Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

About Your Trip

Missoula Montana offers a slew of incredible blue-ribbon rivers within a short distance from downtown. Mike and his guides know the Bitterroot, the Blackfoot, and the Clarks Fork rivers like the back of their hands and fish them all based on what river is fishing best. Generally, the hatches on each of the rivers rotate and trade-off perfectly so there is always action to chase in the vicinity. 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. They 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.

Rivers in the Area:

**The Bitterroot River** in southwest Montana is a dry fly fishery. Not many rivers in the west can claim such a statement, but the “Root” is a unique stream. The fact that the infamous Purple Haze dry fly pattern was developed/invented by a long-time Bitterroot guide tells you that it’s a special place. A float trip down the Bitterroot River never disappoints and the scenery and caliber of fishing are hard to beat.

Although the Root can fish well in the winter months the real start to the season here is March and April with the world-famous Skwala stonefly hatch. This event is one of the few places in the west that offers the angler a chance at catching nice-sized trout on size 10 or bigger dry flies in early spring. March Browns and Blue Winged Olive Mayflies also make a daily appearance and can offer outstanding topwater action. The river is characterized by cobblestone runs, deep pools, and woody debris that hold large Rainbow, Cutthroats, and Brown trout. Summer See’s the usual hatches of PMD’s, Sallies, and Tricos with Grasshoppers keeping trout looking up well into October. The fall is also a special time on the Root, with cooler weather and Mahogany dun mayflies and Hecuba drake’s offering the last substantial meal for trout before winter sets in.

**The Blackfoot** is on every fly fisherman’s bucket list, and deservedly so. Blackfoot River Fly Fishing is an angler’s dream come true. A true classic western freestone river and its hatches are impressive: the Giant Salmon Fly, Golden Stones, PMDs, terrestrials, are just some of the hatches you’ll find on the Blackfoot. Come fish the Blackfoot River with Fishtales Outfitting and you’ll want to come back every year!

The Blackfoot River or as it’s sometimes called the Big Blackfoot as to distinguish it from the Little Blackfoot in western Montana near Missoula is a truly special place. The Nez Perce of Idaho found this route as the way to the Upper Missouri Basin to hunt buffalo. The Nez Perce name for the Blackfoot is Cokahahalishkit which means river of the road to buffalo. A diverse and dynamic fishery fed by snowpack and springs with all of the main trout species present. Depending on the time of year, you have a shot at a Blackfoot “Grand Slam” catching a rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook, cut-bow.

The Blackfoot is characterized by large boulders and pocket water that’s stuffed with wild trout and offers an exciting float trip with outstanding hopper/dropper fishing throughout the summer. Many reaches of the Blackfoot River offer a beautiful wilderness setting with little development on its banks, plenty of wildlife, great trout fishing, and gorgeous scenery to add to the experience!

**The Clark Fork River** is one of Montana’s best-kept secrets, hidden in plain sight. Many anglers drive by it on their way to fish other famous Montana rivers like the Bitterroot or Blackfoot. We at Fishtales Outfitting love elbow room and great trout fishing, we think you’ll agree!

The largest river in Montana by volume it begins its 310-mile journey near the town of Butte MT, and as it meanders its way towards its terminus at Lake Pend Oreille it offers hundreds of miles of floatable water. The upper river is a smaller stream with many diverse types of water that mostly holds Brown trout and the occasional Westslope Cutthroat. This is fantastic streamer water with a legitimate shot at a trophy Brown. As the river heads west along I-90 towards Missoula it gains volume from many tributaries and becomes a large freestone river in a heavily forested corridor. This lower zone is a dry fly fishery that can rival the best hatches on the Missouri River. Large Rainbow, Cutthroats, and hybrid Cut-bows dominate the water here and eagerly come to the surface to devour the many species of mayflies that hatch here.

The lower river also offers the added bonus of being a trophy Northern Pike fishery with some research showing fish of 45″ or better, which can be an exciting change of pace from trout fishing. The Clark Fork is typically pretty low on the visiting anglers’ list of rivers to float fish which makes it one of the lesser crowded in all of western Montana.

Amenities

Water Type

River

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

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.

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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.

Sheridan, Montana

Areas Fished

Blackfoot River
Clark Fork River
Bitterroot River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Missoula's Finest Fly Fishing

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Clackacraft
Year Built: 2012
Boat Length: 14'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Clackacraft
Year Built: 2012
Boat Length: 14'
Engine Manufacturer: Your guide
Total Horsepower: 1
Additional Amenities: Cooler full of ice, water, soft drinks, and snacks

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

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

Rods and reels are provided if needed. Sunglasses, Wide-brimmed Hat, Sunscreen, bug dope, raincoat. All Gear and Terminal Tackle, Rods, Reels, Tippet, Flies. Lunches and drinks are provided.

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.