Where to Stay & Eat
Your basecamp shapes the whole trip. The goal is simple: cut drive time, keep your mornings easy, and stay close to the kind of water you want to fish. Below are my go-to lodging and dining recommendations for Livingston, Paradise Valley, and Bozeman.
Closest to the Yellowstone + Spring Creeks
If your trip is centered on the spring creeks or you want to be in the valley with early starts and easy evenings, Paradise Valley is the most convenient basecamp.
Lodging
If you want a true basecamp (kitchen, laundry, room to spread out), this is often the cleanest move. They manage a big spread of homes around the valley and Livingston, so we can usually match the right location to your fishing plan.
Tip: if you’re doing multiple guide days, prioritize easy morning exits and quick access to Highway 89.
A high-end Paradise Valley lodge with a strong “Montana trip” feel. Great when comfort and on-site dining matter, and you still want to be positioned well for Yellowstone days and spring creek trips.
Old-school Paradise Valley done right. Fish all day, soak in the pool, eat well, and call it a win. One of the best ways to keep a mixed group happy when not everyone is fishing every day.
A more “out here” Paradise Valley stay with big scenery. Great when you’d rather be in the valley than in town.
Dining
A great end-of-day move. Keep it simple in the Saloon or do the classic Dining Room. Either way, it feels like Montana.
Perfect when you want to keep the night easy, especially in shoulder season when weather can flip fast.
Emigrant is the “make life easy” checkpoint. If you’re bouncing between the valley and town, it can save you a full extra drive.
The most flexible basecamp
Livingston is the best “do a little of everything” base. You can pivot to different water based on conditions and still keep your mornings sane. Plus, you can actually walk to great food and coffee.
Lodging
If you want to step outside and be in the middle of Livingston, this is the classic pick. Great for guests who want town time after fishing without driving everywhere.
The easiest way to create a true home base. If you’re cooking some meals and doing several guide days, this usually beats bouncing between small rooms.
Solid, predictable, and easy when you’re trying to keep logistics simple.
Dining
Handmade-pasta type of night. If you’re here mid-summer, plan on reservations.
A true local staple and an easy “walk in hungry” spot after a full day on the river.
Low-stress, consistent, and good for bigger crews.
Fast, classic, and exactly what you want when it’s hot out.
Easiest for flights, amenities, and “town” time
Bozeman is smooth for travel logistics and works well if you’re mixing fishing days with restaurants, shopping, or family plans. It can also be a clean base if Madison day trips are in the mix.
Lodging
Great when you want to stay downtown and enjoy it. Easy walk to restaurants after fishing.
A solid Bozeman basecamp when you want comfort and a big common-area feel without being formal.
Dining
Great “celebrate the trip” dinner spot for couples and smaller groups.
Perfect when you’re smoked after a long day and want something quick that hits.
Combo Days: Fishing + Scenic Float
If your group has anglers and non-anglers, we can coordinate a fishing boat and a scenic wooden dory day so everyone gets a Yellowstone day that fits them.
If you tell me your dates and where you’re staying, I’ll tell you the simplest plan for the conditions. No guessing months in advance.
Quick basecamp guidance
- Spring creeks focus: Paradise Valley
- Most variety + easiest pivots: Livingston
- Flights + amenities first: Bozeman
Ready to lock dates?
- Book the day now, then we match the water to conditions.
- Clear meeting plan based on where you’re staying.
- Beginner-friendly instruction or advanced strategy if you want it.