THE MONTANA LINEUP / GUIDED WITH GRIT
The Letmfly Trip Experience
Our home base is the Yellowstone River basin, but we’re delighted to roam all our Montana and Yellowstone waters to find you the perfect spot, and we stay flexible to follow the best bite as seasons and conditions shift, because every river we choose for you is a win. From comfortable drift-boat floats to technical walk-and-wade stalks in Yellowstone National Park, every trip we run is thoughtfully guided by pros who live for these rivers. There isn't a bad call in the bunch—just different ways to find your fun on the water. Take a look at the specifics below to explore the trip types we offer, current rates, and the FAQs you’ll likely ponder planning your flyfishing trip. When you’re curious about the specific rivers and regions we fish most, the Our Waters page gives you a deeper dive into the where behind each day.
The Epicenters of Montana Flyfishing
These rivers are our Montana epicenters, but not the whole story. We also fish spring creeks, private lakes, and a wider web of water when it serves the day. If you’d like a deeper look at how all these pieces fit together, the Our Waters page lays out the broader map.
The Untamed Yellowstone River - Fish this wild beauty from March through October (taking a break for spring runoff mid-May to late June). Between the great streamer action early and late in the season, you can enjoy strong mayfly, caddis and stonefly hatches from April through July and fun terrestrial days along the banks all summer. The Yellowstone’s two floatable tributaries, the Boulder and Stillwater, are typically available from late June through mid-August, offering action consistent with the main river but we fish them from rafts; Please note trips to the Stillwater River require either a Multi-day booking or an additional $75 *travel charge.
The Legendary Madison River. Join us for Montana magic from April through October. This river is a reliable gem, often providing a clear-water refuge when others are blown out by spring runoff. From the Fifty-Mile Riffle to the lower stretches, you’ll enjoy prolific mayfly and stonefly hatches that keep the trout looking up. Please note that trips to the upper madison upstream of the town of ennis require either a multi-day booking or an additional $100 *travel charge.
The Mighty Missouri. This powerhouse tailwater is a sure bet from March through October, staying fishable when runoff knocks other rivers off the table. We’ll help you navigate these big currents to find and land those elusive, wary brown trout. Please note that excursions to the Mighty Mo require a minimum booking of 2 consecutive days.
The Bighorn River. A prolific tailwater fishery where we find incredible trout numbers. We'll lead you through technical, high-density nymphing stretches to make the most of this world-class water. Please note that trips to the Bighorn require a minimum booking of 2 consecutive days.
A Quick Note on *Travel Charges
Livingston is our home, and while the Yellowstone River is our back yard, sometimes the best fishing requires roaming further across Montana. To keep us flexible and get you to the most productive water, we apply a 'Travel Charge' per guide/boat to cover the extra fuel and time for these distant reaches. This applies to single-day trips departing from our home area to hit spots that are doable but really grow the day, like the Stillwater River, upper Madison River (upstream of Ennis) or Three Forks area options. When booking 2 or more consecutive days in the same area, we waive the fee. Other locations such as the Missouri and Bighorn Rivers require a minimum booking of 2 days. Our standard Livingston / Paradise Valley / Big Timber and Bozeman area runs are always fee-free, and Yellowstone Park rates already have this built in. Our Multi-Night Float trips will have their own quoting considerations.
It’s all about getting you to the right fish at the right time.
Trip Types & What’s Included
Ready to get those lines wet? This section outlines the various types of trips we offer, how long each typically lasts, and the fundamentals of what your day on the water will include. Take a look at the trip styles below to find the perfect match for your goals and skill level.
Float Trips
- Why Float Trips: Utilizing either a drift boat or raft for the day’s water, we cover significant ground—typically 8-12 miles (7-8hrs) on a full day and 5-8 miles (4-5hrs) on a half day. This not only lets us change tactics as the bite shifts and keep you in front of active fish, it also makes room to notice the small stuff—the flora, fauna, and quiet moments that come with the float.
- The Camaraderie Factor: While group size is best kept at 1-4 boats, there is an undeniable spark and shared energy when groups book multiple boats, turning a great day on the water into a high-energy shared adventure. Not all river options afford the same space, we'll chat about further about this as needed.
- What’s Included: Transportation from meeting place to fishing location. We'll take the guesswork out of the gear by providing rods, all terminal tackle and flies, along with the standard comforts of a full day—including a premium lunch and non-alcoholic beverages to keep you fueled while you fish.
Walk & Wade
- Style: A slower, on‑foot day in the river. We teach safe wading, achieving clean drifts, and how to read water so you can hunt fish with intention instead of just casting and hoping.
- Best For: Small group size. Most anglers, regardless of skill level, who can honestly gauge their agility and stamina for a day on the move. You should be comfortable carrying a bit of your own gear—water, layers, lunch—as we roam and share the load.
- Walk & Wade trips are available as Full or Half days, other than for Yellowstone Park and other locations with extended drive time that make a half day trip impractical.
- Included: Transportation from meeting location to fishing location, rods, all terminal tackle and flies, non‑alcoholic drinks and lunch on full days.
- Special Notes- Waders and wading boots aren’t included, but may be needed depending on seasonal water temperatures, weather and where we’re fishing—we’re happy to help line up rental gear so you’re set for the day.
Multi-Night Float
- Style- Offered May-Sept on select Montana rivers, these trips are built around 3 days / 2 nights minimum on the water. Drift and camp along prime stretches of Montana water- Riverside tent accommodations under big-sky nights- Camp-host prepped meals and fireside hangs- Slow, unhurried days focused on fishing and soaking it all in.
- Best For- Anglers who want more than a single day’s snapshot- Small groups or pairs looking to cover extended river miles- Folks who value time off the grid and simple camp comfort- Return guests ready to deepen their Montana connection.
- Included- Licensed guide, and all on-river gear (rods, flies, terminal tackle)- Riverside tent camp setup and breakdown- Daily camp-host prepared breakfasts and dinners, riverside lunches- Shuttles between put-ins and take-outs along the route.
- Special Note-These expeditions are custom‑curated and require more lead time than a standard day trip. Plan on reaching out at least three months ahead so we can dial in logistics, build in smart contingency plans, and match the trip to anticipated river conditions.
Instructional Day
- Casting Instruction: $450 covers 1–4 anglers per instructor for a focused 2‑hour casting session. We'll meet at an off-water location with you to cover basic vocabulary, rod / reel / line set-up and basic casting techniques for the beginner.
- Rowing Instruction: $450 covers 1–2 anglers per instructor/boat for on‑river rowing skills and safety. This an introductory session where you'll head out to do a short amount of river miles with a licensed and first-aid certified guide to learn rowing a boat safely and for angling purposes. Well cover trailering, launching and retrieving of a drift-boat or raft as well as handling the oars, reading water and anchoring. This is a foundational skills focused class to give you the basic skills that only additional time on the oars will further polish.
- A Conservation License is required for each person involved as we will utilize state managed assess sites and boat ramps.
Guided Rates & Packages
We'll confirm your final quote once we've firmed up details and are ready to secure your guides. Feel free to review our trip styles above so we can match you with the perfect water for your desires..
Full-Day Trip
$725
7-8 HOURS • 1-2 ANGLERS per guide / boat • float or walk & wade • WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED WITH rods, flies & terminal TACKLE, lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, AND transportation from meeting place to fishing location.
please note this is our base guide rate for Montana public waters and does not include any private water access (rod) fees or travel charges that may be applicable to your trip.
Half-Day Trip
$600
4-5 HOURS • 1-2 ANGLERS per guide / boat• FLOAT OR WALK & wade • PERFECT FOR beginners or A QUICK FISHING FIX. INCLUDES; rods, flies & terminal tackle, non-alcoholic beverages, transportation from meeting place to fishing location.
rate is for montana public waters and does not include any private water access (rod) fees that may be applicable.
Yellowstone Park Trip
$750
our rate is for 1-2 anglers per guide for a full day of fishing (typically 5-7 hours actual fishing) and includes; transportation from meeting place to fishing water, rods, flies and all terminal tackle, non-alcoholic beverages and lunch.
rate does not include per angler gate fee or fishing permit
visitors may use park pass for entry or pay at gate.
*see ynp entrance & fishing permit info below
Multi-Night Float
$2,000+
Multi-night trips are customized around your fishing desires and likely conditions. Our minimum package is **3 days / 2 nights**, most trips start around **$2,000 per day for two anglers**, with final pricing set once we dial in the details.- Final quotes reflect trip length, group size, permits, and logistics - **3+ months lead time is ideal** to secure dates, staffing, and camps - Some itineraries may include additional travel charges based on river locations.
Instructional Day
$450
Casting Instruction: $450 covers 1–4 people per instructor for a focused 2‑hour casting session.
Rowing Instruction: $450 covers 1–2 people per instructor/boat for on‑river rowing skills and safety.
* $10/ person Conservation license not included
Licenses & Park Passes: Before your trip, please grab your Montana fishing license and any required Yellowstone Park permits using the links below.
* Just a heads up: rates don't include licensing, access fees ($8–$150) or guide tips (usually 20%). We ask for a 50% deposit to lock in your dates, which is fully refundable if you cancel at least 30 days out. Click here to see additional information regarding deposits, cancellations and refunds..
Booking & Logistics FAQ
What logistics are covered in the daily rate?
We handle the heavy lifting. Your rate covers your guide’s undivided attention, rod and reel, all the flies and leaders you'll need, and transit to the water. Full-day trips include a solid riverside lunch; both half and full days come with cold non-alcoholic drinks to keep the engine running.
What are the fishing license requirements?
Just a heads-up: everyone 12 and older needs a Montana fishing and conservation license. It’s part of how we keep these rivers in shape for the long haul. Since they’re tied to you personally, they aren't included in the trip cost, but you can snag one online at the Montana FWP site in a few minutes before we meet up. Similarly, when fishing Yellowstone National Park you'll need their fishing permit, which you can only obtain online here.
What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?
We ask for a 50% deposit to lock in your dates. If life happens and you need to cancel at least 30 days out, we'll send back the full refund. We fish in most weather—it’s Montana, after all—but your guide will always make the final call based on safety if the conditions get too western.
Are your trips suitable for children?
We love introducing kids to flyfishing, but a full day in the elements can be a lot for younger anglers. Most kids under 10 find a half-day trip is the sweet spot for their attention spans and stamina. Before booking, consider if your child has the physical ability to handle a rod without constant help; it makes for a much more rewarding experience for them. For safety and liability reasons, please note that we cannot take anyone under 18 (whether floating or walk-wading) without a parent or legal guardian present.
What are the industry standards for gratuities?
In the guiding world, a tip is the ultimate high-five for a job well done. Around Montana, the standard is 20% to 25% of the trip total, usually handed to your guide in cash at the end of the day. It’s never expected, but it goes a long way for the pros who spend their lives on these rivers. When deciding on an amount, think about the effort they put into untangling rigs, rowing that heavy drift boat against the wind, and keeping the energy high even when the trout are being tight-lipped.
When is the best time to plan a Montana excursion?
Montana is magic from May through October. June, July and August are legendary for the big dry-fly hatches, while late spring and early fall offer cooler water and concentrated trout activity. Keep an eye on our river journals for the latest on what’s actually happening on the water.
Do beginners need prior casting experience?
Absolutely not. We specialize in turning first-timers into capable anglers, often within the first few minutes on the water. We will guide you through the rhythm of the cast, knot rigging, and the basics of reading water—all with zero ego. You'll be placing your fly with purpose and feeling that Montana magic before you know it. Just be honest about your starting point so we can pick the perfect stretch of river for your debut. There is no need to oversell your experience level; we know from your first cast anyway, and we are just here to make sure you have a blast.
How are meeting locations and logistics handled?
The specific game plan depends on where you’re staying and what water we're fishing. We usually meet at a convenient rendezvous point to keep things simple. Your guide will call or text you 24–48 hours before the trip to check in, share the latest river reports, and nail down a time and place. Once we meet, we’ll handle the shuttle to the fishing location so you can just enjoy the scenery. If you have a flight to catch, event to attend or a hard stop for dinner, let us know early so we can get you off the water and back in plenty of time.