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.

  • Lodging Testimonial

    This was the perfect lodge before our backcountry adventure in Glacier National Park! The location was perfect for our needs. Bed and pillows were super comfortable and Don accommodated our early departure by having all the breakfast things ready an hour earlier. And it was a block from a great meal at the Belton Chalet for dinner.

    — Debbie H

    Read More Reviews  
  • Fishing Testimonial

    Great place! Amazing planning, preparation and logistics management. I had a great time on a half day fly fishing trip on the Northfork and learned some great techniques. I also went on a guided 3 day backpacking trip. Besides the spectacular views, our meals were healthy and tasty. Both guides were very knowledgeable, passionate and experienced. The guides as well as the service staff are great people. Everyone is upbeat, passionate about outdoor recreation, professional, safe and fun. It’s great being surrounded by like minded people. I will most definitely return to make some more memories.

    — Clemente

    Read More Reviews  
  • Rafting Testimonial

    Holy cow this place is awesome! Right from the start, everyone was so nice and friendly and fun! Our family headed down the river for the scenic float with our three littles (9, 7 & 3) and my FIL and MIL (who cannot swim and is terrified of water!). We had the best time and our guide Nicolette was super knowledgeable about the river and the area. After the float we stayed for dinner and, let me just tell you, it blew my expectations out of the water! I was expecting to get our main course with a couple sides but they had that PLUS crazy yummy appetizers AND dessert too! I cannot recommend Montana Raft enough! If you have time, do the dinner option. You will not be disappointed!!

    — Jacki Kelly

    Read More Reviews  
  • 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

    Read More Reviews  
  • Biking Testimonial

    My husband and I had a half day fly fishing trip through Glacier Guides and Montana Raft. The whole experience was great, from making the reservations online, a phone conversation before our trip, checking in, customer service, and our wonderful guide. Glacier Guides was very easy to work with to get the trip we wanted, and very welcoming when we arrived. Everything happened exactly as advertised and exactly on time. Our guide Cam was just terrific. He took us down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, taught us about fly fishing, helped us with our technique, and was a great companion throughout. It was a beautiful day on the river and a true highlight of our time in Montana.

    — Lisa

    Read More Reviews  
Back to Top