Travel & logistics
Plan Your Missoula Fly Fishing Trip
Getting here, where to stay, what to pack and how to make the most of your days on the water.
Your trip, step by step
Everything you need to know
Pick your dates
Use the hatch chart to choose your season, then book a full or half day online.
Buy your license
Buy a Montana fishing license online from FWP before you arrive. Our license guide explains the three parts.
Fly into MSO
Missoula’s airport is just outside town. Rent a car if you’re fishing more than one river.
Meet Tom
Tom sends the meeting spot and start time the week of your trip, based on what’s fishing best.
Packing list
What to bring on the boat
Must have
Montana fishing license (on your phone is fine), polarized sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.
Layers
A rain jacket and warm layers. Montana weather can change by the hour, especially in spring and fall.
Leave at home
Rods, reels, flies and waders. Tom has the gear, the flies for the hatch and lunch on full days.
Drive times
Where the rivers are
Missoula
Meet Tom in town or at the put-in. The Clark Fork runs right through the city.
Lolo & Florence
The lower Bitterroot, the river with the most to offer.
Stevensville & Hamilton
The middle and upper Bitterroot for skwalas, drakes and big browns.
Bonner & Clearwater
Blackfoot River access from the lower river to the canyon.
Frenchtown & Alberton
The lower Clark Fork below Missoula for big rainbows and pike.
Craig & Wolf Creek
The Missouri River tailwater below Holter Dam.
Questions
Travel FAQ
What airport is closest?
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) is just outside town, with direct flights from many major hubs. Most trips meet within an hour of the airport.
Where should I stay?
Downtown Missoula is the most convenient base for the Clark Fork, Blackfoot and lower Bitterroot. For upper Bitterroot trips, Stevensville and Hamilton put you closer to the water. For the Missouri, stay in Craig or Wolf Creek.
Can Tom pick me up?
Tom sends a meeting spot and time the week of your trip. Ask about pickup options when you book.
Should I tip my guide?
Gratuity isn’t included. It’s customary to tip based on the day and the effort.
Never enough days on the water.
Pick a full or half day, choose your date and lock in the boat. Or call or text Tom to talk through the best river for your week.