Preparing for Your Guide Trip

Fishing Report

We try to make our Missoula area guide trips as all-inclusive as possible. They include all flies, terminal tackle, rods & reels, lunch, water & soda, transportation to and from the river and of course expert instruction.

THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING

  • Hat with a brim
  • Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
  • Montana Fishing License  (Can be purchased in Missoula when you arrive or online here: Online Licensing System)

SUMMER MONTHS: THINGS THAT WE RECOMMEND

  • Long sleeve light weight layers for sun protection
  • Sandals, water shoes, or tennis shoes that can get a little wet – In the summer months wet wading is the norm and we rarely use waders
  • A warm layer or two –  Such as a fleece or jacket.  Even in summer it can be chilly in the mornings.
  • Rain Gear – We have extras if you don’t have your own
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera

SPRING AND FALL: THINGS THAT WE RECOMMEND

  • Waders and Boots – These are recommended but not necessary.  On a float trip we generally don’t do a whole lot of wading. We recommend them simply because they will keep you warm and dry in any conditions and they make getting in and out of the boat easier.  There are several businesses in town that rent waders if you do not have your own.  High quality rain gear will also work really well as an alternative to waders.
  • Warm Layers – A good rule of thumb: Check the weather and then prepare for much colder temperatures.   Fleeces, long underwear, warm socks, warm hat, warm gloves – There is plenty of dry storage in the boat for warm layers that are not in use
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera

RECOMMENDED FISHING GEAR FOR MISSOULA GUIDE TRIPS

Our guides show up everyday with the proper fishing equipment needed for a day of fly fishing.  Rods, reels, lines, leaders, tippet, etc. are all included in your guide trip.  If you have your own equipment that you would like to bring you are more than welcome to do so.  Below is a list of fishing equipment suitable for our area.

  • Rod & Reel – 9 foot 5 or 6 weight rods that are medium to fast action are the perfect size for our larger rivers.  Weight forward floating lines are what we generally use.
  • Leaders – 7.5′ or 9′ leaders in 2x, 3x, or 4x are great for our area
  • Tippet – This depends on the fishing conditions but generally speaking we can get away with heavier tippet here.  3x, 4x, and 5x are the norm during most seasons.   Occasionally we will use 6x during certain mayfly hatches.