Boulder River Guided Trips

We guide the Boulder out of rafts set up for steep freestone water; this is not a drift boat river. Sections are chosen around flows, safety, your comfort level, and where we expect the best fishing that week. Our guides who spend a lot of time near Big Timber keep a close eye on when the river is ready.

Most Boulder days are full- or half-day floats, with some chances to step out and work key structure on foot. Expect a busy day with steady casting, clear instruction, and a strong focus on boat positioning and reading the next piece of water ahead.

Rates

• Full Day: $700 for one or two anglers
• Half Day: $600 for one or two anglers

What’s Included

• Professional guide and raft rigged for fast freestone water
• Rods, reels, terminal tackle, and flies if needed
• Shuttle on the reach we choose for the day
• Water and soft drinks; full-day trips include streamside lunch

What to Bring

• Montana fishing license
• Layered clothing for mountain weather, plus a rain jacket, hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Wading sandals or closed-toe shoes you can wet-wade in

How & When the Boulder Fishes

The Boulder has a short but strong seasonal window. Most years it comes into shape in early summer as runoff drops, then carries good fishing into mid summer before flows get too low and water warms.

Early Summer Window

As runoff falls and clarity returns, the river turns on quickly. Stoneflies, caddis, attractor nymphs, and high-floating dries all have their place. Fish are aggressive and the current keeps you moving from pocket to pocket.

Late Summer

As flows drop too far, the Boulder becomes more limited and less forgiving. When the river gets too low or warm we usually shift back to the Yellowstone, Stillwater, or other options that are fishing better and treating fish more kindly.

Fall

Some seasons bring a short fall bump when cooler weather returns and light rain freshens flows. We watch conditions and call Boulder days when that window opens, but we never force it if safety or fishing quality are not there.

River Character

This is steep, clear pocket water with boulder gardens, short drops, standing waves, and tight banks. You are not covering big miles so much as working a steady run of pockets, seams, and small features that each get one or two clean shots.

Anglers & Day Style

Beginners

True first-timers usually start on the Yellowstone or a slower piece of water. If you are brand new, we will build skills there before stepping into fast freestone rowing.

Intermediate Anglers

This is a great match. You get repetition on short, accurate casts, quick hooksets, and reading fast water. It is a strong place to build confidence in pocket water and learn how trout use tight structure.

Advanced Anglers

Advanced anglers tend to fall in love with the Boulder. Precision bank shots, tight pockets, quick adjustments, and the rhythm of fast water make it a high-level small-river challenge.

Short Window, Big Payoff

The Boulder is not an everyday river. It shines for a short window when flows, clarity, and water temps all line up. That is what makes it special. Many guests who catch it right end up talking about their Boulder day long after other parts of the trip blur together.

It pairs naturally with a multi-river itinerary out of Livingston. You can fish the Boulder on the right day, then spend the rest of your time on the Yellowstone, Stillwater, Shields, or the Paradise Valley spring creeks.

Or call or text (406) 224-0456 to talk about timing, flows, and how the Boulder might fit into your trip.