Q. Are children allowed on guided fly fishing trips?

A. Yes, we welcome children on all of our guided fly fishing trips. Float trips are recommended and all ages are welcome. Youth life jackets are required to be worn by youth under 12.

Q. Can I just fish dry flies If that’s what I want to do?

A. Absolutely!

Q. Can we keep a few fish on a guided fly fishing trip?

A. No, we only practice catch and release fishing on our guided fly fishing trips.

Q. Can we request a specific river or stream?

A. Yes, be sure to let us know if you have a preference. The guides typically choose the destination based on weather, water conditions, time constraints, and crowds so be sure to let the guide know if there is someplace that you prefer or would like to avoid as well!

Q. Can we use spin tackle on a guided trip?

A. Yes, spin fishing with a single hook, the barbless lure is allowed on our trips. We do not provide gear or lures for spin fishing.

Q. Do you cancel trips because of weather?

A. Generally speaking, we do not cancel trips due to weather. Sometimes, days are cut short due to afternoon thunderstorms due to safety but we do not offer partial refunds or credits in those situations. View our deposit policy.

Q. How long are guided fly fishing trips around Bozeman?

A. The length of the day depends on the fishing destination, water conditions, fish activity, and angler requests. The standard full day guide trip is usually a 7-9-hour experience with 5-7 hours on the water. Half-day trips are 4 hours in duration from start to finish at our Bozeman fly shop. We can accommodate any time restraints on your end with advance notice.

Q. I have never fished before in my life; can I do this?

A. Absolutely!

Q. Should I book a wade or float trip in the Bozeman area?

A. We recommend float trips as this is the best way to fish around Bozeman. There are wade fishing opportunities, but they are best in private waters and small streams.

Q. We have a group of 3 and we would all like to fish together, how does that work?

A. Our guide service is designed to accommodate 1-2 anglers per guide, so we do not offer an option for 3 people with one guide. After 20 years in the fly-fishing outfitting business, we have found that trying to put three people with one guide is just not a good experience for our guests or our staff. We do host plenty of groups of 3 (or any odd number) guests every year, guests will simply book 2 guides for groups of 3.

Q. What do I need to bring with me?

A. Check our gear list and generally bring personal gear like a raincoat, sunglasses, warm layer, hat, some snacks, and any special medications (epi-pen, insulin, etc.) that you may require.

Q. What is included in the guided fly fishing rates?

A. Use of all gear (waders, boots, rods, reels, terminal tackle, and flies), drinks, transfer to and from the fishing destination, and lunches on full-day trips. Fishing license and private water fees are not included in the standard rates.

Q. What is the per-person price of guided fly-fishing trips in Bozeman?

A. The daily ($595) and half-day ($525) apply to groups of 1 or 2 anglers per guide.

Q. What is the standard gratuity for a Bozeman fly fishing guide?

A. Guides cover their own expenses such as gas, shuttles, lunches, drinks, ice, flies, boats, insurance, and equipment. The standard gratuity is $125-$150 per day/per guide (1-2 anglers) for a job well done. Cash paid directly to the guide at the end of your trip is the standard practice.

Q. What kind of boats do we fish from?

A. Specially designed drift boats are 16’ long fiberglass with one seat in the front and one in the back. The guide rows the boat from a seat in the middle of the boat. We also use rafts with similar custom-built frames with similar layouts to out drift boats.

Q. What should my fitness level be in order to participate on a guided fly fishing trip?

A. Wade fishing requires that angler is in good condition with excellent balance. Float trips are less demanding physically, but anglers need to be able to sit comfortably for several hours and to be able to stand up/sit down without assistance. We are able to accommodate anglers with disabilities and poor mobility with advance notice.