Montana Fly Fishing

Guided Fishing Trips

Explore the legendary waters of the Bighorn with expert guides.

Choose Your Ideal Fishing Adventure

Whether you want a half-day on the water or a full day of learning to fly fish, we have a trip for you. Click “Learn More” for details on each excursion.

Half Day Trip

Half Day Trip

1–2 anglers

$475
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Full Day 1 Angler

Full Day (1 Angler)

Enjoy a more personalized day on the water

$575
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Full Day 2 Anglers

Full Day (2 Anglers)

Two anglers and one guide per drift boat

$695
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Learn to Fly Fish

Learn to Fly Fish

Full Day Begginner Fly Fishing Course (1–2 anglers)

$495
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Half Day Trip

Half Day Guided Fly Fishing

  • 4 hours on the water
  • 1–2 anglers per boat
  • All flies & tackle included

Perfect for those with limited time or looking for a warm-up session on the Bighorn. Our experienced guides will take you to prime fishing holes, providing gear, flies, and personalized instruction throughout the morning or afternoon outing.

Half Day Guided Fly Fishing

$475 total (1–2 anglers, gear included)

Includes boat, guide, tackle and flies. Does not include lunch, gratuities or fishing license.

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Full Day 1 Angler

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing (1 Angler)

  • 6–8 hours on the water
  • 1 angler per boat for maximum 1-on-1 instruction
  • All flies & tackle included

Enjoy an immersive day of fishing tailored to you alone. Receive in-depth instruction from your guide, covering casting techniques, reading the water, while you fish prime water on the Bighorn River.

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing(1 Angler)

$575 total for 1 angler, gear included

Includes guide, boat, flies, all tackle and a mid-day riverside lunch. Does not include gratuities or fishing license.

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Full Day 2 Anglers

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing (2 Anglers)

  • 7-8 hours on the water
  • 2 anglers per boat
  • All flies & tackle included

Share the boat with a friend and enjoy a full day exploring the famous waters of the Bighorn. Our guide will tailor the trip to both anglers’ skill levels, ensuring everyone gets plenty of time catch fish and hone their technique.

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing (2 Anglers)

$695 total for 2 anglers, gear included

Includes guide, boat, flies, and a mid-day riverside lunch. Does not include gratuities or fishing license.

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Learn to Fly Fish

Learn to Fly Fish (Full Day Course)

  • 1–2 anglers per session
  • Comprehensive instruction for beginners
  • All flies, tackle, and practice gear included

A perfect introductory course for those new to fly fishing. Spend a full day learning casting fundamentals, knot tying, reading water, and angling tactics while floating and wade fishing the Bighorn River. Your guide will provide hands-on coaching, ensuring you leave with the skills to fish independently.

Learn to Fly Fish Rate

$495 total (1–2 anglers), gear included

Includes everything you need: rod, reel, flies, tackle and dedicated instruction. Does not include gratuities or fishing license.

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Additional Trip Information

Included in Your Trip

  • Experienced fishing guide
  • Fly Rod and Reel
  • All terminal tackle and flies
  • Lunch (full-day trip) and beverages
  • Transportation to and from the river

Not Included in Your Trip

  • Guide gratuities
  • Montana fishing license

Deposit & Cancellation Policy

  • A $200 deposit is required per day of fishing at time of booking
  • A full refund is issued for cancellations 30+ days in advance less a 10% cancellation fee. Inside 30 days, deposit is forfeited.

What To Bring

  • Rain jacket, hat, sunglasses
  • Sun-protective clothing & sunscreen
  • Cold-weather layers (spring/fall)
  • Waders, boots, or sandals
  • Personal fishing gear
  • Montana fishing license

FAQ

  • All skill levels welcome—great for learning on the Bighorn
  • Half-day ~4 hours; full-day ~8 hours
  • Alcohol allowed (responsibly), but not provided

Booking a Guide Trip

  • Call our friendly shop staff to pick the best dates
  • Email or use our contact form to check availability

Meet the Guides

HaleHarris

Hale Harris

Birthplace: Sheridan, WY

Co-owner of Bighorn Trout Shop, Hale has guided fly fishermen in Alaska, western Montana, and the Bighorn River. The Bighorn has been his home since 1985 and he and his wife, Shelly, have raised a family in the valley. Most of his children have worked in the lodge, and concerns about child-labor laws notwithstanding, have helped the Trout Shop run efficiently. In the fall, you might find Hale on a Pacific Northwest steelhead river, but his guiding experience on the Bighorn is second to none.

Steve Hilbers

Steve Hilbers

Birthplace: Flagstaff, AZ

Steve has been co-owner of the Bighorn Trout Shop for the last 40 years, and he grew up fishing and hunting in the western United States. Steve has worked as a big game and upland-bird hunting guide, guided in western Montana, and hosted trips from Alaska to Belize. He has several thousand Bighorn River guide trips under his belt, and his experience will help you find the big trout you’re looking for. He and his wife, J.J., have won the prestigious Bighorn Carp Tournament several times and the sight of their boat strikes fear into the hearts of other competitors.

Merritt Harris

Merritt Harris

Birthplace: Denver
Favorite Fishing: Trout, Redfish, Carp.

Merritt has a reputation as one of the top guides in the Bighorn Valley. He knows the river’s trout by name and has guided with Bighorn Trout Shop almost from its inception. His drift boat, painted like a giant brown trout, is a local legend.

Steve Anderson

Steve Anderson

Birthplace: Sheridan, Wyoming
Favorite Fishing: Trophy trout in his secret spots.

Steve has been rowing the Bighorn for 25 years. He’s known for his easy-going demeanor and big laugh. Clients appreciate his expertise and fun approach. If he’s not guiding, he may be chasing mule deer in Custer National Forest.

Steve Lynn

Steve Lynn

Birthplace: Rapid City, South Dakota

One of our most hardworking guides, Steve is loved by beginners and experts alike. He’s known for putting in the extra effort to get you on the fish. His affable nature and skill on the oars make for a memorable float trip.

Kip Dean

Kip Dean

Birthplace: Black Hills, South Dakota

Kip has guided here since the ’90s. He’s known for his all-around, unconventional humor and dedication to helping clients catch fish. Be ready for a few laughs and a lot of trout when Kip is rowing you down the river.

Dante Bonanini

Dante Bonanini

Birthplace: Boulder, Colorado

Dante has been guiding on the Bighorn River for over a decade and as a resident of St. Xavier, he’s a true local. He currently serves as a board member of the Bighorn River Alliance and is fully committed to preserving and enhancing the fishery. When he’s not on the water, you can find him wake surfing, snowboarding, or fishing with his family. Whether guiding beginners or seasoned anglers, Dante has the knowledge and skills necessary to make your day on the river special.

Dave Palumbo

Dave Palumbo

A native of upstate New York, Dave has been guiding on the Bighorn since 1993.

Known for his extensive knowledge and calm demeanor, Dave helps anglers of all levels find success. He might root for Syracuse, but his loyalties on the river are firmly with his clients.

Gregory Wood

Gregory “Woody” Wood

Birthplace: Schuykill County, PA

Woody grew up in eastern Pennsylvania where he had a trout stream running through the family farm. He’s been working on his dry fly game since the age of eight, although friends have told me that his 'reach cast' was a bit suspect back then. Greg served eight years in the United States Marine Corps and did two tours in Iraq. He has been guiding fly anglers since 2012 and his passion and dedication to the sport is contagious.

Jim Wilkins

Jim Wilkins

Grew up hunting and fishing in Nevada.

Jim has guided for many years and is well-respected in both hunting and fishing circles. His calm expertise on the water consistently produces big smiles and big trout for his clients.

John Mangan

John Mangan

John Mangan was born and raised in Kentucky and has been obsessed with fly fishing since he was a teenager.

John has fished all over the mid-south and guided in Smoky Mountain National Park. When he experienced what Montana had to offer there was no looking back. He has proven to be an outstanding guide who will teach you what you need to know to catch the Bighorn’s legendary trout.

F.J. Freenor

F.J. Freenor

Spent childhood summers on the Bighorn.

F.J. left a “real job” to chase trout full-time. Known for his patient teaching style and mellow demeanor, F.J. welcomes beginners and seasoned anglers alike to discover the magic of the Bighorn.

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

Raised in northern Wyoming

Scott brings skill and humor to every float. Clients praise his fish-finding instincts and laid-back vibe. A family man, Scott excels at teaching kids and novices while also challenging experienced anglers.

Jim Arthur

Jim Arthur

California native turned Montana local

Jim left the corporate world to pursue his passion for fly fishing. Quietly confident and proficient, Jim’s approach is calm, thorough, and highly effective. He’ll make sure you have a top-notch day on the river.

Ready to Fish the Bighorn?

Contact us to check availability and plan your perfect Montana fishing experience.