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, is a fly-fishing paradise, surrounded by a variety of blue-ribbon rivers just a short drive from downtown. With easy access to the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, and Clark Fork Rivers, anglers have endless opportunities to experience world-class fishing in breathtaking settings. Mike and his team of expert guides have an intimate knowledge of these waters and fish them strategically based on which river is fishing best at any given time. The seasonal rotation of hatches ensures that there’s always action to chase, making this region a dream destination for anglers. Mike’s outfit provides all the terminal tackle (flies, tippet, floatant, etc.), offers rods and reels if needed, and even serves a gourmet riverside lunch. Their goal is to make sure your fishing trip is unforgettable, with every detail handled so you can focus on the experience.

***Rivers in the Area***

**The Bitterroot River**
The Bitterroot River is a dry fly enthusiast’s dream and one of the few rivers in the West that can truly be called a dry fly fishery. Famous for its stunning scenery and high-quality trout fishing, the “Root” is a must-fish destination, offering consistent opportunities to catch Rainbows, Cutthroats, and Browns. It’s also where the iconic Purple Haze dry fly pattern was developed, underscoring its special place in the world of fly fishing.

The Bitterroot starts fishing well in winter, but the real magic begins in March and April with the world-renowned Skwala stonefly hatch. This unique early-season hatch allows anglers to target trout with size 10 or larger dry flies—a rarity in spring fishing. March Browns and Blue Winged Olives add to the excitement, providing more topwater opportunities. Summer brings PMDs, Sallies, and Tricos, while Grasshoppers keep trout feeding aggressively well into fall. Cooler weather in autumn sparks hatches of Mahogany Duns and Hecuba Drakes, giving trout one last feast before winter.

Characterized by cobblestone runs, deep pools, and woody debris, the Bitterroot offers diverse water features that hold large, hungry trout. A float trip on this river combines exceptional fishing with unforgettable scenery, making it a must-add to any angler’s bucket list.

**The Blackfoot River**
The Blackfoot River is legendary, earning a spot on nearly every angler’s bucket list. This classic western freestone river boasts incredible scenery, diverse trout populations, and some of the best hatches in the region, including Giant Salmon Flies, Golden Stones, PMDs, and terrestrials. Whether you’re chasing trophy trout or simply enjoying the pristine wilderness, the Blackfoot is a destination that will keep you coming back.

Sometimes referred to as the "Big Blackfoot" to distinguish it from the Little Blackfoot in western Montana, this river has deep historical roots. The Nez Perce once used it as a vital route to the Upper Missouri Basin for buffalo hunting, and its name, Cokahahalishkit, means "river of the road to buffalo." Today, it’s a diverse and dynamic fishery supported by snowpack and spring-fed flows. Anglers can aim for a "Blackfoot Grand Slam," targeting Rainbows, Cutthroats, Browns, Brookies, and hybrid Cut-bows in a single trip.

The Blackfoot is characterized by boulder-strewn pocket water, perfect for hopper-dropper setups and streamer fishing throughout the summer. Its stretches of wilderness provide an unparalleled setting with minimal development, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for solitude. Whether you’re drawn by its rich history, wild trout, or stunning vistas, a float on the Blackfoot is an unforgettable experience.

**The Clark Fork River**
The Clark Fork River is one of Montana’s hidden gems, often overlooked by anglers heading to more famous waters like the Bitterroot or Blackfoot. However, this massive river offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the region, along with elbow room and serenity that are hard to find elsewhere.

At 310 miles, the Clark Fork is Montana’s largest river by volume, beginning near Butte and winding westward to its endpoint at Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho. The upper stretches of the river are smaller, featuring diverse water types that mostly hold Brown Trout and the occasional Westslope Cutthroat. This is prime streamer water, with legitimate chances to hook trophy Browns.

As it flows west and picks up tributaries near Missoula, the Clark Fork transforms into a large freestone river with excellent dry fly fishing. This lower section rivals the Missouri River for its prolific hatches, drawing large Rainbows, Cutthroats, and hybrid Cut-bows to the surface. The mayfly action here is legendary, providing consistent topwater excitement throughout the season.

For anglers seeking variety, the Clark Fork also offers a unique opportunity to target Northern Pike, with fish exceeding 45 inches not uncommon. Pike fishing provides a thrilling alternative to trout, adding a layer of excitement to your trip. Despite its world-class fishing, the Clark Fork sees relatively low fishing pressure, making it one of the least crowded rivers in western Montana.

Missoula’s rivers offer something special for every angler, from the intimate dry fly action of the Bitterroot to the wild freestone character of the Blackfoot and the sprawling, diverse waters of the Clark Fork. Mike and his expert guides tailor each trip to your preferences and the conditions, ensuring you fish the best water at the right time. Whether it’s early-season Skwalas, summer hoppers, or the thrill of targeting trophy Browns, these rivers provide endless opportunities for adventure. Let Mike and his team show you why Missoula is one of Montana’s premier fly-fishing destinations!

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 30 years of exp.

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.

Sheridan, Montana

Areas Fished

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 1,900+ 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.