Glacier Guides and Montana Raft

Fishing FAQ

What rivers do you fish on?

We run our daily fly fishing trips on either the Middle Fork or North Fork of the Flathead River. Together, these rivers create the western boundary of Glacier National Park and are nationally designated Wild And Scenic. In addition, we have one launch per year on the Smith River in central Montana. This is a strictly regulated river with few launches, great fishing, and beautiful scenery. We spend five days floating, fishing, and camping along the Smith.

Do you provide equipment?

Necessary camping and fishing equipment (flies too) are included with all trips.

What are we fishing for?

These federally protected, Wild and Scenic waters support native Westslope Cutthroat, along with Rainbow and Brook trout. We practice catch and release fishing.

Do we need to wear waders?

No, because all of our fly fishing trips are run in stable and maneuverable drift boats. Occasionally we fish from inflatable rafts.

Do you guarantee we will catch fish?

We can’t guarantee it, but we have caught trout almost every trip. We can guarantee that you’ll be amazed at the stunning beauty of the Wild and Scenic rivers we fish on, whether or not they’re biting!

Do we need a Montana State Fishing License?

Yes, you do need a Montana fishing license if you are on a fly fishing trip with us. Get your Montana fishing license here:

Montana FWP Online Licensing System

It is best to have a license in hand before you meet your guide at our office. We recommend printing one online. If that isn’t convenient, most fly shops and sporting goods stores in Montana sell them.

If you are backpacking with us inside Glacier National Park you do not need a Montana fishing license. Instead, you need a free copy of the NPS Fishing Regulations with you.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

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  • Lodging Testimonial

    When searching for lodging close to Glacier National Park I happened upon Glacier Guides Lodge. It was comfortably rustic, cozy and the rooms had a nice array of amenities. The breakfast buffet was a plus with both hot & cold items. The coffee was excellent! Check-in was a hoot as we were greeted by a note telling us the keys were in the room and to check off our name so when staff returned they would know we’d arrived. When we did meet the staff they were welcoming and full of information about the park and surrounding area. Being a stone’s throw from the West entrance to the park was certainly a plus. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there.

    — 828sherrieC

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  • Fishing Testimonial

    Completed a half day float fly fishing trip with Russ our guide. It was a memorable first float fish experience. Russ was a superb guide getting us onto the fish and providing great instruction along the way. Highly recommend it.

    — Mark L

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  • Our Guides

    Thank you to Glacier Guides, and more specifically my guide Jeremy for making my 6 day backpacking trip through Glacier such an amazing experience. Jeremy was knowledgeable, patient, prepared, an excellent cook, and a pretty cool dude. Would definitely recommend Glacier Guides to anyone visiting Glacier NP.

    — Samantha Lafferty

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  • Lodging Testimonial

    The location could not be better, checking/out was simple, house was clean and fully loaded. We could not have asked for anything more.

    — VRBO Review

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  • Chalet Testimonial

    Our family of 5 just returned from the 3 day chalet trip with Ryan and Eva and WOW! We’re still coming down from the amazing time we had! First of all, both these guides are just really cool people, super knowledgeable about the history and ecology of the park, and clearly enthusiastic about what they do. The Highline Trail was stunning, Ryan and Eva made sure everyone was comfortable with the pace and pointed out animals, berries, and interesting features when we came across them. After the hike in it was awesome to have a delicious, hot meal prepared FOR us (we felt very fortunate for our dinner after watching the rest of the guest eat freeze dried stuff). I’m so grateful for the gentle push to do the two day hikes we did while up that way; they were so worth the climb and our time at the top of the Swiftcurrent Fire Lookout is one of the absolute highlights of this trip. I want to make a special mention of how great both of these guides where with our children, my boys especially bonded with Ryan and they probably talked both his and Eva’s ears all the way off over the duration of the trip but they were so cool about it. Overall this trip was one we will never forget and always cherish and the fantastic guides and process with your company really made it that much more enjoyable. We hope to come back someday for more adventures!

    — Tiphini Axtell

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