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Fishing License

You will need to purchase a State of Montana Fishing License. You can purchase them online. After purchasing one online it is important that you either print out a copy or have an electronic version of it downloaded to your phone. Taking care of all this the day before your trips makes things much easier the morning of your fishing trip. Click the link at the bottom of the page for a State of Montana Fishing License or click here for a Montana Fishing License. 

What To Bring

It is important to dress appropriate for the weather. Spring and fall it's important to dress warm enough that you don't get cold during the day. Mid to heavy fleece , rain jacket and pants. Waders are a good idea if it's cold and raining out but not necessary. In the Summer you should dress comfortable. Quick dry pants, long sleeve sun shirt and comfortable water shoes are a good idea. A hat to keep the sun out, polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes, face mask to keep the sun off and of course sunscreen. If you have rain gear bring it along, if not your guide will have a spare rain jacket for you. 

Start Times

The time we start our fishing excursions is dependent on where you we will be fishing and the time of year. Typical start times are 8:00 am meeting at True Water Fly Shop. Later in the season, start times could range from 9:30-11:00. However, sometimes it is better to pick up parties at their place of lodging or for parties to meet their guides at or near a specific location near the river. Because of this, it is important to be in contact with True Water Fly Shop after booking your trip.  If you book a Missouri River, Clark Fork or Blackfoot trip you and your guide will determine where and what time you will meet. 

Your Guide Will Call You

Your guide will contact you a couple of days or the day before the trip is scheduled to keep you and your party up-to-date on fishing conditions, find out any special time constraints you may have, any special dietary needs your party may have or anything else that would be important to know about your fishing trip.  

Party Size
The party size is between one and two individuals per boat. It is possible for a boat to carry a third person under special circumstances. It is important to know that a third angler in the boat is not ideal because it takes away from the experience of the day. Only two anglers can fish at a time so one angler will not be able to fish while the other two are fishing. It is important for you to notify the shop staff member booking your trip so that specific arrangements can be made with your guide for a third angler. There is a $50 additional fee for a third angler on half day fishing trips and a $100 additional fee for a third angler on full day trips.

Transportation

Your guide will transport you and your party to the launch location where he or she will prepare the boat and your equipment if needed. Once on the water, the guide’s vehicle will be shuttled to the take-out point, where it will be waiting for you and your party when the day ends. After your day of fishing, your guide will bring you back to True Water Fly Shop or someplace else that is convenient for you. If you and your guide have decided to fish a river that is further away it is important to have your own vehicle to meet the guide closer to the river. 

Length of Your Day

The length of a day of fishing is entirely at the discretion of you and your party. It is important to notify your guide if there are time constraints or stamina issues, so that he or she does not decide to fish a section of water that requires an extended amount of time. A typical full day of fishing is between 7 and 8 hours and half day trips are 4 hours.

Teaching

True Water Fly Shop guides are well versed at teaching those in their boats. We take new anglers all the time and we're very patient teachers and supportive through the day. We'll have you casting in no time, mending line and getting drifts, seeing trout eat your dry fly, setting the hook and landing fish. Your guide will show you how it's done. 

Drift Boat and Wading

Much of the fishing occurs from the boat while floating or being anchored. However, some of our rivers fish very well with wade fishing techniques. It is your choice, but trust your guide’s decision and be prepared to exit the boat and wade fish if your guide deems it necessary. 

Lunches

Typical morning fishing lasts from the time you are on the water until between noon and 1:30 pm. There will be break for lunch at this time, generally lasting between a half hour  to an hour. Your guide will assemble a table and chairs for a stream side lunch prepared to your liking. Guides will provide lunches based on your dietary needs. From vegetarian to vegan or Light lunch to a full lunch, rest assured your guide will have a great lunch.  After lunch, you will be back in the boat and fishing until you reach the take-out point. 

Trip Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip insurance when traveling to Montana for a fishing trip. Things happen, planes get delayed, bags get lost, maybe it snows in July or something happens and you have to cancel your trip. Global Rescue has you covered from medical care to getting a large percentage of your trip refunded for any unforeseen cancellations.  Click the link at the bottom of the page for more information.