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

Montana is a fly angler’s paradise, and the Bozeman area offers unparalleled access to some of the most legendary rivers in the world. The Yellowstone and Madison Rivers are household names for anglers seeking world-class fishing, while the Sheridan area is home to gems like the Ruby, Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Jefferson Rivers. Head to Craig, Montana, and you’ll find yourself on the banks of the Missouri, another must-fish river. For those in Missoula, a whole slate of incredible blue-ribbon streams like the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers are just a short drive away. With so many options, Mike and his team of expert guides are perfectly equipped to tailor your trip to the best waters, hatches, and conditions. Whether you're chasing trout, exploring private access stretches, or navigating the currents of iconic freestone and tailwater rivers, Mike’s outfit guarantees a top-tier Montana fly fishing experience. They provide all the terminal tackle (flies, tippet, floatant, etc.), rods and reels if needed, and even a gourmet on-the-water lunch to round out your unforgettable day.

***Rivers in the Area***
**The Bitterroot River**
The Bitterroot is a dry fly fisherman’s dream, and one of the rare rivers in the West that can genuinely be called a dry fly fishery. Known for its beautiful scenery and excellent trout action, a float down the Bitterroot never disappoints.

The fishing season starts strong in March and April with the famous Skwala stonefly hatch, one of the only places in the West where anglers can throw large size 10 dry flies in early spring. March Browns and Blue Wing Olives also appear during this time, providing even more topwater opportunities. As summer approaches, PMDs, Sallies, and Tricos keep trout looking up, with Grasshoppers extending the dry fly action well into October. Fall brings cooler temperatures and hatches of Mahogany Duns and Hecuba Drakes, offering trout one last substantial meal before winter. The Bitterroot’s cobblestone runs, deep pools, and woody debris hold large Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brown Trout, making it a can’t-miss fishery.

**The Blackfoot River**
Every fly fisherman dreams of casting on the Blackfoot River. A classic Western freestone stream, the Blackfoot offers breathtaking scenery, diverse trout populations, and some of Montana’s most impressive hatches, including Giant Salmon Flies, Golden Stones, PMDs, and terrestrials.

The Blackfoot—or "Big Blackfoot" as it’s sometimes called—carries a rich history. It was once a key route for the Nez Perce on their way to the Upper Missouri Basin to hunt buffalo, and its name in their language means “river of the road to buffalo.” Today, it offers anglers a chance to pursue a “Blackfoot Grand Slam,” catching Rainbow, Cutthroat, Brown, Brook, and hybrid Cut-bow Trout in a single outing.

With its rugged boulder-strewn pocket water and wild trout aplenty, the Blackfoot is a fantastic destination for exciting hopper-dropper action in the summer. Many sections are flanked by wilderness, providing a tranquil setting with minimal development, abundant wildlife, and stunning mountain views. Whether you’re chasing trout or simply soaking in the experience, a float on the Blackfoot is unforgettable.

**The Clark Fork River**
The Clark Fork is one of Montana’s best-kept secrets, hiding in plain sight. While many anglers drive past it en route to fish the Bitterroot or Blackfoot, the Clark Fork offers elbow room, incredible scenery, and outstanding trout fishing for those in the know.

At 310 miles, the Clark Fork is Montana’s largest river by volume, beginning near Butte and flowing westward to its terminus at Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho. The upper river is a smaller, diverse stream holding Brown Trout and the occasional Westslope Cutthroat. This stretch is prime for streamer fishing and offers legitimate opportunities to land trophy Browns.

As it flows west and gains volume from tributaries near Missoula, the Clark Fork transforms into a large freestone river bordered by lush forests. The lower sections feature world-class dry fly fishing rivaling the famed Missouri River, with prolific hatches of mayflies drawing large Rainbows, Cutthroats, and hybrid Cut-bows to the surface.

For those seeking variety, the Clark Fork also boasts a trophy Northern Pike fishery, with some fish exceeding 45 inches. The excitement of targeting Pike provides a welcome change of pace for anglers looking to mix things up. Despite its incredible fishing, the Clark Fork is often overlooked, making it one of the least crowded rivers in western Montana—a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Montana’s rivers offer something special for every angler, whether it’s the legendary hatches of the Madison, the intimate waters of the Ruby, or the sheer variety of the Missouri and its tributaries. With Mike and his experienced guides leading the way, you’ll fish the best waters in the area, matched perfectly to your preferences and the season. From technical dry fly fishing to streamer action in pursuit of trophy Browns, this is the ultimate Montana fly fishing adventure. Let Mike and his team show you why Montana is the top destination for anglers worldwide.

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 30 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 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 Sheridan’s Finest Fly Fishing

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Clackacraft
Year Built: 2015
Boat Length: 14'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Clackacraft
Year Built: 2015
Boat Length: 14'
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 30 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, Hats, Sunscreen, Bug repellant, a rain jacket, and your own fly gear if you wish to bring it. All Terminal Tackle, Rods, Reels included, 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 30 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 30 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.