The details
Trip Duration: 8 Hours
Available Locations: Flathead River or Missouri River
Trip Overview: For anglers who want to make a full day of it, our full-day float trip is the way to go. We cover significantly more water than the half-day — working through riffles, runs, and pools across the best stretches of the river — giving you more opportunities to catch fish and more time to dial in your technique. Whether you're a serious angler looking for a technical day on world-class trout water or someone who did the half-day and simply didn't want it to end, a full day on the river is one of the best ways to spend your time in northwest Montana. More water, more fish, and more time to get better — that's what a full day is all about.
What’s Included: All fishing gear, private drift boat, licensed & insured Montana guide, beverages, fishing and casting instruction, local knowledge on conditions, bug hatches & what's working today
What to Bring: Lunch, sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing (warm layers, sun protective clothing, etc.), sun glasses, and a valid fishing license
Up to 2 people per boat
Rate: $650 per boat
Choose your river
One of the things that makes the full-day trip special is the choice of water. Depending on your skill level, the time of year, and how far you're willing to travel, we'll help you pick the right river for your day.
Flathead River: The Flathead is our home water and one of the most beautiful rivers in northwest Montana. Fed by glacial snowmelt, it runs cold and crystal clear well into August — meaning no weeds, active fish, and comfortable conditions even on the hottest summer days. The Flathead is ideal for beginners and first-timers because the native Westslope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout here are willing to come up and eat a big foam dry fly, even when it's not presented perfectly. We float approximately 8 miles between various access points — Teakettle, Pressentine, Kokanee Bend, and Old Steel Bridge — choosing the best stretch based on current conditions.
The Missouri River: If you're willing to make the drive south, the Missouri River near Craig is one of the most productive trout fisheries in the entire country — with an estimated 3,000 fish per mile. The Missouri offers some of the best dry fly fishing in Montana, larger average fish size, and incredibly technical water that rewards anglers who want to dial in their presentation. We float approximately 8 miles between Wolf Creek and Cascade Fishing Access. Keep in mind that the Missouri gets warmer and weedier in the peak of summer — late spring and fall are the prime times to make the trip down there.
Not sure which river is right for you? When you book, just let us know your experience level and what you're looking for — we'll point you in the right direction.
What to expect
Your guide will meet you at a central location and drive to the put-in together — a good chance to talk through the plan, ask questions, and hear what the river is doing that day. Before you launch, your guide will walk you through the basics on the bank — casting, reading water, and what to look for. Once you're on the river, you'll refine everything from the boat as you work through 8 miles of prime trout water.
The technique changes with the conditions and time of year — dry flies, nymphing, dry-dropper rigs — your guide reads the river in real time and puts you in the best position to catch fish all day long. A full day gives you the time to not just catch fish, but to actually get better. By the afternoon most guests are casting more confidently, reading the water on their own, and seeing firsthand why Montana's rivers keep people coming back year after year.
More questions? Give us a call or view our FAQs!
Life on the water with Flathead fly fishing guides
