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.
Do you offer adaptive fishing trips?
I am an individual with a permanent disability who uses a mobility device and would like to book a fishing trip utilizing the accessible drift boat.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We'd love to answer them.
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Hiking Testimonial
Glacier guides was more than I could’ve imagined! My Friends and I did the 5 day glacier challenge and it was amazing! They offer longer hikes and shorter hikes. I thought I would do all the long hikes but I didn’t every day. Every hike you take is absolutely stunning!! definitely do what your body will allow, you’ll still be very satisfied! Best part of the challenge is most certainly the guides… TOM MATELICH is awesome! he is a wonderful leader, cook, guide, absolutely hilarious and all around great guy! ARI MELINGER-COHEN is super chill and very calming to be around, extremely knowledgeable and very caring. MAKETE ROESCH is magical, super helpful and can pretty much answer anything you want to know (especially about bears and flowers). All these guys are seriously the best and when I go back I will 100% be requesting them. Glacier guides couldn’t have made this experience any better! Forever grateful for their guidance and the love they have for this beautiful place!
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Hiking Testimonial
What an amazing experience! Just finished a four day backpacking trip with guide, Jen. Jen was extremely professional and so “in tune” to the group. Her knowledge of the surroundings we walked through was incredible. It’s clear she holds a passion for what she does that really shines through. She went above and beyond to help give me a most memorable first time experience at Glacier. Thank you!
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Our Guides
Our guide Scott did a great job prepping and leading the tour, which consisted of 6 guests (including myself). The description of the tour and FAQ/prep materials list and itinerary that the company sent over beforehand were very accurate and super helpful! Aside from a quick hail storm, we got great weather and an extremely enjoyable three days of hiking in East Glacier crossing the Continental Divide. Scott did an excellent job of explaining to us how the backcountry permitting system works and from that explanation I was amazed at the amount of work that each guide must put into every single tour. They are truly responsible for everything while you’re out, so having an experienced guide with the right temperament and attitude are a must—especially if things go wrong. I’m glad to say everything went as planned! I was able to spot several animals and some breathtaking scenery alongside good conversation within our group of former strangers. Great job, Scott and Glacier Guides!
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Biking Testimonial
Used Glacier Guides/Montana Raft Company for a bike trip up the Going to the Sun road in West Glacier and a white water rafting trip on the Flathead River. Jordan was our guide for the former, Blaine for the latter, and both were really awesome. Would definitely use them again for future hikes, biking, and rafting.
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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.
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