Question 1

What's included in a guided trip?

Accepted Answer

Every trip includes a professional guide, drift boat, and all the gear — rods, reels, flies, leaders, and tippet. Full-day trips include lunch (deli sandwiches when it's warm, grilled riverside when it's cold); half-day trips include snacks. Either way there's a cooler of Coke, Diet Coke, and water. Just let us know about any dietary needs or drink requests. You bring a Montana fishing license, weather-appropriate clothing, and polarized sunglasses.

Question 2

Do I need a fishing license?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Montana fishing licenses are required for everyone 12 and older. You can buy a 2-day, 10-day, or season license online from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before your trip.

Question 3

What skill level do I need?

Accepted Answer

Any skill level. Whether it's your first time holding a fly rod or you've been fishing for decades, Tom will meet you where you are — first-timers land fish all the time.

Question 4

Which river will we fish?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the season, the flows, and what's fishing best that week. We guide the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, and Clark Fork out of Missoula, plus the Missouri tailwater — Tom picks the water that gives you the best day.

Question 5

What's the difference between a full day and a half day?

Accepted Answer

A full day is 6–8 hours on the water with lunch included ($750). A half day is 3–4 hours with snacks ($600). Both include the guide, drift boat, and all gear.

Question 6

When is the best time to fish?

Accepted Answer

Western Montana fishes well from spring through fall. Spring brings skwala and early dries on the Bitterroot, summer is prime dry-fly season across all the rivers, and fall is famous for aggressive brown trout. Prime weeks book up early — reach out well ahead.

The Clark Fork