Booking your first guided fishing trip is exciting—and maybe a little nerve-wracking if you're not sure what to expect. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced angler trying guided fishing for the first time, knowing what to bring, how the day unfolds, and what your guide will provide makes the experience more enjoyable and stress-free. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for your first Montana fishing adventure.
What to Expect on Your Guided Fishing Trip
A guided fishing trip is designed to maximize your time on the water while minimizing stress and logistics. Here's how a typical day unfolds:
Before Your Trip:
- Confirmation and details: You'll receive trip details including meeting location, time, and what to bring
- Weather check: Your guide monitors conditions and will contact you if changes are needed
- Questions welcome: Don't hesitate to ask about skill level requirements, physical demands, or special needs
Meeting Your Guide:
- Arrive at the designated meeting spot (usually 15 minutes early)
- Your guide will introduce themselves and go over the day's plan
- You'll discuss your experience level, interests, and what you hope to catch
- Equipment fitting and safety briefing happens before launching
On the Water:
- Instruction and coaching: Your guide teaches techniques, fly selection, and reading water
- Hands-on learning: You'll practice casting, mending, and presentation with expert feedback
- Fishing time: Plenty of actual fishing, not just instruction
- Flexibility: The day adapts to conditions, hatches, and your interests
- Breaks and lunch: Time to rest, eat, and enjoy the scenery
End of Day:
- Return to the take-out or starting point
- Gear breakdown and cleanup (your guide handles most of this)
- Recap of the day and tips for future fishing
- Photo sharing and memories
What We Provide
One of the best parts of a guided trip is that we handle the gear and logistics. Here's what's included with Riverstone Outfitters:
Fishing Equipment:
- Quality fly rods and reels matched to conditions
- Flies for the day (we'll go through dozens if needed!)
- Leaders, tippet, and terminal tackle
- Landing nets
- Waders and wading boots (if needed for your trip)
Safety and Comfort:
- Life jackets (required on float trips)
- First aid kit
- Communication devices
- Comfortable, well-maintained boats (for float trips)
Extras:
- Lunch and snacks on full-day trips
- Beverages and water
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Expert local knowledge and instruction
You're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer, but it's not necessary. Many clients enjoy trying our equipment to see what works before making their own purchases.
What to Bring
While we provide fishing gear, there are personal items you'll want to have for comfort and convenience:
Essential Items:
- Montana fishing license: Required for all anglers (available online at Montana FWP or at local shops—we can help you get one)
- Polarized sunglasses: Critical for seeing fish and protecting your eyes
- Sun protection: Hat with brim, sunscreen (we provide backup but bring your own preferred brand)
- Layered clothing: Weather changes quickly in Montana (see clothing section below)
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated (we provide water but a personal bottle is handy)
Recommended Items:
- Camera or phone for photos
- Small backpack or dry bag for personal items
- Prescription medications if needed
- Lip balm with SPF
- Personal snacks or dietary items (we provide lunch but bring extras if you have specific needs)
- Buff or neck gaiter for sun protection
- Waterproof phone case
Optional Items:
- Your own rod and reel (if you prefer)
- Favorite flies or fly box
- Fishing journal or notebook
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
What to Wear
Montana weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. Here's how to dress for success:
Clothing Layers:
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking shirt (avoid cotton—it stays wet and cold)
- Mid layer: Fleece or light insulated jacket for cool mornings
- Outer layer: Waterproof/windproof jacket (even if forecast is clear)
- Pants: Quick-dry pants or shorts (we provide waders if needed)
- Extra layer: Bring an extra warm layer—mornings can be chilly even in summer
Footwear:
- For float trips: Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (old sneakers, sandals with straps, water shoes)
- For wade trips: We provide wading boots, or bring your own if you have them
- Avoid: Flip-flops, bare feet, or shoes you don't want to get wet
Accessories:
- Hat with brim (baseball cap or wide-brim sun hat)
- Buff or bandana for sun/wind protection
- Gloves for cold mornings (spring and fall)
- Rain jacket (always—Montana weather changes fast)
Seasonal Considerations:
- Spring/Fall: Extra warm layers, gloves, beanie—mornings can be in the 30s-40s
- Summer: Lightweight, breathable layers—but still bring a jacket for morning/evening
- All seasons: Prepare for 20-30 degree temperature swings throughout the day
Skill Level: Don't Worry!
One of the most common questions first-timers ask is: "Do I need to know how to fly fish?" The answer is no!
Complete Beginners:
We love teaching first-timers. Your guide will cover:
- Basic casting mechanics and practice
- How to read water and identify fish-holding spots
- Fly selection and why certain patterns work
- Hook setting, fighting, and landing fish
- Proper catch and release techniques
You'll be fishing (and likely catching) within the first hour. Guides are patient, encouraging teachers who want you to succeed.
Experienced Anglers:
If you're an experienced angler, your guide will:
- Adapt to your skill level and push your abilities
- Share advanced techniques and local knowledge
- Put you on productive water you wouldn't find on your own
- Provide insights into seasonal patterns and hatches
Mixed Groups:
Fishing with people of different skill levels? No problem. Guides are experts at balancing instruction and fishing time to keep everyone engaged and successful.
Physical Requirements
Most guided fishing trips are accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, but it helps to know what to expect:
Float Trips:
- Minimal physical demands—you're sitting in a boat most of the day
- Ability to get in/out of boat (guides assist)
- Casting for several hours (less strenuous than it sounds)
- Suitable for most ages and fitness levels
Wade Trips:
- Moderate physical activity—walking on uneven river bottoms
- Balance and stability in current (guides help position you)
- Standing for extended periods
- More physically demanding than float trips but still accessible
Let us know about any physical limitations or concerns when booking—we can recommend the best trip type and make accommodations.
Fishing License Requirements
Montana requires all anglers to have a valid fishing license:
- Where to buy: Online at Montana FWP or at local shops
- What you need: Conservation license + fishing license
- Costs: Vary by residency and trip length (1-day, 2-day, or season)
- Age requirements: Kids under 12 fish free with licensed adult
We can help you understand licensing requirements and where to purchase when you book your trip.
Weather and Cancellations
Montana weather can be unpredictable, but we fish in most conditions:
We Fish In:
- Light rain (often great fishing!)
- Overcast skies (fish love it)
- Cool temperatures (layer up!)
- Wind (we find protected water)
We May Reschedule For:
- Severe thunderstorms or lightning
- Dangerous river conditions (flooding, extreme high water)
- Extreme cold (safety concerns)
Your guide monitors conditions closely and will contact you if changes are needed. We want you to have a safe, enjoyable experience.
Etiquette and Tips
Guide Gratuity:
Tipping your guide is customary and appreciated:
- Standard: 15-20% of trip cost
- Exceptional service: 20-25%
- Cash is preferred but not required
On the Water:
- Listen to your guide's instruction and safety directions
- Ask questions—guides love sharing knowledge
- Be patient with yourself—fishing has a learning curve
- Respect other anglers and give them space
- Practice proper catch and release
- Leave no trace—pack out everything you bring
Making the Most of Your Trip
Before You Go:
- Get a good night's sleep
- Eat a solid breakfast
- Arrive on time (or a few minutes early)
- Communicate any concerns or questions
During Your Trip:
- Stay positive—fishing has ups and downs
- Focus on the experience, not just catching fish
- Take breaks when needed
- Enjoy the scenery and wildlife
- Ask your guide about techniques, flies, and local knowledge
After Your Trip:
- Review what you learned
- Share photos and memories
- Consider what you'd like to try next time
- Leave a review to help future anglers
Ready for Your First Guided Fishing Trip?
A guided fishing trip is one of the best ways to experience Montana's incredible waters, learn new skills, and create lasting memories. Whether you're casting blue-winged olives on a spring creek, drifting midges through a tailwater, or exploring Flathead Lake, your guide will ensure you have an exceptional experience.
Browse our fishing options:
Have questions about your first trip? Contact us—we're here to make sure you're prepared, comfortable, and excited for your Montana fishing adventure.
For more Montana fishing insights, check out our seasonal fishing guide and Glacier Country trip planning tips.