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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  • Our Guides

    The BEST outfit that we’ve ever been out with! The company promotes giving great service and provides their team with the support and necessary tools to give their customers A WOW experience! The food they provide is amazing. Thanks Judith, Katie, Taylor and Jeff for making our 6 day backpacking trip a blast…and the river rafting!

    — Jas Dhillon

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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!

    — Ryan Gabbart

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  • Group Trip Testimonial

    Did a half day trip with 7 family members and had a fantastic time with our knowledgeable and talented guide Charlie! We had a variety of experience within our group, and Charlie guided us down the river without a hitch, sharing interesting facts along the way. Great experience for any age. Montana Raft is a top notch company, accommodating our group without any issue when booking the day before. Our group of 7 fit on one raft, and Montana Raft provided a variety of gear options for us to use, including wet suits, rain jackets, booties, helmets, and life jackets (highly recommend the wetsuit when going on a cool day, as you can expect to get thoroughly soaked on your journey down the river). We can be a tough group to please, but we thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and we highly recommend having Charlie as your guide!

    — DCioffi

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  • Lodging Testimonial

    We had a wonderful stay at the guest house-wish it could’ve been longer! The house was clean and comfortable. We even got to enjoy watching deer each evening from the front patio. It is a perfect house for multiple families, especially nice to have the whole downstairs for those with younger children. Great place!

    — VRBO Review

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  • Hiking Testimonial

    I went on a six day hike with four guys and our guide, Maketa. It was amazing. We had a wide range of ages 35-70 and our guide was able to create the perfect trip for all of us. It is an unbelievable park and we were able to optimize our time there because of the expert planning from Maketa. Glacier Guides was helpful throughout the experience and I wouldn’t have had the same trip any other way. Definitely a FIVE STAR rating. Best trip of my life!

    — Andrew Rocca

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