Frequently asked questions
Missoula Fly Fishing Trip FAQ
Lunch, licenses, gear, booking and more.
What’s included in a guided trip?
Every trip includes a professional guide, drift boat and all the gear: rods, reels, flies, leaders and tippet. Full-day trips include lunch (deli sandwiches when it’s warm, grilled riverside when it’s cold) and half-day trips include snacks. There’s always a cooler of Coke, Diet Coke and water.
What do I need to bring?
A Montana fishing license, weather-appropriate clothing and polarized sunglasses. Let Tom know about any dietary needs or drink requests.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Montana fishing licenses are required for everyone 12 and older. You can buy a short-term or season license online from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. See our license guide.
What skill level do I need?
Any skill level. First-timers land fish all the time. See first-time fly fishing.
Which river will we fish?
It depends on the season, flows and what’s fishing best. Tom guides the Bitterroot, Blackfoot and Clark Fork out of Missoula, plus the Missouri tailwater.
What’s the difference between a full day and a half day?
A full day is 6 to 8 hours on the water with lunch included ($750 per boat). A half day is 3 to 4 hours with snacks ($600 per boat). Both include the guide, drift boat and all gear.
How many people can fish?
Up to 2 anglers per boat. For bigger groups, call or text Tom to plan more boats.
How do I book and pay?
Book online in a couple of minutes. A 50% deposit holds your date and the balance is due on the day of your trip. There are no booking fees.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel 30 days or more before your trip and your deposit is refunded. If weather or the river makes your trip unsafe, Tom will reschedule or refund your deposit.
When is the best time to fish?
Western Montana fishes well from spring through fall. Spring brings skwalas on the Bitterroot, summer is prime dry-fly season, and fall is famous for aggressive brown trout. Prime weeks book early.
Do you fish catch and release?
Yes. Tom fishes catch and release to keep these rivers healthy for the next angler.
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.