Full-Day Montana Blue Ribbon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided fishing on Montana's Blue Ribbon riversExpert guides provide personalized experience for two guestsAccess to ten premier waters including Blackfoot and Madison
Picture yourself casting into some of the most productive trout waters in North America. That's exactly what you'll get with Fishtales Outfitting's premier 8-hour charter on Montana's legendary Blue Ribbon rivers. We're talking about waters that have earned their reputation through decades of consistently producing trophy fish – the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Madison, Ruby, Jefferson, Yellowstone, Blackfoot, Missouri, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork. Each river has its own personality, but they all share one thing: they're absolutely loaded with healthy, hard-fighting trout that'll make your reel sing.
When you book this charter, you're getting way more than just a boat ride. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand – every deep hole, productive riffle, and undercut bank where the big ones like to hide. We'll pick you up bright and early, and depending on conditions and what's been biting, we'll choose the river that's fishing best that day. Maybe it's the technical dry fly fishing on the Madison, or perhaps the streamer action is hot on the Missouri. Either way, you're in for a world-class day on the water. The drift boat lets us cover serious ground, hitting multiple prime spots throughout the day. Lunch is included, so when the midday sun gets high and the fish go deep, we'll find a shady spot to refuel before the evening bite kicks in. This isn't a rushed half-day trip – we're committed to giving you the full Montana experience from sunrise to sunset.
Montana's Blue Ribbon rivers demand versatility, and that's exactly how we approach each day. Depending on the season and conditions, we might start with nymphing deep runs using tandem rigs, switch to dry flies during hatch periods, or strip streamers along undercut banks when the big browns are prowling. Our guides carry a full arsenal of techniques and will teach you everything from proper mending to reading water like a pro. All fly fishing gear is top-notch – we're talking quality rods, reels, and a fly selection that's been fine-tuned through years of guiding these waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or someone picking up a fly rod for the first time, we'll match the approach to your skill level. The beauty of a drift boat is that we can adjust our strategy throughout the day, moving from technical pocket water to long glides where you can really stretch out your cast.
Let's talk about what's swimming in these legendary waters. Cutthroat trout are the native jewels of Montana's rivers, and they're absolutely gorgeous fish with that distinctive red slash under their jaw. These fish are scrappy fighters that love eating big dry flies, especially during late summer when the hoppers are thick along the banks. You'll typically find them in the 12-16 inch range, though we see plenty of 18+ inch fish that'll test your drag system. Brook trout, or "brookies" as we call them, are technically char and they're some of the most beautiful fish you'll ever land. Their vibrant colors – orange fins with white edges, olive backs with worm-like markings – make them a photographer's dream. They prefer cooler water and are most active in spring and fall. Brown trout are the craftiest of the bunch and often the biggest. These European transplants have been thriving in Montana waters for over a century, and they've learned every trick in the book. Fall is prime time for big browns when they're feeding heavily before winter, and a 20+ inch brown is always a possibility on these waters.
Cutthroat trout are what Montana fishing is all about. These native beauties have been calling these rivers home for thousands of years, and they show it in how perfectly adapted they are to local conditions. Peak season runs from June through September when water levels stabilize and insect hatches are at their best. What makes cutthroats special is their willingness to eat – they're not as picky as browns and will often smash a well-presented fly with authority. The Yellowstone strain cutthroats we see in several of our rivers can push well over 20 inches, and their golden flanks and spotted backs make them absolutely stunning in the net.
Brook trout bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These char prefer the coldest, cleanest water, which means you're fishing in pristine habitat when you're targeting them. Spring and fall are prime time when water temperatures drop into their comfort zone. What's amazing about brookies is their coloration – males especially develop incredible spawning colors with bright orange bellies and fins edged in black and white. They're typically smaller than browns and cutthroats, but a 14-16 inch brook trout is a trophy fish that'll fight like it's twice that size. Plus, they often inhabit the most scenic stretches of river where you'll feel like you're fishing in a postcard.
Brown trout are the graduate-level challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back. These fish have seen every fly pattern and presentation trick, so fooling a big brown requires skill, patience, and often a little luck. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning, evening, and overcast days. Fall is absolute prime time when browns are feeding aggressively before winter, and this is when we see the real monsters. A 22-24 inch brown is always possible, and these fish have the weight and power to really test your skills. They love structure – fallen trees, undercut banks, deep pools – anywhere they can ambush prey while staying hidden from predators.
Montana's Blue Ribbon rivers don't stay secret for long, and the best dates fill up fast. This 8-hour charter gives you access to ten different world-class fisheries
This 2022 Clackacraft drift boat is built for serious anglers targeting Montana's legendary trout waters. At 14 feet, she's perfectly sized for two fishermen to work the Blackfoot River's prime pools and runs without crowding each other's casting space. The shallow draft design lets you slip into those back eddies and undercut banks where the big browns like to hide. With a quiet 1HP motor for repositioning between fishing spots, you'll cover plenty of water while maintaining the stealth needed for spooky fish. The stable platform gives you confidence when fighting hard-running cutthroat or rainbow trout, and there's ample storage for tackle boxes, rod tubes, and your day's catch. Whether you're swinging streamers through deep holes or dead-drifting nymphs along gravel bars, this drift boat puts you right where the fish are feeding on one of Montana's most productive rivers.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the gems of Montana's high country streams and alpine lakes. These colorful char sport olive backs with wavy markings and brilliant orange fins edged in white and black. Most run 8-12 inches, though we occasionally see brookies pushing 16 inches in our better waters. They prefer cold, pristine streams with temperatures below 68°F and lots of structure like boulders, logs, and undercut banks. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shot at them, especially during morning and evening hours. What makes brookies special is their willingness to hit dry flies and their stunning colors - they're like catching living jewels. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, firm meat. Pro tip: brook trout are aggressive feeders, so don't be afraid to work small pockets and tight spots where bigger trout won't fit. A short, accurate cast beats a long drift every time in brook trout water.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish swimming in Montana's rivers, and that's what makes them so addictive to target. These European natives typically run 12-18 inches in our waters, but the big ones can push 24+ inches and several pounds. They're creatures of habit, holding in deep pools, undercut banks, and around structure during the day, then moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Browns fight dirty - they'll wrap you around logs, dive deep, and use every trick in the book. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. What keeps anglers coming back is their challenge - they're incredibly wary and selective. Here's what works: fish the margins where fast water meets slow, and don't overlook the ugliest, snag-filled holes. The bigger browns live where most people won't fish.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiMontana's native cutthroat trout are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter on our Blue Ribbon waters. These fish show off distinctive red-orange slashes under their jaws and can range from scrappy 8-inchers in small streams to hefty 20+ inch specimens in our bigger rivers. They love cold, clear water with rocky bottoms and plenty of cover - think undercut banks, fallen timber, and deeper pools. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with mayfly and caddis hatches bringing them to the surface. Cutthroat fight clean and hard, often jumping multiple times. They're also excellent eating if you decide to keep a few. Here's a local tip: when they're selective during hatches, try dropping your fly size down one or two - these fish can be surprisingly picky about getting an exact match.
5 Wilson La, Sheridan MT 59749