Why Choose Us?

25 Years of Experience

Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips for 25 years. Over the years, we have guided thousands of anglers with varying interests and fly fishing skills to countless days filled with great memories on the legendary rivers near Bozeman.

Our Bozeman fly fishing guides are patient, engaging, and educated instructors eager to share their passion for the sport and the natural wonders of Montana with our guests. In addition to being exceptional anglers, each is licensed, insured, and receives personalized training from our lead guides and outfitter, Toby Swank.

Experience is the key to being able to consistently provide enjoyable, productive, and safe fly fishing experiences.

Area of Operation

Based in Bozeman, we have access to hundreds of river miles on world-renowned wild trout waters within an hour's drive of the town. Whether you are new to fly fishing or have been at it for several decades, the number of diverse fisheries near Bozeman is unmatched by anywhere else in the lower 48.

In addition to the standard waterways, Fins and Feathers Guide Service maintains a variety of special permits with the USFS, BLM, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, which allow us to operate in areas that are more heavily regulated and commercial use is limited.

Special permits of note include the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, which enables us to operate on sections of the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers where commercial use is quite limited. We also have the coveted Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers permits near Dillon, Montana.

Proven Track Record

Providing fun and memorable fly fishing adventures with professional guides who are committed to safety and customer satisfaction is the secret to our longevity in the fly fishing industry.

The best indicator of success in this industry is when customers come back to fish with the same operation, year after year. We are now fishing with the children - and even grandchildren - of some of our original clients from the early 2000's!

In 2010, the Orvis Company recognized us as the "Fly Fishing Outfitter of the Year."

Although much has changed over the last 25 years, our singular focus on making guided fly fishing trips fun and educational experiences grounded in safety continues to be our mission.

Straightforward Pricing and Deposits

Fins and Feathers Guide Service pricing includes the use of gear, terminal tackle, flies, drinks, and lunches on full-day trips. Our guests will never see an added charge for "extra" flies, waders, or wading boots.

Our Montana fly fishing trip prices are based on the industry standard of 1 or 2 anglers per guide. Pricing is the same whether there are 1 or 2 anglers.

Bookings can be secured with a full refundable deposit up until 30 days before a scheduled trip start date. Full payment is required and non-refundable when reservations are made within 30 days of the requested start date.

A Professional Operation

We are a registered business with the Secretary of State of Montana, licensed by the Montana Board of Outfitters, and permitted to operate in cooperation with a variety of federal and state agencies.

When guests book a guide trip with Fins and Feathers Guide Service, they can expect the highest level of communication and service available. We provide thorough booking confirmations, email communications, and pre-trip check-ins.

We invest in our location, reservation software, and employee training to continuously deliver a best-in-class experience for our guests.

All of these set us apart from the vast majority of outfitters in Montana.

Passion, Experience, and Shared Interest

Fly fishing is truly our passion. Our guides can be found on the water almost every day from early March through late October, whether guiding clients or fishing on their own. It's what we do and we have been doing it for well over two decades.

We owned and operated the premier Bozeman fly shop - Fins and Feathers of Bozeman - for 22 years and continue to be deeply rooted in the fly fishing industry.

We have traveled extensively and fished with outfitters, lodges, and guides as clients around the world. Our journeys have taken us to too many countries to list here, but include the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, a few continents, and countless island getaways.

We understand and share your excitement for time on the water.