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Montana Fly Fishing - Guided Trips Fly Fishing Guides

Multiple Blue Ribbon rivers • Lodge-based guided experience

Montana offers some of the most iconic fly fishing in North America. Our Montana guided trips are built for anglers who want private access, expert guides, and the flexibility to fish multiple world-class rivers based on conditions. All Montana trips are private group experiences, operated from a centrally located lodge in Absarokee, giving us access to freestone and tailwater fisheries across southern Montana and northern Wyoming.

Flow
1,310 CFS
Updated: 2026-03-10T02:00:00.000-06:00
Low: 1,150 High: 1,310
Right Now

Our Montana lodge-based trips operate during the summer season, with guided fishing typically running from June through September. Winter is the ideal time to plan your dates, build a private group, and secure preferred weeks for the upcoming season.

Updated:
29/01/2026 12:00 am

Montana Fly Fishing - Guided Trips Conditions Snapshot

Use these as guidelines — we'll check real-time flows and conditions before your trip and adjust accordingly.

Spring (May–June)

Flows: Variable (snowmelt driven)
Temps: Cold to cool
Clarity: Can fluctuate
Freestones rise with runoff; tailwaters remain consistent

Summer (July–August)

Flows: Moderate
Temps: Cool mornings, warmer afternoons
Clarity: Clear
Prime dry fly season; hoppers, PMDs, caddis

Early Fall (September)

Flows: Lower and stable
Temps: Cooling
Clarity: Clear
Excellent streamer and dry fly opportunities; lighter pressure

Primary Species

  • Rainbow Trout
  • Brown Trout
  • Cutthroat Trout
  • Mountain Whitefish

Trip Options

Montana Fly Fishing Lodge

June–September 3+ anglers
Full Day • Half Day

The Montana Fly Fishing Lodge is located in Absarokee, Montana, approximately one hour west of Billings. Its central location provides access to multiple rivers.

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WHY FISH MONTANA WITH TOP FLY GUIDES

Montana isn’t about one river — it’s about options.

Fishing from our lodge allows us to adapt each day based on flows, temperatures, hatches, and your goals as an angler.

What sets our Montana trips apart:

  • Private, guided fly fishing (no mixed groups)
  • Centrally located lodge near multiple blue-ribbon rivers
  • Dry fly, nymph, and streamer opportunities
  • Freestone and tailwater fisheries
  • Guided season June–September (year-round booking)

MONTANA FLY FISHING LODGE EXPERIENCE

Our Montana Fly Fishing Lodge is located in Absarokee, Montana, roughly one hour from Billings. Once you arrive, everything is handled — from transportation to meals to daily fishing logistics.

Lodge highlights include:

  • Airport shuttle from Billings
  • Luxury log cabin accommodations and glamping tents
  • Chef-prepared meals
  • Casting instruction from certified instructors
  • On-site activities and private fishing pond

The lodge serves as a comfortable basecamp while we explore the surrounding rivers each day.

👉 Learn more about the lodge experience:
https://topflyguides.com/montana-fly-fishing-lodge/

MONTANA GUIDED FLY FISHING TRIPS (PRIVATE GROUPS)

Each Montana trip is customized around river conditions and your preferences. Below are the primary rivers we fish while staying at the lodge.

Bighorn River — Guided Fly Fishing

The Bighorn River is a legendary tailwater fishery known for big trout and prolific hatches. Cold, oxygen-rich releases create ideal conditions even during the hottest summer months.

Why fish the Bighorn:

  • Exceptional trout size and numbers
  • Technical nymphing and dry fly opportunities
  • One of the most consistent fisheries in the region

Trip Details

  • Style: Float fishing
  • Skill level: Intermediate–Advanced
  • Price: TBA
  • Group type: Private only

👉 View Bighorn River details:
https://topflyguides.com/bighorn-river/

Stillwater River — Guided Fly Fishing

Often called one of Montana’s last hidden gems, the Stillwater River offers low pressure, aggressive trout, and classic freestone fishing flowing out of the Beartooth Mountains.

Why fish the Stillwater:

  • Excellent dry fly fishing
  • Cooler summer water temperatures
  • Remote feel with minimal boat traffic

Trip Details

  • Style: Float fishing (technical water)
  • Skill level: Intermediate+
  • Price: TBA
  • Group type: Private only

👉 View Stillwater River details:
https://topflyguides.com/stillwater-river/

Yellowstone River — Guided Fly Fishing

The Yellowstone is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 and a cornerstone of Montana fly fishing. Wide water, strong hatches, and excellent hopper fishing define this fishery.

Why fish the Yellowstone:

  • Outstanding hopper fishing in summer
  • Large browns, rainbows, and cutthroat
  • Opportunity to fish multiple rivers in one day

Trip Details

  • Style: Float fishing
  • Skill level: All levels
  • Price: TBA
  • Group type: Private only

👉 View Yellowstone River details:
https://topflyguides.com/the-yellowstone-river/

Shoshone River — Guided Fly Fishing

Located just across the Montana border in Wyoming, the Shoshone River is a productive tailwater offering technical fishing and excellent trout numbers.

Why fish the Shoshone:

  • Cold, consistent flows
  • Strong insect populations
  • Great option when conditions dictate

Trip Details

  • Style: Float fishing
  • Skill level: Intermediate+
  • Price: TBA
  • Group type: Private only

👉 View Shoshone River details:
https://topflyguides.com/montana-fly-fishing-lodge/shoshone-river/

SAMPLE MONTANA TRIP FLOW

While every trip is customized, a typical Montana guided trip looks like this:

  • Day 1: Arrival, lodge orientation, casting session
  • Days 2–4: Guided floats on rotating rivers
  • Evenings: Lodge dining and relaxation
  • Final Day: Departure

WHO THESE TRIPS ARE FOR

Montana guided trips are ideal for:

  • Anglers seeking private, high-quality experiences
  • Small groups and hosted trips
  • Anglers who want variety instead of one stretch of river
  • Intermediate to advanced fly anglers

BOOK A MONTANA FLY FISHING TRIP

All Montana trips are custom-planned and priced individually based on group size, dates, and river selection.

Fly Patterns

Ready to fish?

We'll handle conditions, flows, and flies — you just show up ready to fish.

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