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 8, 2025

April 8, 2025 · 2 min read

Fishing Report for 4/8/25

After about a week or so of fishing water that was previously closed for the winter, Frontier Anglers shop staff and guides have had a great time on the water. The fishing is HOT right now and it will only pick up from here on out!

Big Hole River: SKWALAS ARE HERE! Water temps on the Big Hole have finally met the parameters for skwalas to start hatching. A few bugs have been spotted on the river below Melrose. It is still early for this hatch but it seems that fish are already tuned into the big bugs! The best conditions for fishing the skawala hatch are overcast days with little wind. Look for fish that are rising as they are more inclined to hit your dry, however blind casting the banks has also worked well. Nymphing has also been great in the morning, throwing attractors such as san juan worms and rubber legs with baetis droppers. Flows have started to rise again with the warmer weather that we have been experiencing in the last couple of days. They should continue to increase and begin to plateau over the weekend, expect flows to be around 1200 cfs this weekend. FWP has wrapped up shocking and tagging fish on the Big Hole, so look out for tagged fish! As always, be cautious floating on the big hole, as conditions are never stagnant on this freestone!

Beaverhead River: Fishing on the lower Beaverhead (below Barretts Diversion) has been great this last week! Nymphing and throwing streamers has been the way to go, however on overcast days a strong baetis hatch has been present. If you see consistent risers, it is worth throwing on drys such as a parachute adams or any BWO pattern. Hot bugs for nymphing have been san juans and baetis droppers, really anything olive. Along with this; midges, sowbugs, and scuds are always a great fallback if you cannot figure it out while on the river. FWP will begin to shock and tag fish on the Beaverhead river this week, call into the shop to see what section(s) to avoid!

We are still running our Spring Special for our guided fishing trips! If you book a trip with us prior to May 15th you’ll receive an offer of $100 off your trip! As always call into the shop with any questions, we are open 7 days a week from 9am – 5pm.

– Colin Crawford

Frontier Anglers Shop Guy