Bitterroot River Guided Fly Fishing Trips
Our Bitterroot River guided fly fishing trips deliver an authentic Western Montana experience led by professional Montana fly fishing guides with over 20 years in the business. As a Montana native-owned outfitter, we bring deep local knowledge of the Bitterroot River — from seasonal hatches and river flows to trout behavior throughout the year. Our guides spend the majority of their season on this river, ensuring every trip is timed and tailored to current conditions.
We specialize in dry fly fishing on the Bitterroot River, focusing on presentation, reading water, and understanding trout holding structure. From spring stoneflies and mayflies to summer terrestrials and fall baetis hatches, our Bitterroot River fly fishing guides position anglers for consistent opportunities at wild Montana trout. Whether you’re planning your first Montana fly fishing trip or looking for experienced Bitterroot River fly fishing guides to elevate your skills, we provide personalized instruction, quality equipment, and a professional, safety-first approach on every float.
Based in the scenic Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana, our guided fly fishing trips are designed for anglers of all skill levels who want to experience one of the most productive and iconic trout rivers in the state. When you book a Bitterroot River guided fly fishing trip with our team, you’re fishing with experienced local professionals dedicated to delivering one of the best fly fishing experiences in Montana.
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Our Most Popular Trip
Bitterroot River | $695 | 1 or 2 anglers
Full Day Guided Float Trip
Our Bitterroot River guided fly fishing trips offer a full day of expert-led instruction, personalized guidance, and access to some of Western Montana’s most scenic and productive wild trout waters, ensuring an unforgettable fly fishing experience.
-Includes-
- 6-8 Hrs. on the water
- Stream side lunch & non-alcoholic beverages
- Flies, Leader and Tippet
- Rod/Reel
- Local transportation
Bitterroot River | $595 | 1 or 2 anglers
Half Day guided Float trip
Our Bitterroot River half-day guided fly fishing trips provide focused, expert instruction and personalized guidance on some of Western Montana’s most scenic wild trout waters, delivering a memorable and action-packed fly fishing experience.
-Includes-
- 3-4 Hrs. on the water
- Light stream side lunch & non-alcoholic beverages (BYOB)
- Flies, leader and tippet
- Rod/Reel
- Local Transportation
Bitterroot River | $695 | 1 or 2 anglers
Full Day Guided Walk & Wade Trip
Our Bitterroot River walk-and-wade full-day trips offer an immersive fly fishing experience, combining expert guidance with access to productive wild trout waters in Western Montana’s scenic rivers.
-Includes-
- 6-8 Hrs. on the water
- Stream side lunch & non-alcoholic beverages
- Flies, Leader and Tippet
- Rod/Reel
- Local transportation
Bitterroot River | $595 | 1 or 2 Anglers
Half Day Guided Walk & Wade Trip
Our Bitterroot River walk-and-wade half-day trips provide focused, expert-led fly fishing on scenic Western Montana waters, perfect for a memorable and action-packed outing.
-Includes-
- 3-4 Hrs. on the water
- Light stream side lunch & non-alcoholic beverages (BYOB)
- Flies, leader and tippet
- Rod/Reel
- Local Transportation
Details
The Bitterroot is a true freestone river, meaning it fishes differently throughout the season. High water brings exciting streamer and dry fly opportunities, while summer flows provide excellent dry fly fishing with hatches like salmonflies, golden stones, PMDs, and caddis.
Anglers love the Bitterroot for:
- Classic dry fly fishing
- Stunning mountain scenery
- Diverse water types
- Wild rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout
Dry fly fishing is a highlight of the Bitterroot River. Our guides specialize in timing hatches, selecting the right flies, and helping anglers present flies effectively in changing freestone conditions.
From big stoneflies in late spring to technical summer dry fly fishing, the Bitterroot offers something new every day.
Whether it’s your first time fly fishing or you’re an experienced angler, our Bitterroot River trips are tailored to your ability and goals. Instruction is always included, making these trips ideal for beginners and anglers looking to refine their skills.
- Professional local fly fishing guide
- Drift boat or raft
- Safety gear
- Expert instruction
- Rods, reels, and flies included
- Stream side lunch
We’re local, we know this river inside and out, and we love sharing it. Our guides focus on creating relaxed, productive days on the water with an emphasis on dry fly fishing and personalized experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can expect your guide to be punctual, professional and courteous throughout the day. They are independent contractors and supply all of their own equipment and gear, including flies, tippet, vehicle shuttle and more. Therefore, a guide is usually very appreciative of a 20% gratuity or more.
Yes. Freestone Fly Shop will have quality equipment for you to use during your trip.
No. this will be something you must rent or borrow from someone. Often times these won't be necessary. Ask your guide if you are unsure if you'll need them.
Our half day trips will be on the water for up to 4 hours. Our full day trips are on the water for 6-8 hours. If you have certain time constraints, please discuss with your guide ahead of time.
TERMS and CONDITIONS:
Payment(s) for scheduled trips:
- Deposit of 20% of the entire trip cost must be submitted to confirm booking, with the balance due 7 days prior to your first scheduled trip date.
Cancellation more than 30 days prior to your first scheduled trip date:
- Entire deposit will be refunded, minus 10% of the entire trip cost.
Cancellation less than 30 Days but more than 7 days prior to your first scheduled trip date:
- Entire deposit will be forfeited.
Cancellation 7 days or less prior to your first scheduled trip date:
- Entire cost of the trip will be forfeited.
Montana's weather is often adverse, we do not cancel trips due to inclement weather. If you are concerned about the possibility of cancellation, we encourage you to purchase trip insurance such as https://www.globalrescue.com/.
Freestone Fly Shop is an equal opportunity employer. Operating in part on the West Fork Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest under permit WF-BL-1907, the Madison River under permit #258, the Blackfoot River under permit #114, the Upper Bitterroot River under permit UBWF-14, portions of the Missouri River under permit #2025-00876, Montana Board of Outfitters Licensee #14259, Jeff Gray.
Your itinerary will include a meeting time and place, however if you wish to change this please reach out to the shop here.
Our recent Bitterroot fishing reports
Meet our guide Staff
Operating in part under special use permit with Bitterroot National Forest under permit WF-BL-1907, the Madison River under permit #258, the Blackfoot River under permit #114, the Upper Bitterroot River under permit UBWF-14, portions of the Missouri River under permit #2024-00876, Montana Board of Outfitters Licensee #14259, Jeff Gray.