From Combat Boots to Wading Boots
Fly fishing gave Darrel a way to come home from two careers in uniform. Guiding became his way to serve again.
Veteran-owned outfitter • 12+ years guiding the Missouri • Limited prime dates each season
How It all Got Started
After serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, Darrel came back to Montana looking for quiet. He found it in the current of the Missouri River. What started as a way to clear his head became a way of life, a way to heal, and eventually a way to help others experience the same thing.
Montana Trout Hunters grew from that simple idea: take people to great water, treat the resource with respect, and teach them enough that every day on the river makes them a better angler.
Meet Your Guide: Darrel DeLeon
Darrel is a Montana native, lifelong outdoorsman, and veteran of both the Army and Air Force. He’s trusted by governors, veterans, families, and first time anglers for one reason: he takes your day on the water personally.
With 24 years of formal teaching experience and 26 years of military leadership, he brings an educator’s clarity and a veteran’s discipline to every cast, mend, and drift. Complex ideas become simple steps you can actually use on your own water.
On your trip, you’ll learn:
How to see a river: structure, current seams, and feeding lanes
How to match hatches and choose flies with intent
How to approach trout with a plan instead of hope
Why Fish With Montana Trout Hunters
“We don’t overbook. We don’t mass produce trips. Each adventure is personal, because that’s how memories are made.”
Veteran owned, Montana based outfitter
Tailored float and wade adventures, not cookie cutter tours
Hands on coaching with premium gear included
Conservation first ethic on every trip
Proven five star experience and high return guest rate
Our Mission: Ethics, Experience & Education
At Montana Trout Hunters, a trip is more than a boat ride.
Ethical by design. We do not target spawning redds, we teach Leave No Trace on every trip, and we advocate for wild trout and clean, protected rivers.
Education first. Every day is built around your skill level and goals, whether it’s a first cast or refining technical dry fly shots.
Open to all. Families, veterans, first‑timers, and lifelong anglers are all welcome.