Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

The bustling college town of Bozeman Montana serves as a hub to access an incredible slew of Blue Ribbon rivers throughout the local Gallatin Valley, and beyond. Right there in the Gallatin Valley you have the Gallatin River, the Lower Madison, and the Jefferson river all three of which flow in from different directions to meet up in Three Forks to form the headwaters of the Missouri River. Only a short distance to the east of Bozeman you've got the Yellowstone river with big flows, big hatches, and even bigger fish! The upper Maddison--known as the 50 Mile Riffle--only a 1.5-2 hour drive as well. Your destination for the day will depend on where your staying and which river is fishing best. Mike's outfit and his slew of incredible guides are committed to offering you the highest quality Montana fly fishing experience available. He and his experienced guides will row the extra mile to ensure this fishing trip is one you’ll remember for a lifetime. The will provide all the terminal tackle (flies, tippet, floatant, etc). They've got you covered on rods and reels if you need them and will provide a gourmet on the river lunch for you as well.

Floating **The Jefferson River** is reminiscent of what Montana was generations ago: solitude, sweeping mountain views, ample wildlife, and super-model trout. By Montana standards, the Jefferson may not be the fish factory that other rivers are, but she delivers with a voice that few other rivers possess as she flows north and east 77 miles, meandering its way through pastures and farmland, eventually joining the Madison and Gallatin Rivers in Three Forks to form the Missouri.

The Jefferson River has a similar feel as the lower Big Hole with its soft riffles, long runs, and cottonwood log jams left behind from high water. Flanked by the Highland Mountains to the west and the Tobacco Roots to the east, the river changes course and channels regularly here as a freestone river should, and lends itself nicely to drift boat fishing.

Down river hatches range from caddis, PMD’s and Yellow Sallies to even Brown Drakes. The best dry fly patterns, water conditions permitting, are likely summer Stones or Hoppers, but the Jeff’s reputation as trophy brown trout water was built on knowing how to trigger the predatory nature of these carnivores. Stripping, and swimming streamers of all manner work wonders. Your guide will teach the needed streamer techniques to entice a hog from his hiding place. If its elbow room and a chance at a really big beautiful brown trout is you seek, join us on a Jefferson River fly fishing trip.

**The Madison** has reached legendary status for every fly fisherman, and deservedly so. A blend of freestone and tailwater, it’s hatches are impressive: swarms of Mother’s Day caddis, PMDs, terrestrials, and the mighty Salmon Fly are all on the menu for these hungry trout.

With 5000+ browns and rainbows per mile in the Pine Butte section and 2500+ residing in its swift currents throughout the rest of the river, the Madison is stuffed with wild trout.

The Madison may look like a simple float and cast-to-the-bank river, but truly she is the siren of Southwest Montana’s rivers. To uncover her secrets takes time, discipline, and many years of experience. Mike and his Guides know this well and they’ll prove it to you by coaxing impressive trout from lies that you would think no sizable trout would ever think to call home.

The Madison River is born inside Yellowstone Park at the junction of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers. It flows 140 miles due north, where it is joined by the Gallatin and Jefferson Rivers to form the Missouri River in Three Forks Montana.

It’s from Lyon’s Bridge down to Ennis that many anglers have nicknamed “The Fifty Mile Riffle”. The braided water below Varney Bridge, through the Valley Garden into Ennis Lake, is very different from the single-channel river above, with countless side channels and out-of-the-way spots for large, wild trout to hide.

The Madison River enters Ennis Lake – formed by the dam built in 1906 – then rips through the seven-mile Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness Unit. Finally, flowing northward another 28 miles to meet the Gallatin and Jefferson Rivers in Three Forks to form the Missouri River. Join FishTales Outfitting for a fantastic Madison River fly fishing trip that you’ll never forget!

The Yellowstone River is one of the greatest trout streams of the world and holds the title for the longest undammed, known as a ‘freestone’ river in the lower 48 states. There is outstanding trout water from its tributaries high inside Yellowstone Park, downstream through Gardiner, the Paradise Valley, Livingston, and down below Big Timber; a total of almost two hundred river miles. We float fish in several different sections of the prime trout water between Gardiner and Big Timber, depending on the time of year, water conditions, and water levels. Highway 89 takes you through the Paradise Valley to the town of Gardiner, the Gateway to Yellowstone National Park.

The Yellowstone is a large river varying from 75 to 300 feet. in width. It is wadable later in the summer when flows drop but there is no question it is best fished from a drift boat. You’ll see much more water to present your fly which increases your opportunities to catch fish. The section through “Paradise Valley” is the most scenic and this is also some of the best Montana fly fishing. The sections closer to Livingston holds the highest numbers of trout. Here you’ll find a healthy mix of browns, rainbows, and our native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, and Rocky Mountain Whitefish.

The Yellowstone’s hatch list includes Mother’s Day Caddis, Salmon flies, Pale Morning Duns, Yellow Sallie’s, Summer Stones, and terrestrials.

The Yellowstone offers diverse types of holding water, from the fast pocket water at Tom Miner Bridge to Point Of Rocks where the gradient lessens and the river changes to more long, deep pools with wide riffles and wide, flat tailouts. Downstream past Mallards rest through Paradise Valley is where the spring creeks join the river. This section is one of the most popular with breathtaking views of the Absaroka to the east and Gallatin mountains to the west. The section through Livingston known as the “town run” is a local favorite and offers some great wade fishing opportunities once the flows have dropped later in the summer.

Amenities

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Lodging

Lodging is included for an additional fee.

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 45 days before the trip.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 Hours	8 Hours
1 Person	$575.00	$700.00
2 People	$575.00	$700.00
3 People (Second Boat)	$1,150.00	$1,400.00
4 People (Second Boat)	$1,150.00	$1,400.00

Pay 50% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Michael S.

Outfitter 29 years of exp.

About Your Guide

Michael S.

Outfitter 29 years of exp.

Owner/operator Michael and his teams of expert fly fishing guides bring an incredible number of combined years of guiding experience to the legendary trout waters of western and southwestern Montana. This is the home of the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson, Yellowstone, and Ruby Rivers, the headwaters of the Missouri River. To the north near Missoula are the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork, the man tributaries of the Clark For drainage. Both areas we guide on are readily accessible by the commercial hubs of Bozeman, Billings, Butte in the southwest. To The north is Missoula, and Great Falls, making us perfectly situated to head in any and all directions in pursuit of world-class fly fishing in Montana.

Mike and his guides specialize in creating personalized experiences on our world-renowned wild trout rivers and fee-access private waters. The rivers of western and southwestern Montana is without question offer some of the most diverse fly fishing anywhere in North America, naturally lends itself to accommodating anglers of all experience levels.

Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned hand, Mike and his expert guides will customize a day on the water that’s well suited to your interests and skill levels. Our expert guides have nurtured a soft touch for those eager to learn the basics, all while possessing a mastery of their craft and comprehensive knowledge of the region’s individual nuances. Rest assured, Mike and his guys will teach you everything you need to know for a fun, successful, and memorable day on the water.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Bozeman, Montana

Areas Fished

Yellowstone River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Finest Fly-Fishing Guides - Bozeman

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Clackacraft
Year Built: 2013
Boat Length: 15'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Clackacraft
Year Built: 2013
Boat Length: 15'
Engine Manufacturer: Your guide
Total Horsepower: 1
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Cooler full of ice, water, soft drinks, and snacks

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Lodging

Lodging is included for an additional fee.

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 45 days before the trip.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Drift Fishing
Fly Fishing

Everything Else to Know

Sunglasses, bug dope, raincoat, wide-brimmed hat. You are responsible for purchasing your fishing licenses.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

This trip is managed by an outfitter. Michael will be your point of contact and you will go out with one of their guides.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 45 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 45 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.