Guided Fly Fishing Montana - Montana Fly Fishing Outfitters
Experience premier guided fly fishing on Montana's world-class rivers, including the iconic Madison River and the breathtaking Yellowstone River.
Our Experience
With over 15 years of guiding experience, Parker Smith leads our team at Montana Fly Fishing Outfitters. We are passionate about offering unforgettable fly fishing adventures on the Yellowstone River and Madison River, along with some lesser-known waters in Southwest Montana.
Fish Like a Pro with Montana Fly Fishing Outfitters
Expert Guides
Our skilled fly fishing guides have years of experience and will take you to the best fishing spots on the Madison River and Yellowstone River in Montana. They will provide you with all the gear you need and teach you the best techniques for successful days on the water.
Rates
Full Day: $675
Includes all tackle for an exciting fly fishing experience on the Madison River. Lunch and non-alcoholic beverages are provided to keep you refreshed throughout the day.
Half Day: $575
Enjoy a half day of fly fishing with all tackle included. While lunch is not provided on these trips, we do offer non-alcoholic beverages to keep you hydrated as you cast your line on the beautiful Yellowstone River.
Maximum of two anglers per guide ensures personalized attention from your experienced fly fishing guide.
Please note that a Montana fishing license is not included, and any gratuity you may wish to leave with your guide is appreciated.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
To book your fly fishing experience with our expert fly fishing guide, we require a 50% deposit. Currently, we accept cash, check, Venmo, or Zelle for bookings. For inquiries or to secure your spot on the Madison River or Yellowstone River, please contact Parker Smith directly at 864-423-7082.
Cancellation Policy
If you decide to cancel your trip more than 30 days before your scheduled date, your deposit will be fully refunded.
If you cancel within 30 days of your booked trip, we may refund your deposit if we can successfully rebook that day on the Madison River or Yellowstone River.
Please note that if you cancel within 24 hours of your planned fly fishing adventure, you will be responsible for the full cost of the trip.
Waters We Fish
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is a magnificent freestone river that begins in Yellowstone National Park. At 692 miles in total length, it stands as the longest river in the lower 48 states. Montana Fly Fishing Outfitters is authorized to guide clients from Carbella Fishing Access downstream. This access point is located at the upper end of Paradise Valley, renowned as one of the most scenic places in the world for floating and fly fishing. The Yellowstone River winds through Paradise Valley, passing by the town of Livingston, where Montana Fly Fishing Outfitters is based. At Livingston, the Yellowstone makes a sharp turn to the east, continuing its journey until it merges with the Missouri River in North Dakota.
The Yellowstone River is home to Yellowstone Cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout, alongside a thriving population of whitefish. In my opinion, pre-runoff is the best time for fly fishing on the Yellowstone, even though the weather can be unpredictable. From March through early May, we often see the largest brown trout of the year being caught. This period can offer extremely productive streamer fishing, and the dry fly fishing can be exceptional as well, featuring Blue Wing Olive and March Brown mayflies, plus some caddis and midges.
As the runoff subsides, the Yellowstone experiences a salmon fly hatch, leading to some thrilling dry fly fishing opportunities! Throughout the summer months, caddis, PMDs, and yellow sallies dominate the hatching insects. Additionally, nocturnal stoneflies and grasshoppers contribute to excellent dry fly action as summer progresses.
The Yellowstone River is recognized as a world-class fishery, best enjoyed with dry flies and streamers. While nymphing can also yield results, dropping flies below the surface often attracts the native whitefish, making it less appealing for those focused on trout.
Madison River
The Madison River is a world-famous destination for trout anglers and a prime location for fly fishing enthusiasts. Originating in Yellowstone National Park, the Madison River flows into Hebgen Lake. A notable stretch of river below Hebgen Dam is known as Between The Lakes, where the Madison connects to the naturally formed Earthquake Lake. This lake was created in 1958 after a 7+ magnitude earthquake caused a mountain to slide into the river, obstructing its flow. From Quake Lake, the Madison River travels through the stunning Madison Valley and continues on to Ennis, MT, before flowing into Ennis Lake. Further downstream, the river exits Beartrap Dam and navigates through Beartrap Canyon until it reaches the town of Three Forks, where it converges with the Gallatin and Jefferson rivers, forming the Missouri River.
The Madison River is renowned for its prolific bug life, which supports a healthy population of brown trout, rainbow trout, and whitefish, making it a hotspot for fly fishing. The runoff typically occurs from May through early June, offering impressive wade fishing opportunities during this time. Nymphing and streamer fishing are popular techniques. Once the river stabilizes, various bug hatches begin, including caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallys, crane flies, and green and grey drakes, each hatching at different times throughout the day. Salmonflies appear from late June into early July. As summer progresses, hatches diminish, and fish start targeting sculpin and terrestrials. Notably, there can be underrated streamer fishing during the hot days of summer on the Madison River. There's something special about fly fishing with terrestrials right down the middle of the river on a warm, windy summer day. In the fall, streamer fishing becomes the primary focus for anglers.