Get to Know Your Guide: Darrel DeLeon on “Off the Hook”
Why You Can’t Miss This Interview
Unfiltered Storytelling: Hear Darrel’s journey-from leading troops in combat to mastering every riffle and drop of the Missouri River.
Insider Strategies: Learn the core principles that turn first-time casters into confident, self-sufficient anglers.
Passion & Purpose: Discover how Darrel’s decades of teaching and service fuel his unwavering commitment to conservation and client success.
Ready for Next-Level Fishing?
▶️ Press play now and see why even Vice Presidents and anglers worldwide choose Darrel DeLeon to deliver the trip of a lifetime.
Whether you’re gearing up for your very first fly-fishing trip or you’ve chased fish across five continents, this candid, high-energy conversation is your front-row ticket into the mindset of Montana’s most trusted guide.
Some guides take you fishing. I take you further—into a mindset where every cast is intentional, where skill grows, confidence builds, and the results speak for themselves." -Darrel DeLeon
After serving in both the Army and Air Force, Darrel returned to Montana with a mission to reconnect with the land and find peace in the rhythm of the river. Fly fishing became more than a hobby — it became a way of life. A way to heal. A way to give back.
Guiding was the natural next step.
Darrel isn't just a guide—he’s a coach, mentor, and storyteller. His background includes 24 years of formal teaching experience, instructing advanced aeronautics and space studies at the graduate level. That same attention to detail and ability to break down complex topics now benefits his fly fishing clients, whether they're learning to cast more effectively, decipher hatch behavior, or approach trophy trout with confidence. He’s been consistently recognized for his teaching excellence - by both military institutions and grateful anglers.
Based on the banks of the legendary Missouri River in Montana, Darrel has built Montana Trout Hunters into a trusted name for guided fly fishing adventures. Whether you're hunting big browns sipping Tricos at dawn or chasing pods of rainbows under a blanket of Blue-Winged Olives, Darrel’s instruction and deep local knowledge give you every advantage.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Darrel’s goal is simple: help you fish better, learn more, and have the kind of days you wish would never end.
At Montana Trout Hunters, we believe fly fishing is about more than just catching fish. It’s about stewardship. About passing on the art of the cast. About respecting the resource and leaving the river better than we found it.
That’s why we:
Never fish over redds during spawning season
Teach Leave No Trace principles on every trip
Focus on education for all experience levels
Advocate for wild trout and clean, protected rivers
Welcome families, veterans, first-timers, and seasoned anglers alike
We guide on the Missouri, Madison, and Land of the Giants — three of the most iconic trout fisheries in Montana. But for us, it’s never just about the river. It’s about who you become while standing in it.
Veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force
Montana native and lifelong outdoorsman
Passionate conservationist and fly fishing educator
Trusted by governors, veterans, families, and first-time anglers
Darrel brings a rare combination of discipline, humility, and humor to the water. He’s as comfortable guiding a group of beginners as he is hosting experienced anglers chasing their fish. He’s a teacher, a storyteller, and someone you’ll want to fish with again.
Vice President Mike Pence chose Darrel DeLeon as his personal guide for this Missouri River fly-fishing expedition.
With 24 years of formal classroom teaching (including graduate-level aerospace and space studies) and 26 years of military leadership, I bring an educator’s precision - and a veteran’s discipline - to every cast, mend, and drift.
Why It Matters on the Water
Clarity Over Complexity: Just as I broke down orbital mechanics for aerospace students, I deconstruct fly-fishing techniques into simple, memorable steps - so you learn not just what to do, but why it works.
Personalized Curriculum: No two anglers learn alike. Whether you’re a first-timer mastering the basic cast or an advanced angler refining your double-haul, I meet you where you are and build your skills progressively.
Results-Driven Coaching: Clients often tell me, “I learned more in one day than I did in years of fishing.” That’s because every moment on the river becomes a teachable one.
From wide-eyed first casts with kids to casting lessons for Vice Presidents, Darrel guides anglers of every age and experience level.
Beyond Technique
I don’t stop at casting mechanics. We dive into:
Reading Water: Seams, riffles, runs
Understanding insect hatches and trout feeding patterns
Mindfulness and observation to anticipate fish behavior
When you fish with me, you’re not just on a guided trip—you’re in an immersive learning environment built on decades of teaching and leadership. By the end of the day, you’ll not only fish better, you’ll think like a fly fisher.
Vice President Mike Pence chose Darrel DeLeon as his personal guide for this fly-fishing expedition.
From wide-eyed first casts with kids to casting lessons for Vice Presidents, Darrel guides anglers of every age and experience level.
Veteran-led & Montana-owned: Trust in decades of military discipline and local expertise guiding every trip.
Tailored Float & Wade Adventures: Custom itineraries and lesson plans meet you exactly where your skill level is—beginner or pro.
Hands-On Coaching & Premium Gear: From rod to waders, we supply top-of-the-line equipment plus patient, step-by-step instruction.
Conservation-First Ethic: Catch-and-release practices and river stewardship ensure healthy fisheries for generations.
Proven Five-Star Experience: Hundreds of returning clients and first-timers alike rave about our personalized teaching and unforgettable river days.
Lifelong Mentorship: You’ll leave not just with memories, but with the skills—and ongoing support—to fish Montana on your own.
Real Rivers. Real Fish. Real Memories.
This isn’t just a booking—it’s the beginning of your Montana story. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or chasing your next personal best, we’ll guide you to the right water, the right moment, and the kind of day you’ll talk about for years.
We don’t overbook. We don’t mass-produce trips.
Each adventure is personal—because that’s how memories are made.
🕓 Availability is limited during peak season.
📍 Secure your date before it’s gone.
*After submitting this form, you’ll book an appointment with Darrel to talk through your trip, get your questions answered, and finalize your booking together.
At Montana Trout Hunters, we guide unforgettable fly fishing trips on Montana’s best trout rivers—like the Missouri, Madison, and Land of the Giants (part of the Missouri River). Whether you’re reeling in your first fish or your personal best, our expert guides provide a customized, professional experience designed to leave you with stories worth telling.
These testimonials come from real anglers who’ve trusted us to deliver more than just a day on the river—they came for Montana’s legendary trout fishing and left with lifelong memories.
I've fished with Darrel many times, and he consistently exceeds expectations. He's a skilled instructor, his preparation is meticulous, and he's just great company. You won't regret booking a trip with him.
— David Vanderpool
Darrel delivers more than just fish. His deep knowledge and tailored approach ensure you learn and catch plenty. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned angler, he'll help you maximize your day on the river. His professionalism and organization make every trip smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommended!
— Bill Noonan
Ever since I found Darrel, my fishing trips have been consistently amazing. He's hardworking, passionate, and knows how to find fish even on tough days. He's great with anglers of all levels and truly wants you to have an incredible experience. Plus, he's just a good guy! Highly recommend booking with him.
— Tom Layson
I've been on several guided trips, but Darrel's attention to detail and dedication to making each outing special sets him apart. He not only knows where to find the fish, but he also takes the time to teach you new techniques and tips. Every trip with him is an opportunity to learn something new and have a great time.
— Mark Thompson
Darrel is the real deal. His knowledge of the rivers and the fish is unmatched, and his passion for the sport is infectious. I’ve learned so much from him, and each trip has been more enjoyable than the last. If you’re looking for a great guide in Montana, Darrel is the one to call!
— Sarah Mitchell
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