Guided Fly Fishing in Southwest Montana
I run a year-round, owner-operated program based in Livingston. Southwest Montana is a system of rivers, spring creeks and stillwaters that fish differently throughout the year.
We don’t guide a river. We guide a system of rivers, choosing the right water based on conditions, your experience level and what you want out of the day. You book a date. We handle the rest.
If you have specific dates in mind, booking early gives us the best shot at the right water on the right day.
The Waters Around Livingston
You don’t need to pick a river ahead of time. We match your dates and goals with the right mix of freestones, spring creeks and stillwaters based on current conditions.
Yellowstone River
The main river we guide from Gardiner to Columbus. Long freestone runs, classic seams and a full season of hatches.
DePuy’s & Armstrong’s
True spring creeks with clear water, steady flows and technical sight-fishing. A great place to improve fast.
Madison & Bighorn
Early-season anchors when flows, clarity and temperatures line up better than local freestones.
Stillwater, Boulder & Shields
Fast pocket water, short seasonal windows and local favorites that feel different from big-river float days.
Winter Rate & Ice Fishing
Winter fishing here is simple: pick the best window, fish the best water, and keep the day comfortable. Spring creeks are usually the most consistent option, but we also get mild stretches where the Yellowstone can be in play.
Special Winter Rate
One all-in winter rate built around the best water for your date. We’ll recommend spring creeks, the Yellowstone, or the Lower Madison based on conditions.
Winter rate: $550 for one or two anglers. Rods, flies, and winter setup included.
Ice Fishing Near Bozeman
Heated shelter, sonar and all the gear you need for a relaxed winter day on the ice. Good for mixed groups and non-anglers.
Rates: Full day $700. Half day $600 for the group. All ages, shelter and basic instruction included.
Fishing School & Rowing Instruction
If you want to improve, we keep it practical. Real water, real decisions and repeatable skills you can take anywhere.
Instruction Options
Casting fundamentals, line control, reading water and fly selection for beginners, families and anglers who want cleaner mechanics.
Rowing School
Yellowstone-specific rowing instruction built for a big, changing freestone. 1–2-day options depending on goals.
Montana Trout Camp
Multi-day small group instruction focused on decision making, rigging, reading water and fishing the right water for the moment.
Channel 7 Montana (KTVQ) featured our wooden boat tours on the Yellowstone through Paradise Valley. If you want a quick feel for the boats, the river and the pace of the experience, this is the best look.
What Guests Say About Fishing Here
“Matt guided us for several days recently while on a trip to Montana. I am relatively new to fly fishing and he was very patient with me, helped a ton on my casting and kept us smiling the entire time. We will be back.”
Morgan H.
“Best winter fishing experience we have ever had. Quiet water, clear sight shots and Matt put us on fish all day.”
Doug, returning winter angler
Planning & Winter Reading
Winter on the Paradise Valley Creeks
Why winter sight-fishing on DePuy’s and Armstrong’s is worth your time, how we pick days and what to expect from a cold weather spring creek trip.
Behind the Oars
Stories from the water, seasonal fishing notes and life around Livingston and Bozeman.
FROM AROUND SOUTHWEST MONTANA
Stories From the Water AROUND LiVIngston and Bozeman
Conservation & Professional Affiliations
Supporting local rivers, native trout, and long-term guide development through these organizations in the greater Livingston, Montana area.
