Fly Fishing

Montana’s Premier Guided Fly Fishing Trips – Missouri, Madison & Land of Giants

For good reason, Montana is at the top of many anglers' bucket lists. It boasts cold, clear rivers, extended fishing seasons, and healthy wild trout that eagerly consume dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. When you book with Montana Trout Hunters, you benefit from local expertise on the Missouri River, the Madison River, and the renowned Land of Giants stretch—waters that provide excellent fishing from spring through late fall, and often beyond.

Why Choose Montana Trout Hunters for Your Fly Fishing Adventure?

Head outfitter Darrel DeLeon combines decades of military leadership with 24 years of formal teaching to create an engaging learning experience on every float or wade. You will receive clear, step-by-step coaching tailored to your pace and goals. Our veteran-led, Montana-based guide service focuses not only on catching fish but also on education, river ethics, and exceptional client care from the first call to the last cast.

Three Forks Confluence

Customized Trip Formats Tailored to You

Half-Day Guided Trips: These are perfect for a quick tune-up, family outing, or as an addition to your travel day. Get on the water quickly and sharpen your skills with focused instruction.
Full-Day Guided Trips: Experience more river miles, receive extensive coaching, and enjoy a hearty riverside lunch. These trips are ideal for anglers looking to improve their dry-fly casting, nymph setups, and techniques for fighting fish in moving water.
Multi-Day Adventures (3-Day+ Custom): Combine our best rivers, progressively enhance your daily skills, and pursue the prime hatches or streamer bites with a flexible game plan.
Hosted Fly Fishing Travel: Explore Montana's home waters or join Darrel in select destinations like Alaska or Mexico. We handle all travel planning, logistics, and on-the-water coaching for you.

Rivers We Guide

Missouri River – Craig to Cascade

Consistent tailwater flows, strong hatches (BWOs, PMDs, Tricos, caddis), and dense wild trout numbers make the "Mo" one of the most reliable dry-fly classrooms in the Lower 48.

Land of Giants (below Hauser Dam)

A short, power-packed stretch is accessed by a jet drift boat across Holter—fast water, structure, and heavy fish that crush streamers and big nymph rigs.

Madison River

From its Yellowstone headwaters through the "50-mile riffle," the Madison delivers classic pocket water, big seasonal stonefly and hopper bites, and postcard views that define a Western fly trip.

Want to Add a Day Elsewhere?

Planning a trip near the Gallatin or other local waters? Reach out to us— we'll assist you in matching the timing, flows, and logistics through our network when the conditions are favorable.

What's Included On Your Trip: Everything You Need for a Memorable Experience

Licensed professional guide with deep local knowledge.
Premium rods, reels, lines, and season-matched flies (bring yours if you like).
Drift or jet boat (trip dependent) with all required safety gear and shuttles handled.
Full-day trips include a fresh riverside lunch; drinks are provided on all floats.
Pre-trip planning help: licenses, what to pack, and lodging referrals.

Skills You'll Master On The Water

Our coaching covers a range of skills, from casting angles and loop control to line management from the boat, mending for long drifts, and quick fly changes keyed to active hatches. You'll learn to read seams, buckets, and drop-offs, then put that learning to work on real fish. Most guests say they know more daily with Darrel than in years of fishing solo.

Conservation & River Responsibility

The health of trout and the cleanliness of our waters are our top priorities. We educate our guests on proper fish handling, responsible wading, and the importance of leaving no trace by packing out everything we bring. Additionally, we avoid targeting active redds during spawning seasons. By booking with us, you support a guide service that advocates for wild trout and clean rivers throughout Montana.

Ready To Book Your Guided Fly Fishing Trip?

Prime dates for guided fly fishing fill up quickly, especially during the salmonfly hatch, Trico mornings, and fall streamer weeks. Call (406) 430-8123 or click the button below to reserve your Montana fishing adventure today. Reserve your guided fly fishing trip now!

Insect Hatches

The Missouri River will amaze you with its aquatic insect hatches, average fish size, and an overall population of big rainbow trout and brown trout. Arguably, the Missouri River has no equal when it comes to consistently sight fishing dry flies for rising trout. The Missouri River is an insect factory, pumping out hatch after hatch throughout the seasons.

Midges and Blue-winged Olives will hatch from late March through May. Caddis will arrive in early May, leave in June and then come back in July and usually stay through the fall. There is rarely a day on the Missouri where we can’t get any trout to eat a caddis, even into late October.

The Pale Morning duns arrive in June and this hatch usually corresponds with the end of run-off. Tricos will appear sometime in early-July to mid-August, and this hatch is stunning in the millions and millions of bugs it produces – every day.

The terrestrial is usually in full swing by July 15, with grasshoppers, ants, and beetles getting gobbled up by big-eyed trout up and down the river. The fall Blue- winged Olive and October Caddis hatches round out the season, and usually send us into winter with a last blast. It is a true insect smorgasbord.

Best Areas of the River to Fish

Dam to Craig, Upper River: The highest concentration of fish and anglers to match.
Dearborn to Prewet, Canyon Section: The most picturesque with lots of fish.
Prewet to Cascade, Lower River: Heavy rapids to start, then wide and calm. This is where serious anglers go to get away.

Recommended Gear & Flies

Rod: 5–6 weight with long leaders (9-12 feet) for technical dry fly work

A typical July morning Trico hatch on the Missouri River

testimonials

What Our Clients Say After Fishing Montana’s Finest Waters

At Montana Trout Hunters, we guide unforgettable fly fishing trips on Montana’s best trout rivers—like the Missouri, Madison, and Gallatin. 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.

Ready to Plan Your Trip? Let's Talk

PHONE: (406) 430-8123

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