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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 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

Bozeman, Montana, is a vibrant hub for anglers, surrounded by some of the most iconic Blue Ribbon rivers in the world. Nestled in the heart of the Gallatin Valley, this region is a fly-fishing paradise with easy access to the Gallatin River, the Lower Madison, and the Jefferson River—three waterways that converge in Three Forks to form the headwaters of the mighty Missouri River. To the east, the Yellowstone River offers incredible flows, legendary hatches, and trophy-sized trout, while the famed Upper Madison, dubbed the “Fifty Mile Riffle,” is just a short drive away. Whether you’re chasing numbers or trophy fish, your destination will depend on the season, water conditions, and where the bite is hottest. Mike and his team of seasoned guides will provide everything you need, from rods and reels to flies and terminal tackle, plus a gourmet riverside lunch. Their expertise and commitment ensure your Montana fly-fishing adventure will be unforgettable.

The Jefferson River is a hidden gem that feels like stepping back in time. It’s a quiet, meandering waterway with sweeping mountain views, abundant wildlife, and a shot at landing a trophy brown trout. While it may not produce fish in the same numbers as some of its famous neighbors, it’s a river of character, offering soft riffles, long runs, and cottonwood-lined banks. As a freestone river, the Jefferson changes its course and channels frequently, making it perfect for drift boat fishing. Hatches include caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and even Brown Drakes, but the real stars here are the predatory browns. Your guide will help you master streamer techniques to entice these carnivores from their hiding spots. If you’re looking for solitude, jaw-dropping scenery, and a chance at a true trophy, the Jefferson is calling your name.

The Madison River is a bucket-list destination for any fly angler. Known for its sheer abundance of wild trout—over 5,000 per mile in some stretches—the Madison is a blend of freestone and tailwater, providing diverse fishing opportunities. Its hatches are legendary, featuring Mother’s Day caddis, PMDs, terrestrials, and the massive Salmon Fly. From the braided channels below Varney Bridge to the famed “Fifty Mile Riffle” section between Lyon’s Bridge and Ennis, this river offers consistent action and plenty of surprises. But don’t be fooled by its seemingly straightforward float-and-cast style—unlocking the Madison’s secrets takes skill and expertise, which Mike’s guides are eager to share. They’ll show you how to read the river and target fish in spots you’d never think to cast, helping you hook into trout you’ll be talking about for years.

The Yellowstone River is one of the longest undammed rivers in the lower 48 and a true icon of Montana fly fishing. Stretching nearly 200 miles from its headwaters inside Yellowstone National Park, the river flows through Gardiner, Paradise Valley, Livingston, and beyond, offering some of the most diverse and productive trout waters in the world. Its hatches are prolific—Mother’s Day caddis, Salmon Flies, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and more—and its trout species include browns, rainbows, native Yellowstone cutthroats, and Rocky Mountain whitefish. The Paradise Valley section is particularly stunning, framed by the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges, while the stretches near Livingston hold some of the river’s highest trout densities. With your guide navigating a drift boat, you’ll cover miles of water and access pockets, riffles, and deep pools that would otherwise be out of reach.

Whether you’re casting dries to rising fish, stripping streamers for trophy browns, or enjoying the scenic beauty of Montana’s rivers, Mike’s outfit has everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Let them show you the best of the Gallatin Valley and beyond!

Amenities

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

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 small children.

Flexible Cancelation

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

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

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	$625.00	$750.00
2 People	$625.00	$750.00
3 People (two boats)	$1,250.00	$1,500.00
4 People (two boats)	$1,250.00	$1,500.00

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

About Your Guide

Michael S.

Outfitter 30 years of exp.

Laid-back

Instructional

Quality

Adventurous

Beginner Oriented

About Your Guide

Michael S.

Outfitter 30 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

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'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Your guide
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

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 small children.

Flexible Cancelation

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

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

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
Wading

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 thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports 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, 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.