The details
Trip Duration: Half-Day (4 hours) or Full Day (8 Hours)
Available Locations: Flathead River - Lower Sections
Trip Overview: The jet boat trip is one of the most unique fishing experiences on the Flathead River — and one of the most versatile. Unlike a drift boat float, the jet boat gives you the freedom to go where the fish are, hit the best spots, and cover water that no other guide can reach. In a single day you can chase native Cutthroat Trout in cold, clear riffles, drop into untouched trout habitat below Old Steel Bridge where willing fish see almost no pressure, and then run downriver into the pike and bass fishery for some of the most visual, exciting fishing in northwest Montana. It's the Flathead from a completely different angle — and once you've done it, you'll understand why our guests keep coming back for more.
What’s Included: All fishing gear, private jet boat, licensed & insured Montana guide, beverages, fishing and casting instruction, local knowledge on conditions, bug hatches & what's working today
What to Bring: Sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing (warm layers, sun protective clothing, etc.), lunch, sun glasses, and a valid fishing license
Rate: $590 half day / $800 full day (per boat, up to 2 guests)
Max guests: 3 (a $75 fee applies for a 3rd guest)
What to expect
The jet boat opens up the Flathead River in a way a drift boat simply can't. Here's what a typical day looks like:
Upper river — Cutthroat Trout We'll start above Old Steel Bridge, working specific runs and riffles where your guide knows fish are holding. This isn't floating through water and hoping — it's precision fishing on spots that consistently produce. Native Westslope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout in cold, clear water with the Swan and Whitefish Ranges in the background.
Below Old Steel Bridge — Less Pressured Trout Water The first few miles below Old Steel Bridge are some of the most lightly fished trout habitat on the entire Flathead River. The fish here see significantly less angling pressure than the upper stretches — not because the fishing is better or worse, but simply because most anglers never make it down there. It's a different piece of river with its own character, and for guests who want to explore water off the beaten path it's a genuinely special experience.
Lower River — Pike & Bass on the Flats Keep heading downriver and the character of the Flathead changes completely. Sand flats, weed beds, and warm backwaters hold Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass — and most of the fishing is sight fishing. You'll spot the fish before you cast, watch them track the fly, and see the eat. It's explosive, visual, and unlike anything most fly anglers have experienced.
More questions? Give us a call or view our FAQs!
Life on the water with Flathead fly fishing guides
