Nate offers comprehensive fly fishing experiences throughout Montana. Together with his team, he travels to prime locations where Rainbow and Brown Trout thrive, which encompasses nearly the entire state and its surroundings. Their bases include Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron. The group fishes iconic rivers such as the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn. They also lead guided fly fishing excursions on Holter, Hebgen, Ennis Lakes, as well as Soda Butte and Slough Creek. Additionally, they provide access to exclusive fishing spots within Yellowstone National Park.
Nate’s connection to Montana reaches back to the late 19th century. His great-great-grandfather chose Billings as his home after working as a cook on a cattle drive through the area. Although the passion for fishing runs deep in Nate’s lineage, he didn’t start fly fishing until he was 13, marking the beginning of his lifelong dedication to the sport. He has explored the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder rivers extensively and began his guiding career in 1999 while attending Montana State University.
Now with over two decades of guiding experience, Nate is passionate about sharing his expertise with new guides and anglers alike. He values the opportunity to work with people of all ages and abilities—from young beginners to senior anglers, those facing disabilities or serious health issues, families, and larger groups. Nate emphasizes teaching essential fly fishing skills to ensure clients have memorable, rewarding experiences on the water.
Living in Bozeman with his two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth, Nate commutes daily to the fishing locations he knows intimately. He looks forward to exploring Montana’s waterways with you, whether solo, with family, or with friends. Simply select your preferred date, group size, trip length, and start time to arrange an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Many guests have praised the experiences with Nate and his guides. One client recounts a fantastic day spent with Patrick, a knowledgeable and patient guide who made the trip enjoyable, especially for beginners. Despite not catching a ton, the guidance led to plenty of trout and whitefish. Another visitor shared the excitement of fishing the Yellowstone River from a drift boat with guide Nathan. Whether novices or experienced anglers, clients appreciated Nathan’s expertise, patience, and friendly approach, along with his dedication to tailoring fishing strategies such as topwater hopper patterns or nymph rigs to match the day’s conditions and clients’ skills.
Clients have noted how the guides go above and beyond, continuously adapting to find the best fishing spots and techniques despite challenges like river traffic or seasonal changes. They also remarked on the comfortable and safe drift boat setups, which make standing and casting a breeze. The accessible public fishing lands and exceptional service provided by Nate’s team have left many planning return trips and adding Montana’s rivers to their fishing bucket lists.
Feedback consistently highlights the professionalism and passion of Nate’s guides, such as Drew, Will, Ryan, Matt, Ian, and Shelly, who work diligently to provide memorable and successful outings on renowned rivers including the Madison and Missouri. With enthusiastic support before, during, and after trips, the team ensures first-class service and a fantastic Montana fly fishing experience for anglers of all levels.
Whether you’re embarking on your first fly fishing trip or you’re a seasoned angler, Nate’s guides offer expert instruction, patient coaching, and carefully planned trips to create exceptional fishing adventures you’ll cherish for years to come.
You can cancel your reservation without any fees if done at least 60 days prior to your scheduled trip, and the amount will be credited back to your account. Cancellations made less than 60 days before the trip will result in your deposit being retained by the guide. If you cancel on the day of the trip or fail to show up, the full trip cost will be charged to your payment method.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket.
Wader and Wading Boot Rental: If you require rental gear, kindly inform us at the time of booking. We will have the equipment ready for you upon arrival. The rental fees are $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full-day.
*If you use studded boots, please notify us in advance so we can prepare suitable mats for the drift boats.*
What’s Included in Your Trip:
Embark on an unforgettable fly-fishing adventure in Montana by floating down the scenic Bighorn River with one of the top local guides. This action-packed trip focuses on landing beautiful Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, offering an experience that’s sure to thrill anglers of all skill levels.
The Bighorn River, a renowned year-round fly-fishing destination, stands out as a premier location not just in Montana but across the fly-fishing community. In the first 13 miles stretching from the Afterbay to the Bighorn fishing access, trout typically average around 14 inches, with frequent catches exceeding 20 inches. Due to the river’s popularity, particularly in summer, it can often be crowded. For a more serene experience, consider planning your trip between November and April, when the river sees fewer boats.
This fertile tailwater fishery boasts a high fish density per mile, making it an ideal spot to catch plentiful trout. Floating in a maneuverable drift boat allows you and your guide to efficiently explore multiple prime fishing spots. Not only will you fish from the boat, but you’ll also get opportunities to wade in select productive runs filled with rainbow and brown trout. Guided trips on the Bighorn River are offered with a minimum of two days from November 1st through April, ensuring plenty of time to maximize your catch.
On either a half-day or full-day excursion, your guide Nate will skillfully row the drift boat, positioning you to access the most promising fishing areas while you soak in the stunning natural surroundings. Nate will share expert fly-fishing tips and techniques tailored to your experience level, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler. The drift boat’s design helps you cover more water and reach spots unsafe or unreachable by wading alone.
No matter where you’re staying—Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith—your guide will arrange convenient pick-up from your accommodation, including vacation rentals, lodges, hotels, campsites, or even the airport. If your lodging is a bit off the beaten path, you can meet your guide at a mutually convenient location to start your day on the water.
Your guide will supply all necessary gear including rods, reels, flies, and tippet, so you can focus on fishing without any hassle. A delicious lunch is included to keep you fueled throughout your outing. Should you need to rent waders and wading boots, just let the guide know at booking; these are available for an additional fee. Don’t forget to bring your valid Montana fishing license, along with essentials like a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket to ensure your comfort.
Additionally, there are multiple float trip options available in the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park region. Your guides prioritize offering the best possible fishing experience and may suggest alternative lakes or rivers nearby if the conditions are better elsewhere. Whether you prefer to stay with this location or explore other nearby spots, you can book your float trip here and the team will reach out to discuss your preferences and customize your experience!
