What's included in a guided fly fishing trip?

Daily rates are based on 1–2 anglers and include a licensed Frontier Anglers professional guide, the drift boat, a streamside lunch provided by the Frontier Anglers Kitchen, and non-alcoholic beverages. Gratuity, fishing licenses, and the booking fee are not included.

How much does a guided trip cost?

Day trip rates are $750 for the boat for one or two anglers, excluding fishing license, gratuity, and booking fee. Book before May 15th and the Early Spring Special takes $100 off. Private water carries a rod fee of $125 per angler per day.

Do I need my own rod and reel for a guide trip?

No. We provide quality rods, reels, and flies on every guided trip. You're welcome to bring your own gear if you'd prefer to fish it, and the shop carries a full selection if you'd like to buy in before your day on the water.

Do I need waders for fishing in Montana?

It depends on the trip and the season. Many drift boat days don't require them, but having your own waders is ideal for spring and fall, and for wade trips. Rental programs exist locally; call the shop and we'll tell you what you'll actually want for your dates.

Do I need a Montana fishing license?

Yes — licenses are not included in the trip rate. You can purchase a Montana fishing license online from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before your trip, or pick one up at the shop when you arrive.

How much should I tip my guide?

A service industry standard tip of around 15–20% is customary when your guide does a good job. On a $750 boat that's roughly $120–$160 between two anglers. Cash is preferred, and most guides accept Venmo. Please don't tip on a card or by check at the shop — it delays the guide's pay and adds payroll deductions.

When is the best time to fish Southwest Montana?

Our guiding season runs March through November. March through May is quiet with eager fish and rising water temps. June and July bring the Big Hole salmonfly hatch and peak dry fly fishing. Late summer on the Beaverhead delivers big-dry, big-fish action, and cranefly season in August can be the most outrageous dry fly fishing of the year.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations 31–60 days before your reservation are charged the full deposit. Cancellations within 30 days are billed the full trip amount. In an emergency we're glad to transfer your reservation to a later date, pending availability, at no charge. Private water and accommodation cancellations received within 60 days are billed one full day or half the total expected cost, whichever is greater.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as you can. June and July on the Big Hole book out well in advance, and private water tends to book early too. Guiding and outfitting usage on both the Big Hole and the Beaverhead was capped in 1997, which keeps the rivers less crowded but also means there are a fixed number of guided days available.

Where is the Frontier Anglers fly shop?

680 N Montana St, Dillon, MT 59725. We're open year-round — Monday through Saturday 8:00a–5:00p and Sunday 8:00a–4:00p. Call us at (406) 683-5276 or toll free at 1-800-228-5263.

Fishing Report

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025 · 2 min read

Fishing Report for 4/2/25

We have been looking forward to this since October 1st of last year. More water is finally open, and we are pumped here at Frontier Anglers. Anglers can now fish the Big Hole, Lower Ruby, and Lower Beaverhead Rivers.

Moisture has been consistent the last few weeks here in Dillon, which has made up for about a month of dry weather. Our snowpack is looking great, and its shaping up to be a great year. River clarity has been near unaffected from the moisture, however this could change due to the warm sunny weather that is in the forecast next week.

Beaverhead: Fishing has been great this last week, baetis have begun to come off the water when cloudy conditions are present. Expect to see some fish hitting those on top, and if you see any consistent rises (approx. 45 secs between rises) throw on a BWO dry fly! Other winter bugs are still producing good numbers of fish, scuds, sowbugs, and midges. Pink has been a very hot color as of recent. Flows are around 100 cfs between Pipe Organ to Grasshopper, and then around 150 cfs below the mouth of Grasshopper Creek.

Big Hole: The Big Hole is finally open! Were excited to finally get on the river for the first time since October of last year! Flows are around 1,100 cfs at Maiden Rock, and 1200 cfs near Glen, MT. River clarity has been shaping up the last few days with the cooler temps, however this is subject to change this next week with warmer sunny days in the forecast. Expect river levels to rise starting Saturday, April 5th. It’s still early to give an exact report on hot bugs however, attractor patterns such as san juans and rubber legs would be a great place to start. Expect to see some baetis on cooler days with overcast weather. We are still waiting for skwalas to hatch, water temps are still in the mid-to-high 30s. Skwalas start to come off of the water when water temps are in the mid-40’s, so look for that to start happening in the coming days.

Clark Canyon Reservoir: Fishing on the lake has been very hit or miss in the last week. However, ice off is finally here! Best fishing conditions for the lake have been overcast days with a slight wind, enough to make a small chop. The bite right now is best in the morning, from 7-10:30 am, with the bite falling off hard shortly after 10:30. Buggers have been producing the most fish, hot colors have been; green, brown, and black.

This next week FWP will begin shocking and tagging fish, call into the shop for the latest report to find out what water stretch to avoid for that specific day.

The season is just beginning and we are pumped for this upcoming summer. The shop is now open 7 days a week from 9 am – 5 pm. Feel free to give us a ring at (406) 683-5276 for the latest river reports and hot flies. We’ll see you out on the river!

– Colin Crawford

Frontier Anglers Shop Guy