Montana is home to hundreds of miles of trout streams, lakes and spring creeks with an amazing diversity of wild trout; Brown, Rainbow, Brook and Cutthroat. Come along and fly fish the big sky country with me. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

The view to the mountains on the Big Hole River, Montana.

BIG HOLE RIVER

The Big Hole begins high on the Continental Divide in the Bitterroot Range. It is a classic riffle and pool damless river the colour of a strong tea. The river flow fluctuates throughout the season making for dynamic conditions presenting the angler with different fishing options and challenges. All four species of trout are present as well as one of the last populations of Fluvial Grayling in the continental US. It features multiple hatches including Tricos and one of the earliest Salmonfly hatches in the state. All fly fishing methods are in play, and floating and wading options are available. It is truly a beautiful river.

The Madison River flowing into Hebgen Lake, West Yellowstone, Montana.

madison river

The Madison is born at the confluence of the Gibbon and the Firehole Rivers joining Yellowstone Park. The river flows into Hebgen and Earthquake Lakes then down through the Madison Valley. It is a meadow stream in the park and becomes a large freestone river flowing out of Hebgen with an incredible trout food supply and consistent flows and hatches. It is world renowned for a reason. One of the most heavily fished rivers in the state it does however have some quiet spots and an off-season that can fish exceptionally well. All fly fishing disciplines are effective. Both floating and wading are an option.

Two anglers fly fishing the Bitterroot River, Montana.

BITTERROOT RIVER
(INCLUDING THE WEST FORK)

The Bitterroot is a gin-clear tailwater that flows out of Painted Rocks Reservoir consistently throughout the season. This river is all about fun with Cutthroats and Rainbows attacking dries on bright sunny days and large Browns if you're up for the challenge. Float fishing is the preferred method of accessing the better water, but wading can also be very effective in some of the back channels. The Bitterroot has incredible scenery and is a dry fly fishing paradise.

The view across Hebgen Lake to the mountains, West Yellowstone, Montana,

HEBGEN LAKE

This lake is the recipient of the flows from the Madison River through the park with a mixture of thermal chemistry and cold water. It began as an impoundment in 1908 and has consistent flows with no irrigation pressure or excessive fertilisation. The dry fly fishing primarily starts starts late July and runs well into September. Some of my clients describe it as “the best dry fly fishing they have ever experienced in the world”.

The expression “gulper fishing” was born here, the sound that large cruising Browns and Rainbows make as they feed hard on the bugs. I would not describe it as easy fishing but it is visually exciting and incredibly challenging.

Steam rising from the Firehole River, Yellowstone Park, Montana.

FIREHOLE RIVER

This river needs special mention as there is really no other like it in the world. The thermal features and proximity to wildlife make it a truly unique river that has to be experienced to be believed. It fishes best from season opening in late May through June, then September through October as thermal activity during mid-summer heats up the water. Hatches can be unbelievable at times with every fish in the river seemingly active. Multiple mixed currents can challenge the most experienced angler. Due to a short growing season the fish are mostly small to medium in length, however fat Browns and Rainbows can be found and fight like they have never been caught before. Bring your camera!

Bison grazing on the banks of the Firehole River, Yellowstone Park, Montana,

YELLOWSTONE PARK

The world’s first National Park offers all the environmental wonders that qualifies it as a World Heritage Site. Some of its more famous rivers are the Yellowstone, Madison, Firehole, Gibbon, Snake, Gallatin, Bechler, Soda Butte, Lamar and Slough Creek. There are countless small streams that feed the rivers as well as a variety of fishable lakes. Walk and wade is the only option on these steams and sometimes the further you can get from the road, the better the fishing. It is a magical place that offers lots of adventure to those willing to make the effort.

FULLY LICENSED CUA OPERATOR.

Testimonials

When Chuck says “It's all about the adventure”, that's exactly how your day will unfurl. Chuck's knowledge of local waters is unsurpassed and his dry wit, technical knowledge and no nonsense approach to fly fishing makes for one hell of a day on the water. 

Now when I see a rising fish I think… “what would Chuck do?”

Marcus Saunders
Tasmania, Australia

I have been fortunate to use a number of guides in different locations but Chuck stands out for his true dedication to his clients’ success. Chuck knows his stuff as a guide and angler, enjoys a good yarn, shares his knowledge readily and puts in the hard yards to deliver a great day out. That man sure can row a drift boat!

I can’t recommend Chuck’s services highly enough. Great bloke and even better guide.

Dan Lovecek
Melbourne, Australia