# Frontier Anglers > Southwest Montana's premier full-service fly shop, in Dillon since 1977. Guided drift boat fly fishing on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Ruby Rivers. ## About **Serious water. Good company.** Our guides are professional, patient, knowledgeable, and above all, tons of fun to spend a day on the water with. Because we believe the fishing in Southwest Montana is some of the best in the state, it's only fitting that we employ the best guides to reflect that. ## Location - Region: Dillon, MT - City: Dillon - State: MT - Areas served: Dillon, Southwest Montana, Beaverhead County, Twin Bridges, Melrose, Wise River, Whitehall, Alder ## Trips - [Browse all trips](https://frontieranglers.com/trips) ### Full Day Guided Float - Price: Starting at $750 - Duration: Full day A full day in the drift boat for one or two anglers on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Jefferson, or Madison. Includes your licensed guide, streamside lunch from our kitchen, and all the local knowledge that comes with 40+ seasons on this water. Excludes fishing license, gratuity, and booking fee. ### Early Spring Special — $100 Off - Price: Starting at $650 - Duration: Full day Book before May 15th and enjoy more solitude on the river. Early spring is a great time of year for big hungry brown trout as they emerge from winter with an appetite — streamers and some dry fly opportunities provide some of the best fishing of the year. ### Private Water - Price: Rod fee $125 per angler, per day - Duration: Full day Some of the best private water fishing in Montana, including Wheat's Lake — a 21-acre stillwater full of big browns and rainbows, plus access to over two miles of the Beaverhead. Some waters require a guide; ask when you reserve. These book early. ## Waters Southwest Montana sits at the center of the finest trout fishing in the lower forty-eight. We have 250-plus miles of floatable water within a short distance of our home base in Dillon, plus countless miles of small streams and a plethora of stillwater fisheries. ### Beaverhead River (tailwater) A small tailwater with large fish, narrow and willow-lined over its entire length. Fifteen miles of trophy trout water from Clark Canyon Dam to Barrett's Diversion. **The river** Originating at the outflow of Clark Canyon Dam, the Beaverhead River is a small tailwater with large fish. The Beaverhead is narrow and willow-lined over its entire length. There is never a dull moment as anglers drift and/or wade the river. We are unaware of any fishery that allows fishermen to see and sight fish to as many nice trout as the Beaverhead. The fifteen miles of water that twist and turn from Clark Canyon Dam to Barrett's Diversion is some of the best trophy trout fishing in the country. The abundant and large brown and rainbow trout of the Beaverhead eat a variety of flies throughout the season. Nymph fishing is always productive. Streamer fishing can be fast and furious. Small dry fly fishing peaks in mid-summer, and some of the best big-dry, big-fish fishing that we've ever seen anywhere takes place in late summer. Similar to the Big Hole River, outfitting and guiding usage was capped in 1997. This translates to less crowded fishing as angling pressure continues to rise on many other rivers. Anglers seeking even more solitude might be interested in fishing portions of the river downstream where we have private access. **Hatches & fly patterns** Three major hatches — PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and Caddis — continue for most of the summer season with varying degrees of intensity. In most years you'll see PMDs and little Yellow Sallies last clear into the first week of September, with larger and larger Caddis becoming more prevalent in mid-September. During the first week of August we start to see Tricos, and of course this is when the big “riffle” craneflies start their descent on area waters and can provide the most outrageous dry fly fishing of the year. Excellent dry fly fishing continues until we get the really cold weather towards the end of November. With a good mixture of both brown and rainbow trout in the upper Beaverhead, anglers can expect to catch a number of fine trout on most any day of the season. **When to fish** Our guiding season starts in March and we continue to fish right on through November. The fishing in March, April, and May can be exceptionally good — the traffic is quiet and fish are eager to feed as water temps rise. Since the Beaverhead is a tailwater fishery, run-off is usually never an issue, except during a few weeks below where Grasshopper Creek enters. June, July, August, and September are popular times to fish the Beaverhead. Many anglers fear the heat of late summer, but in our neck of the woods daytime temperatures rarely exceed 95 and do not interfere with the outstanding fishing that is found. And since the Beaverhead is a bottom-release dam, water temperatures are not a problem. [More on Beaverhead River](https://frontieranglers.com/waters/beaverhead-river) ### Big Hole River (freestone) There is no river on Planet Earth that is in the same class as the Big Hole River — the finest freestone trout stream in Montana. **The river** The finest freestone trout stream in Montana, the Big Hole River begins near Jackson and flows 150 miles to its confluence with the Beaverhead, forming the Jefferson River. Best described by the late George Grant as “a big, little river”, the Big Hole is revered by all those that have dropped a fly into its waters. The Big Hole starts as a wide and meandering meadow stream surrounded by majestic peaks in its headwaters before picking up speed and added volume from the Wise River. Below the Wise River, the Big Hole runs through a section of canyon water known for some of the best salmonfly fishing in the world during mid-June. As the river leaves the canyon it becomes a valley river lined with cottonwood trees. Equally as diverse as the water on the Big Hole is the varied opportunity for anglers. It is possible in a single day on the upper river to catch brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout as well as arctic grayling. The Big Hole holds the last remaining native, stream-dwelling population of arctic grayling in the lower 48. As the river leaves the canyon, brown trout begin to dominate the fish population. **When to fish** We fish the Big Hole primarily from mid-April through July and throughout the fall. Fly fishermen seeking excellent fishing with a degree of solitude should inquire about our discounted spring guided float trips. Providing another degree of solitude are the regulations placed on the Big Hole. While pressure from guides and outfitters continues to grow on other rivers in Montana, the Big Hole remains protected by a set of rules implemented in 1997 that capped the growth of guided fishing trips. We have an abundance of usage on the Big Hole but urge those interested in fishing in June and July to book their trip as early as possible. [More on Big Hole River](https://frontieranglers.com/waters/big-hole-river) ### Jefferson River (valley river) Incredible backdrop and even better fishing — the hardest-pulling rainbows we know of, and some oversized brown trout. **The river** The Jefferson River starts at the confluence of the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers. The Jefferson flows north to the town of Whitehall and then east until it joins the Madison and Gallatin Rivers to form the Missouri River near Three Forks. The Jefferson doesn't fish well every day, but we know the conditions to look for and race to the Jefferson when the situation is ideal. The hardest-pulling rainbows that we know of and some oversized brown trout live in the Jeff, as it is affectionately known. Dry flies, streamers, and dry/dropper rigs all have their time and place on the Jefferson. A beautiful valley river with the Tobacco Root Mountains as a backdrop makes the Jefferson a favorite of our angling clients. [More on Jefferson River](https://frontieranglers.com/waters/jefferson-river) ### Ruby River (small water) In the Ruby Valley north of Dillon lies a small dynamic fishery — a hidden gem for small stream aficionados. **The river** The headwaters of the Ruby are on the Beaverhead National Forest where the river forms as a small freestone. A majestic mountain setting combined with eager rainbows, cutthroats, and grayling make the upper Ruby a hidden gem for small stream aficionados. The Ruby River flows into the Ruby Reservoir near Alder. It emerges from the reservoir as a smaller version of the Beaverhead. Brown trout make up almost the entire fish population from the dam downstream. Limited public access from Alder to the Ruby's eventual confluence with the Beaverhead near Twin Bridges presents some challenges for access — we have access to a couple of places and are always eager to share our knowledge of the Ruby. [More on Ruby River](https://frontieranglers.com/waters/ruby-river) ### Clark Canyon Reservoir (stillwater) Spring provides some of the best stillwater fishing for large trout anywhere. **The water** Spring time provides some of the best stillwater fishing for large trout. Conditions vary and at times can be phenomenal. Summer time can also be productive fishing near springs or tributaries. [More on Clark Canyon Reservoir](https://frontieranglers.com/waters/clark-canyon-reservoir) ### Private Waters (private access) Frontier Anglers offers some of the best private water fishing in Montana. These waters tend to book early, so please reserve your spot early. **Fish private waters in Montana** Frontier Anglers offers some of the best private water fishing in Montana. Some of our waters require a guide, some do not, so please ask at the time of reservation. These waters tend to book early, so please reserve your spot early. **Wheat's Lake** A beautiful setting with an abundance of large browns and rainbows. Wheat's is a very productive 21-acre lake that offers the chance at catching the trout of a lifetime — it is full of big fish. We have caught rainbows to 8 pounds and browns over 10. An endless food supply of damsels, scuds, midges, Callibaetis, crayfish, small chubs, leeches, water boatman, and small ducks (at certain times of the year) prove that these fish will never go on a diet. Stalking bank feeders or going offshore and fishing hidden drop-offs and shelves, you'll find plenty of action at Wheat's. The ranch property also provides access to over two miles of the Beaverhead River. Rod fees: $125 per angler, per day. On your first trip, you are required to have a guide with you. To reserve private water, call us at (406) 683-5276 or toll free at 1-800-228-5263. [More on Private Waters](https://frontieranglers.com/waters/private-waters) ## Meet our guides Looking for the best guided fly fishing trip in Montana? Our guides are professional, patient, knowledgeable, and above all, tons of fun to spend a day on the water with. ### Shaun Jeszenka — Owner · MT Licensed Outfitter #4442 Originally from Missoula, MT, Shaun has been an outfitter and guide for over 36 years in Southwest Montana. Shaun became the new owner of Frontier Anglers in January of 2019. He continues to spend most of his days on the water and hosts trips to destinations around the world. ### Joe Aanes — Guide Joe Aanes is one of the most vetted guides in the state of Montana. With endless hours spent on the river, Joe provides his clients with an endless knowledge of fisheries — he's truly a trout whisperer. When not on the river, Joe spends his time tending to his beautiful garden. ### Dan Bonar — Guide Dan is from southwest Nebraska, where he grew up fishing and hunting with his family. In his early 20s, Dan moved to Alaska and caught the fly fishing bug. He worked and guided the next seven years in Alaska and Colorado before moving to Montana. Dan has been a staple here at Frontier Anglers for years now — one of those guides with unlimited patience, a great attitude, and a smile you won't soon forget. ### Joseph Lema — Guide Joseph came to us from California via the Montana Western football team, where he was an all-conference punter. Fly fishing brought him to us, where — like so many do — he first worked in the shop and then guided for us. After earning his degree in 2022 he decided to stay on and guide, and we're glad he did. ### Will Larson — Guide Born in Missoula and most recently a graduate of Montana Western here in Dillon, Will has stayed on to guide with us and we hope he never leaves. Will can be found fishing year round, often before or after work, as well as all winter drilling holes through the ice. He's a hard worker and a knowledgeable native Montana fishing guide. ### Colin Crawford — Guide Raised in Northern California, Colin moved to Montana in 2018 to study fisheries biology at the University of Montana. After graduating and working a few seasons as a fisheries technician for Idaho Fish and Game, he realized Montana was home. Colin moved to Dillon in the spring of 2024 to work in the shop and moved up the ladder to guiding. On a day off you'll find him floating and honing his craft on our surrounding waters. ### Noah Wilson — Guide Born and raised in the Central Valley of California, Noah moved to Dillon in search of some great fishing. When not guiding he's on the river with his wife and daughter. ## FAQ ### 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. ## Gallery The rivers, the trout, and the shop — Southwest Montana through a season. - Includes: 71 photos - [View the gallery](https://frontieranglers.com/gallery) ## Reviews > I have known and fished with Shaun for more than 15 years on various rivers in Montana. Shaun's knowledge and enthusiasm for fishing and the mechanics of casting are unsurpassed. Shaun knows the habits of trout and the best flies for each river. Frontier Anglers, under his leadership, has an inventory of all the flies and equipment necessary for success. A day trip on the river with the folks from Frontier Anglers is truly a memorable experience. > — Kenneth E. Czoer · 5/5 > I have been fishing with Shaun every year for almost 20 years and have not fished with a better guide in Southwest Montana. I have lost track of how many great fish my friends and I have caught over the years with him. He works very hard to put you on fish, create a memorable experience, and help to make you a better fly fisherman. He has helped me organize large and small groups, and now that he has taken the helm at Frontier Anglers, things will be even better. The fly shop has the best selection of flies that work on the nearby rivers and gear to help with your trip. > — A longtime client · 5/5 > Beaverhead, Big Hole, Madison, Jefferson, a small stream or a large river — it really doesn't matter, and I'm not sure there is a body of water Shaun doesn't have knowledge of. When he took over Frontier Anglers, he took an already established Montana fixture and added immediate credibility to the type of guides, gear, and experiences you are sure to get every time you interact. If you want the real Montana fly fishing experience you are a fool if you do not go see Shaun at Frontier! > — A repeat client · 5/5 > I was fortunate enough to have my first fly fishing experience in Southwest Montana over 20 years ago with Shaun. Since then I have yet to fish with another guide and have continued to fish with Shaun multiple times every single year. It's hard to call it “once in a lifetime” fishing because it keeps happening year after year. Shaun is simply the best. His knowledge of the rivers is second to none and he will do whatever it takes to put you on the fish. > — Thurston Childrey, MBA · 5/5 > Shaun and Frontier Anglers are a first class outfit. The shop has all of your fishing and clothing needs at a reasonable price with exceptionally friendly service. Shaun is an outstanding outfitter, not to mention very professional. He makes every expedition fun and has a lifetime of knowledge of the outdoors and rivers of Montana. I highly recommend him and can't wait to return to catch some more big fish! > — Trey Fitts, Lugoff, SC · 5/5 > I have been traveling from SC to Montana for some time now to fly fish — Frontier Anglers has always been my favorite fly shop, from inventory to information. Shaun has always taken very good care of us. His guide service and knowledge are unsurpassed. Tight lines! > — Ned Jennings · 5/5 > Great store, great service. Will be there many more times. > — Jeremiah H. · 5/5 > Great customer service. Everyone was knowledgable and very helpful. > — Laneya R. · 5/5 > The lunches on our guided fishing trip were delicious. > — Ed V. · 5/5 > Had a fantastic time and our guide Bernard was awesome! > — Rick V. · 5/5 ## Cancellation policy ### Guided fishing trip cancellations If a cancellation is made between 31 to 60 days prior to the beginning of your reservation, you will be charged the full deposit amount of the reservation. If a cancellation is made within 30 days of the beginning of your reservation, you will be billed for the full amount of your trip. In the case of an emergency, we will be glad to transfer your reservation to a later date pending availability at no charge. ### Private water and accommodation cancellations Cancellations received 60 days prior to your reservation date will be billed a cancellation fee of one full day or 1/2 your total expected cost(s), whichever is greater. ## Contact - Phone: (406) 683-5276 - Email: info@frontieranglers.com - Address: 680 N Montana St, Dillon, MT 59725 - Website: [https://frontieranglers.com](https://frontieranglers.com) - [Contact form](https://frontieranglers.com/contact) ## Booking Trips are booked through Brindlechute. Use the Book buttons on the website or contact us directly. ## Fishing Reports - [Fishing Reports index](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report) ### August 9, 2026 *2026-08-09 · Fishing Report* [Read: August 9, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/august-9-2026) ### July 27, 2026 *2026-07-27 · Fishing Report* [Read: July 27, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/july-27-2026) ### July 17, 2026 *2026-07-17 · Fishing Report* [Read: July 17, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/july-17-2026) ### July 7, 2026 *2026-07-07 · Fishing Report* [Read: July 7, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/july-7-2026) ### June 21, 2026 *2026-06-21 · Fishing Report* [Read: June 21, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/june-21) ### June 14, 2026 *2026-06-14 · Fishing Report* [Read: June 14, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/june-14-2026) ### June 2, 2026 *2026-06-02 · Fishing Report* [Read: June 2, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/june-2-2026) ### May 24, 2026 *2026-05-24 · Fishing Report* [Read: May 24, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/may-24-2026) ### May 14, 2026 *2026-05-14 · Fishing Report* [Read: May 14, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/may-14-2026) ### May 11, 2026 *2026-05-11 · Fishing Report* [Read: May 11, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/may-11-2026) ### May 9, 2026 *2026-05-09 · Fishing Report* [Read: May 9, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/may-9-2026-2) ### April 12, 2026 *2026-04-12 · Fishing Report* [Read: April 12, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/april-12-2026) ### Tipping Etiquette for Guide Trips in 2026 *2026-03-19* [Read: Tipping Etiquette for Guide Trips in 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/tipping-etiquette-for-guide-trips-in-2026) ### March 17, 2026 *2026-03-17 · Fishing Report* [Read: March 17, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/3-17-22026) ### Ice Off Angling *2026-02-13* [Read: Ice Off Angling](https://frontieranglers.com/ice-off-angling) ### Beginners Guide to Choosing your First Saltwater Destination *2026-01-22* [Read: Beginners Guide to Choosing your First Saltwater Destination](https://frontieranglers.com/2720-2) ### January 8, 2026 *2026-01-08 · Fishing Report* [Read: January 8, 2026](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/2697) ### Do I need my own rod and reel for guide trips? *2026-01-08* [Read: Do I need my own rod and reel for guide trips?](https://frontieranglers.com/do-i-need-my-own-rod-and-reel-for-guide-trips) ### September 5, 2025 *2025-09-05 · Fishing Report* [Read: September 5, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/september-5-2025) ### August 30, 2025 *2025-08-30 · Fishing Report* [Read: August 30, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/august-30-2025) ### July 31, 2025 *2025-07-31 · Fishing Report* [Read: July 31, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/july-31-2025) ### July 13, 2025 *2025-07-13 · Fishing Report* [Read: July 13, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/july-13-2025) ### June 21, 2025 *2025-06-21 · Fishing Report* [Read: June 21, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/june-21-2025) ### June 14, 2025 *2025-06-14 · Fishing Report* [Read: June 14, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/june-14-2025) ### June 4, 2025 *2025-06-04 · Fishing Report* [Read: June 4, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/june-4-2025) ### May 18, 2025 *2025-05-18 · Fishing Report* [Read: May 18, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/may-18-2025) ### May 2, 2025 *2025-05-02 · Fishing Report* [Read: May 2, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/may-2-2025) ### April 8, 2025 *2025-04-08 · Fishing Report* [Read: April 8, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/fishing-report-for-4-8-25) ### April 2, 2025 *2025-04-02 · Fishing Report* [Read: April 2, 2025](https://frontieranglers.com/fishing-report/april-2-2025) ### Do You Need Waders for Fishing Montana *2025-02-06* [Read: Do You Need Waders for Fishing Montana](https://frontieranglers.com/do-you-need-waders-for-fishing-montana)