What is the best time of year for fly fishing in Montana?

Montana fly fishing season runs May through October on most rivers, including the Flathead, Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Yellowstone — all waters guided by Riverstone Outfitters. Peak dry-fly fishing is July through September, with excellent hatch activity and warm weather. September and October offer fewer crowds and aggressive pre-winter feeding. The Missouri River is the exception: Riverstone guides it year-round, making it ideal for winter or early-spring trips. Book early for summer dates, as guide availability is limited.

Do I need to bring my own fly fishing gear?

No personal gear is required. Riverstone Outfitters provides all equipment: fly rods, reels, waders, wading boots, flies, tippet, and a landing net. All skill levels are welcome — guides provide casting instruction on every trip. The only item clients must obtain separately is a Montana fishing license, which is required by state law and costs $15/day for a non-resident daily license, available online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Dress in layers appropriate for weather; waders are provided over your clothing.

What is Riverstone Outfitters’ cancellation policy?

Riverstone Outfitters requires a 50% deposit at booking; the balance is charged automatically 7 days before your trip. Cancellation policy: 30+ days before your trip — deposit refunded minus a $30 fee; 8–29 days before — deposit is non-refundable (refund issued only if the slot is rebooked); 7 days or less — full trip cost is non-refundable. Credit card processing fees are non-refundable in all cases. If Riverstone cancels due to unsafe weather or unfishable water conditions, clients receive a full reschedule or refund. No-shows are charged in full.

What should I expect on a guided fly fishing trip with Riverstone Outfitters?

A Riverstone Outfitters guided trip is a full-day float with an expert local guide on rivers including the Flathead, Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Yellowstone, or Missouri. Trips are 1–2 anglers per guide and boat; larger groups are accommodated by adding guides. All gear is provided (fly rods, reels, waders, wading boots, flies, tippet, landing net). Guides tailor instruction to every skill level — beginners receive casting lessons, experienced anglers get advanced coaching. Guests must bring a Montana fishing license ($15/day non-resident daily). Trips run May through October on most rivers; the Missouri River is guided year-round.

Are Riverstone Outfitters trips suitable for kids or non-anglers?

Yes. Riverstone Outfitters offers several family-friendly, beginner-accessible experiences. The Flathead Lake Fishing Charter, Wild Horse Island Boat Tour, and the combined Flathead Lake Charter + Wild Horse Island combo trip require no fishing experience and welcome guests of all ages, including kids and non-anglers. River fly fishing trips are also open to all skill levels, with guides providing instruction from the first cast. All gear is included on every trip. A Montana fishing license ($15/day non-resident daily) is required only for guests who are fishing.

Field Notes - Montana Fly Fishing Blog

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April 26, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 6 min read

Flathead Lake Fishing Charters: Everything You Need to Know

Flathead Lake holds the largest wild lake trout in Montana. Here's everything you need to know about booking a guided charter on this spectacular Rocky Mountain fishery.

September 30, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 8 min read

Montana Fishing Regulations Explained: Seasons, Limits, Hoot Owl & Catch-and-Release

How Montana's fishing regulations actually work: the three districts, season dates, why Exceptions override standard rules, what hoot-owl restrictions mean for your trip, and which species are protected.

September 29, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 8 min read

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Montana Fishing Trip? 2027 Planning Guide

Peak summer dates book 6 to 12 months out. A season-by-season booking timeline, what needs the most lead time, when last minute actually works, and how to plan 2027.

September 28, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 9 min read

Streamer Fishing for Fall Brown Trout in Montana

Fall is the season for the biggest brown trout of your year. Gear, flies, water reading, retrieves, and the ethics of fishing during the brown trout spawn.

September 26, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 8 min read

Glacier National Park in Fall 2026: Record Crowds, Road Closures & What to Know

Glacier is on pace to challenge its all-time visitation record, and fall will decide it. The 2026 numbers, Going-to-the-Sun Road fall closures, and how to pair a park day with a day on the water.

September 25, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 8 min read

Montana Fishing License Requirements 2026: Costs, Types & How to Buy

Everything you need to fish legally in Montana in 2026: who needs a license, resident and nonresident costs, the Conservation License and AIS Prevention Pass, and how to buy before your guided trip.

September 24, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 9 min read

Fall Fly Fishing in Montana: A September and October Guide

Why fall is the season Montana guides protect on their own calendars: cooler water, aggressive pre-spawn browns, Blue-Winged Olives, thin crowds, and a hard November 30 river closure.

September 24, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 8 min read

Fall Mack Days 2026 on Flathead Lake: Dates, Prizes & How to Fish It

Fall Mack Days runs Sept 10 to Nov 8, 2026 on Flathead Lake, and the $10,000 tagged lake trout is still out there. Dates, check-in sites, prizes, licenses, and how to fish it on a guided charter.

Angler releasing a westslope cutthroat trout back into the Blackfoot River

August 24, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 15 min read

The Complete Guide to Blackfoot River Fly Fishing Guides

Build a clear, buyer-focused guide that helps anglers evaluate Blackfoot River fly fishing guides, compare trip types and logistics, and confidently book with a trusted Montana outfitter.

August 21, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 5 min read

Flathead Lake vs. Flathead River: Which Montana Fishing Trip Is Right for You?

Not sure whether to fish Flathead Lake or the Flathead River? A local guide breaks down the species, experience, and which option fits your group best.

Riverstone Outfitters guide holding a brown trout submerged in the water during a safe catch-and-release

August 20, 2026 Riverstone Outfitters 7 min read

Hoot Owl Restrictions in Montana: What August Anglers Need to Know

Hoot owl restrictions are shaping Montana fly fishing this August. Here's what the 2 p.m. closure rule means, which of our rivers — including the Madison, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, and Yellowstone — are currently affected, and how we adjust guided trips to keep you fishing. Fishing elsewhere in Montana? Check FWP's current restrictions page.