the trip is the standard practice.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Boats
Specially designed drift boats are 16’ long fiberglass with one seat in the front and one in the back. The guide rows the boat from a seat in the middle of the boat.
Some guides also use rafts with custom-built frames with similar layouts to drift boats.
Montana Fish We Catch on Our Montana Fly Fishing Trips
Wild trout are the cornerstone of fly fishing in Montana. We target trout and whitefish on our Montana fly fishing trips.
Bozeman Fly Fishing : Physical Fitness Guidelines
Wade fishing requires that the angler is in good condition with excellent balance.
Float trips are less demanding physically, but anglers need to be able to sit comfortably for several hours and to be able to stand up/sit down without assistance. We are able to accommodate anglers with disabilities and poor mobility with advance notice. Contact Us if you have any questions related to any physical limitations or mobility challenges, our experts will be able to tailor a trip around most limitations.
Most of our day trips are float trips with some optional opportunities to get out and wade fish throughout the day when situations present themselves.
Day trips include lunches and non-alcoholic drinks, (1/2 day trips only include drinks).
Simple deli lunches include a main such as a sandwich, salad, or wrap packed along with a small side and dessert. Gluten-free, vegan, low-carb options and special requests are available upon request.
Typical fly rod sizes used around SouthWestern Montana are 4,5, & 6 weights ranging from 8' 6" - 9' 6" with a 9'- 5 wt being the most universal for differing trout techniques.
Fly patterns heavily depend on time of year and location, refer to our detailed Montana Fly Fishing River Guide to better understand the appropriate flies for when your guided trip is scheduled.
The best times for a fly fishing trip are from mid-March to mid-October, excluding the period of runoff which occurs sometime in May and ends either mid-June or early July to September.
Spring, summer, and fall in Southwest Montana offer different experiences for anglers, make sure to look at the Montana River Fishing Guide which breaks down each month on local rivers to assist in planning your trip.
Fins and Feathers Guide Service is based in Bozeman, Montana. Our office/meeting location is just west of Bozeman in "4-Corners" at:
Fins and Feathers Guide Service
40 Spanish Peaks Drive
Suite 106
Bozeman, MT. 59718
We have been outfitting fly fishing trips in Montana for over two decades and service a wide range of the Treasure State, including: