Season:

Our season usually starts in March 15 with dry fly fishing with the Skwala stone fly. April is an awesome month with blue-winged olives, Skwala and midges. May brings the famed Mother's Day Caddis Hatch. June has the salmon flies, golden stones, caddis and PMD's to delight anglers. July our most popular month has golden stones, tons of caddis, PMD's. August is all about terrestrials. Hoppers, ants, and spruce moths. September continues the terrestrial fishing with fall blue-winged olives and October caddis. October is blue-winged olives, October caddis and streamers. We get a great run of lake brown trout coming up the Madison River to spawn. These very large brown trout are aggressive and attack streamers. October is the best month to catch the brown trout of a lifetime with many over 24 inches.

Species:

Because we fish multiple river systems on both sides of the Continental Divide our species list is quite long. Depending on the river we choose to fish each day, we routinely catch rainbow trout, brown trout as well as bookie, whitefish, grayling and bull trout.

Region/Terrain:

Our fly shop is just one long cast away from the world famous Madison River. We guide from the shop on the Blue Ribbon Madison, Yellowstone, Jefferson, Ruby, Big Hole, and Beaverhead Rivers. We also love to travel for great fishing and spend considerable time on the Missouri, Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers, depending on the season and hatches.

We love Montana and want to show you every corner and every fish in this great state.

Typical Weather:

The one thing you can say about the weather in Montana is that it is non-typical and can change in an instant. Spring has warmer days with cold nights. The summer season we are consistently sunny and warm with highs in the 80s during the day and cool evenings. The falls are spectacular with warm sunny days and brisk nights. Remember to always have rain gear and a fleece jacket along no matter what the season.

Gear Recommendations:

We provide all the gear you need for our guided trips free of charge. If you wish to bring your own gear here is a list of what we recommend.

• Rods: We like 9 foot rods in either a 5 or 6 weights. We routinely fish both big dry and wet flies so the added length of a 9 foot rod comes in handy.
• Reels/Line: We prefer floating line for most of our fishing. We also like weight forward line to help turn over big flies on short casts. For nymphing and streamer fishing out of a drift boat we really like Orvis Bank Shot line.
• Sunglasses: You will need a good pair of polarized sunglasses. These not only let you see and fish better but protect your eyes from errant casts.
• Rain Gear: No matter the weather forecast rain gear is a staple on our trips. A lightweight rain coat and pants will save you from being cold and wet during and after an unexpected shower.
• Waders/Shoes: During the spring and fall we wear waders on our trips. Bring lightweight waders with felt sole boots. During the summer we usually wet wade. You can do this with just felt sole wading boots, sandals, or tennis shoes you don't mind getting wet.
• Camera: You will take a lot of pictures on your trip. Bring a quality camera with plenty of memory or film. Also bring a waterproof case. If you do not have one ask your guide to store your camera in a dry box or bag. If you do not bring a camera our guides routinely take pictures during your trip and these are available to you.

What to Bring:

We live and operate in one of the most beautiful areas of the world so you will take lots of photos. Remember all medications needed and personal items. One thing we really love is a buff or neck gator. We wear the wool ones when it is cold and the light ones for sun protection during the summer. Bring along good sun screen. Our average elevation is over 5000 feet so the sun is very direct.

Starting from: $400
You can find all pricing information at: www.thetackleshop.com/guides-fly-fishing-instruction-rates

What is Provided:

On all of our guided trips including full- and half-day trips all rods, reels, waders, boots, flies, and terminal tackle are provided. We have you covered from head-to-toe with everything you might need. We take care of everything. Leave the details to us.

At the time of your booking we will send you a document titled "You and Your Guide" that answers these as well as other frequently asked questions guests have.

How long are your trips?

Generally our full day trips are 8 hours on the water with half-day trips about 4 hours on the water. We are extremely flexible and our stock in trade is working with your schedule.

What rivers do you fish?

Out of our fly shop The Tackle Shop, we routinely fish the Blue Ribbon Madison River, Jefferson, Yellowstone, Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby Rivers. We also love to travel for good fishing and hatches and spend a good deal of time on the Missouri, Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork.

I would like a casting lesson prior to the trip is this possible?

Yes. We do free Fly Fishing 101 classes each Tuesday, Thursday and, Saturday at the store during the summer season. We can also arrange for a private lesson for your group ahead of your trip.

I have never fly fished before, is this a problem?

We love teaching beginners how to fish. All of our guides are Orvis-Endorsed and excel in teaching the fundamentals of fly fishing while making a fun trip.

What is provided?

On our trips we can provide everything you may need. This includes all rods, reels, waders, boots, flies, rain gear, and glasses. We also provide a gourmet streamside lunch and drinks on full-day trips. On half day trips we provide snacks and drinks. We cannot provide alcohol on our trips. If you wish to have alcohol along you must provide it.

In our group, we have a non-fisherman that wants to go along, is this OK?

That is perfectly fine. The non- fisherman will have a great day in nature and will be a big part of your experience.

How much should I tip?

We get asked this a bunch. Our guides work hard each and every day and gratuities are completely up to the guest. Tip what you feel comfortable. As a general rule I suggest tipping the same percentage as if a restaurant exceeded your expectations.

How far is your store from Yellowstone National Park?

We are approximately one hour from the west gate of Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone. Our guests routinely combine their family Yellowstone vacation with a day of fishing.

Additional Activities:

We are happy to be your Montana concierge. We book other activities such as hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, airport shuttles, and Yellowstone and Virginia City tours. We have a large list of lodging providers we work with to create your Montana dream vacation. From rustic all inclusive elegance to local clean hotels and guest ranches to the perfect camping spot we can help. Our local Big Sky/Ennis airport only a few miles from town, can handle most private planes and jets and we provide services right from the tarmac.