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Expert-Guided Montana Wade Fishing Trip

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Montana
  • $400 - $775 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of top-notch fly fishing in Montana's beautiful rivers. We'll pick you up and take you to prime spots on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Blackfoot, or Rock Creek. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with quality rods, flies, and waders. This is a wade fishing trip, so we'll be in the water all day, giving you the chance to really feel connected to the river. Whether you're after trout or just want to perfect your cast, our guides know these waters inside and out. With a small group size of just two guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and tips. It's a long day on the water, so pack a lunch and get ready to soak in Montana's stunning scenery while you fish. By the end, you'll have stories to tell and hopefully some impressive catches under your belt.
Expert-Guided Montana Wade Fishing Trip

Montana River Moments

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A rainbow trout caught in Missoula, Montana

Kid-friendly wade fishing guide in Montana

Stunning rainbow trout caught in Missoula, Montana

Steelhead trout! Best fly fishing guide 2023

A fisherman holds a sea trout caught in Missoula

Top-notch Wade Fishing Trip in Montana!

A Sea Trout measuring 27 inches caught while fishing in MT.

A nice Missoula Montana Brown Trout

Fishing in Montana

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A fishing scene in Missoula

It’s springtime in the Rockies and fish are hungry! Come book your next fishing day with fishmissoula.com

1 rainbow trout fishing in MT

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Great fishing trip in Missoula

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Angler fishing in Missoula

Great experience and stunning views in Missoula!

A single sea trout, a 16-inch fish, caught while fishing in Missoula

Montana Brown Trout Fly Fishing

A rainbow trout caught in Missoula, Montana

Kid-friendly wade fishing guide in Montana

Stunning rainbow trout caught in Missoula, Montana

Steelhead trout! Best fly fishing guide 2023

A fisherman holds a sea trout caught in Missoula

Top-notch Wade Fishing Trip in Montana!

A Sea Trout measuring 27 inches caught while fishing in MT.

A nice Missoula Montana Brown Trout

Fishing in Montana

null

A fishing scene in Missoula

It’s springtime in the Rockies and fish are hungry! Come book your next fishing day with fishmissoula.com

1 rainbow trout fishing in MT

null

Great fishing trip in Missoula

null

Angler fishing in Missoula

Great experience and stunning views in Missoula!

A single sea trout, a 16-inch fish, caught while fishing in Missoula

Montana Brown Trout Fly Fishing

A rainbow trout caught in Missoula, Montana

Kid-friendly wade fishing guide in Montana

Stunning rainbow trout caught in Missoula, Montana

Steelhead trout! Best fly fishing guide 2023

A fisherman holds a sea trout caught in Missoula

Top-notch Wade Fishing Trip in Montana!

A Sea Trout measuring 27 inches caught while fishing in MT.

A nice Missoula Montana Brown Trout

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Montana's Rivers: Your 9-Hour Fly Fishing Haven

Ready to wet a line in some of Montana's most iconic trout waters? Our 9-hour wade fishing trip takes you straight to the heart of Big Sky Country's angling action. We'll hit the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Blackfoot, or Rock Creek - all teeming with wild trout just waiting for your fly. No need to mess with boats - we're keeping it old school and wading these legendary rivers. With our expert guides, top-notch gear, and a killer packed lunch, you're in for a day of fishing you won't soon forget.

What to Expect on the Water

Lace up those wading boots, because we're covering some serious water today. We'll pick you up bright and early, then it's off to whichever river's fishing best. Expect to spend a solid 7-8 hours actually fishing, with breaks for lunch and swapping fish tales. Our guides know these rivers like the back of their hand, so we'll hit all the prime spots - from deep runs to bubble lines and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a fly rod, we'll make sure you're into fish and having a blast.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

We're talking classic Western fly fishing here, folks. Depending on the season and conditions, we might be tossing dry flies to rising trout, nymphing the deep holes, or stripping streamers for big browns. We provide all the gear you need - top-of-the-line rods, reels, and waders. Our guides are stocked with a full arsenal of flies, from tiny midges to beefy hoppers. Don't worry if you're new to fly fishing - we'll walk you through everything from reading the water to perfecting your cast. And for you fly junkies out there, get ready to geek out on some seriously technical fishing if that's your style.

Target Species

Cutthroat Trout: These native beauties are the jewels of Montana's rivers. Known for their distinctive red slash under the jaw, cutthroat are often eager risers to dry flies. They love fast, oxygenated water and you'll find them in riffles and pocket water. While they average 12-16 inches, don't be surprised if you hook into a chunky 20-incher. Spring and early summer are prime time for cutthroat action.

Brown Trout: The bruisers of Montana's rivers, brown trout are the target for anglers looking for trophy fish. These clever predators often hide in deep runs and undercut banks. They can be finicky, but when you connect with a big brown, hold on tight! Fall is the best time to target browns as they get aggressive before spawning. Throwing big streamers or nymphing deep holes can produce some real monsters in the 20-24 inch range.

Rainbow Trout: The acrobats of the trout world, rainbows are known for their spectacular fights and aerial displays. You'll find them in a variety of water types, from fast riffles to slow pools. Rainbows are opportunistic feeders and will readily take dries, nymphs, or streamers. Spring and early summer see great rainbow fishing, especially during the famous salmonfly hatch. Average size is 14-18 inches, but 20+ inch fish are not uncommon.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about wading a Montana river that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the morning mist rises off the water as you make that first cast. Or the heart-stopping moment when a big trout sips your dry fly off the surface. It could be the stunning scenery - snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and wide-open skies. Or maybe it's just the simple pleasure of spending a day disconnected from the world, focused on nothing but the river and the fish. Whatever it is, we guarantee this trip will leave you itching to come back for more.

What's Included & What to Bring

We've got you covered with all the fishing gear - rods, reels, waders, boots, and flies. We'll also pack a hearty lunch to keep you fueled up on the river. All you need to bring is your fishing license (we can help you get one if needed), sunglasses, and layers appropriate for the weather. Don't forget a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. If you've got any favorite flies or gear you want to use, feel free to bring them along. And of course, bring your camera - you're gonna want proof of that monster trout you land!

Local Knowledge: River Rundown

Each of our target rivers has its own personality and fishing style:

Clark Fork: This big, meandering river is known for its diverse bug life and consistent dry fly action. Great for anglers who love to sight fish to rising trout.

Bitterroot: A classic Western freestone river with lots of pocket water and riffles. Famous for its skwala stonefly hatch in early spring.

Blackfoot: Made famous by "A River Runs Through It," the Blackfoot offers stunning scenery and the chance at some truly large trout.

Rock Creek: This intimate stream is perfect for anglers who love technical dry fly fishing and the challenge of navigating tight quarters.

Conservation Corner

We're passionate about preserving these incredible fisheries for future generations. That's why we practice catch-and-release fishing and use barbless hooks. We'll teach you proper fish handling techniques to ensure those trout swim away healthy. By fishing with us, you're also supporting local conservation efforts - we donate a portion of every trip to organizations working to protect Montana's rivers and trout populations.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, by now you're probably itching to get out on the water. Our 9-hour wade fishing trips book up fast, especially during peak season (June-September). Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tick some legendary rivers off your bucket list, or a newbie excited to catch your first trout on a fly, we've got you covered. Give us a call or shoot us an email to check availability and reserve your spot. Trust us, after a day chasing trout in Montana's pristine rivers, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are crafty predators, averaging 2-8 pounds here. Look for them in deeper, slower sections of rivers, especially under cut banks or near logjams. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Fall is fantastic - browns get aggressive before spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their cunning nature and powerful fights. They're not easy to fool, which makes landing one so rewarding. Browns also make for great eating. For best results, try using larger streamers or mouse patterns, especially in low light. A tip from me: when you spot a big brown, don't cast right at it. Place your fly upstream and let it drift naturally into the trout's feeding lane. Patience pays off with these smart fish.

Brown Trout

Cutthroat Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite around here, usually 8-24 inches long. You'll find them in cold, clear streams and rivers, especially near riffles and deep pools. They love hanging out by undercut banks and fallen logs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's cool. Rainbows put up an amazing fight - they'll leap and run, giving you a real thrill on light tackle. Their pink meat is delicious too, mild and flaky. To catch one, try drifting a small nymph or dry fly through likely holding spots. A local trick: focus on seams where fast and slow water meet. That's where rainbows often sit to ambush food drifting by. Be stealthy though, they're wary fish. Once you hook one, be ready for some acrobatics!

Cutthroat Trout

Rainbow Trout

Cutthroat trout are our local specialty, typically 6-18 inches long. You'll spot them in clear, cold mountain streams, often in pocket water behind boulders. They thrive in higher elevation creeks too. Summer's the prime time to target them, when alpine waters warm up. Cutthroats are less wary than other trout, making them fun for beginners. But don't be fooled - big ones can still give you a run for your money. Their vibrant colors and distinctive red slashes make them a beautiful catch. Try using small dry flies or terrestrial patterns, as cutthroats love to feed on the surface. Here's a local secret: focus on the edges of fast water where it meets slower pools. That's where cutthroats often wait to ambush drifting insects. Keep your presentations delicate and you'll be in for some great action.

Rainbow Trout
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