Typically, our season begins in mid-March with the skwala hatch and lasts through November’s technical mayflies. It’s a nice long season in Missoula, with an interruption for snowmelt runoff on our local rivers in May, which takes us all over to the Missouri River or local lakes. 

Give us a call and we can usually find somewhere to fish throughout the rest of the year if you are willing to get out in some weather. 

The quick answer is “Whenever you can get here”. The long answer is much more complex. To help answer that, we need an honest assessment of your fishing experience and skill. Are you a beginner looking for a new experience and a pretty float? Are you someone who spends 40 days a year on the water looking for technical mayfly sippers on 5x? 

There are certain times of our season that lend themselves to different experience levels and expectations. If you plan your Missoula Fishing trip far enough in advance, we can give you an ideal timeframe that would give you the best experience. 

That being said, anyone can have a great trip whenever you are here. We have a lot of experience providing memories that last a lifetime.

To sum up that long answer, our goal is to do everything we can to make sure you have a successful trip. To help us achieve that goal, we need a clear understanding for who you are and what success looks like to you. 

Missoula is a vibrant, small city with great options for lodging. Looking to stay in the downtown area, convenient to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops? We work with several businesses; Doubletree, Holiday Inn Downtown, AC Marriott, Residence Inn Marriott, and The Wilma. However, we can make arrangements for transportation from any of the lodging opportunities in Missoula. 

We are fortunate here in Missoula to have hundreds of miles of water to work with. Our goal is to connect you and your skill level with the appropriate stretch of a river to have a successful day. 

Unless you have a specific request for a river ("we fished it last time and loved it", "I fished the others and want to try this one") it is our recommendation that you let the guide decide. They are out on a daily basis and are in tune with the weather, water levels, what is currently hatching, and are connected to a deep pool of guides in the area that share information regularly.

Experienced Missoula Fly Fishing Guides will have what you need to go fly fishing for the day. However, it will benefit you to bring your own reusable water bottle, sunglasses (mandatory), hat, sunscreen, long shirt/pants for sun protection, shoes that you don’t mind being in the boat/water for the day, rain gear, and gratuity for your guide. (Our "How much should I tip my guide?" blog post might be helpful.)

A fishing license is a must. Check out options on the Montana Fish, Wildlife, Parks website.

During Fall and Spring trips the weather can be variable/cold. You’ll be more comfortable with a warm hat, layers on top and bottom, waders, wading boots, and gloves. Give me a shout for a gear checklist if you need one.

We are happy to join Costa Sunglasses and the Kick Plastic Campaign. Bring your own water bottle and we’ll fill it up!

Of course, we have a list of our favorites, but Missoula has a variety of restaurants and cafes downtown and throughout the city.

The Notorious P.I.G -  Casual, Quick, Real BBQ. Get there early or don’t expect them to have everything. They start cooking the night before and when it's gone it's gone. A local favorite. 

1889 - Fine Dining, steakhouse

The Depot - Steakhouse and grill

Biga Pizza - Innovative and traditional pizza

The Big Dipper - Handcrafted ice cream!

Years ago we used to bring a grill, table, and chairs for lunch every day. Many of our customers let us know that they were here to fish instead of eating! For the most part, chips, fruit, and cookies round out a nice deli sandwich sack lunch on Full Day Trips. Snacks and drinks are included on Half Day Trips.

Our guides usually have bottles of water, sparkling water, sports drinks, and maybe some soft drinks in the cooler. Let us know if there is anything, in particular, you would like on the river and we'll make sure to throw 'em in.

We're happy to make accommodations for dietary issues (gluten, dairy, etc). If your dietary needs are greater than that, you are more than welcome to bring your own lunch. Just let us know how we can help!

Short answer...yes.

Longer answer - Montana fishing guides are not allowed to provide alcohol for clients on the river. We're more than happy to fill the cooler with your drinks! Please, no glass bottles though!

No. It's our policy to practice catch-and-release fishing on our guided trips. If you would like to keep fish on your own time while fishing in Missoula, there are Montana Fish, Wildlife, Parks regulations that allow you to do so.

A deposit of half of the trip rate is required per guide day when you book your Montana fly fishing vacation. An invoice will be emailed to you and you can enter a credit card directly. Or, we accept cash, check, and Venmo as well. Balance is due on the day of the trip.

A deposit of half of the trip rate is required per guide day when you book your Montana fly fishing vacation. 

Your deposit is refundable in full if the trip is cancelled 30 days prior to the date scheduled. Within 30 days, the deposit may be applied to a trip booked within one year of the original booking. 

Full payment is required on the first day of day trips and 14 days in advance of overnight trips. Rates are subject to change without notice, but a deposit locks in current rates. Your deposit confirms acceptance of our rate and refund policy. 

I’m on the water for many days during our season. AND, for the record, I am NOT going to be on my phone while working with clients (you) on the water. 

Please leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I get off of the water and can spend some time answering your emails, texts, or phone calls.