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?

We'd love to answer them.

  • 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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  • Chalet Testimonial

    Glacier Guides three day Chalet backpacking trip is about as good as it gets. You get the opportunity to do backcountry hiking led by experienced guides AND you can leave the 40 pound backpack home! All food and sleeping quarters are provided at the Granite Chalet as you day hike through the beauty of Glacier National. Our group was a fun and interesting bunch from all over the U.S. that loved the outdoors and who were very pleasant companions. A great experience run by a truly professional company.

    — Alwaysout68

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  • Fishing Testimonial

    Did a half day fly fishing trip on the flathead river with Jamie as our guide. It was a ton of fun, we both caught fish, and Jamie is a knowledgeable and patient guide. We are both flyfishing novices.

    — Scott Mullins

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  • Fishing Testimonial

    We booked half day fly fishing afternoon trip on float boat. My husband fly fishes several times a year. I did not fly fish at all until we booked this trip. We were blessed to have our fly fishing guide be Jamie Burkholder. He was FANTASTIC!!!! I caught fish after he very calmly taught me his simple techniques for fly fishing. I would recommend him every time if your looking for a smart and nice guide that definitely knows what he’s doing.

    — Relax483948

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  • Lodging Testimonial

    Thanks so much for allowing us to stay in your house! We had such a great time exploring West Glacier. Highly recommended for larger groups as there were lots of beds and plenty of rooms to spread out. Would come again!

    — VRBO Review

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    Lodging Glacier National Park
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