Nate is your premier fly fishing guide throughout Montana, offering expert services that cover nearly every corner of the state and beyond where Rainbow and Brown Trout thrive. Operating out of multiple Montana locations including Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron, Nate and his team navigate prime waterways such as the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn Rivers. They also provide guided adventures on renowned lakes like Holter, Hebgen, and Ennis, along with Soda Butte and Slough Creek, with exclusive access to iconic Yellowstone National Park waters.
Nate’s deep Montana roots go back to the late 19th century, when his great-great-grandfather settled in Billings after working as a cook on a cattle drive. Although fishing runs in his family’s blood, Nate first picked up a fly rod at 13—a moment he considers the start of his lifelong passion. Early on, he explored rivers such as the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder. Since starting his guiding career in 1999 while attending Montana State University, Nate has dedicated over two decades to sharing his expertise with anglers of all ages and abilities, including families, individuals with disabilities, and even those facing terminal illnesses. He thrives on teaching essential skills that create unforgettable fishing experiences and lifelong memories for both clients and himself.
Today, Nate balances his guiding career with family life as a single father living in Bozeman with his two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth. Each day, he eagerly heads out to the waters he knows so well, ready to guide you, your family, and friends on exceptional fly fishing trips. Simply select your preferred date, group size, trip duration, and starting time to embark on an adventure with Nate’s team, who can accommodate a flexible start location.
Guests regularly praise Nate’s guides for their professionalism, friendliness, and extensive knowledge. Whether introducing beginners to fly fishing or helping seasoned anglers hone their craft, the team ensures a rewarding experience. One memorable trip mentioned an exceptional day spent drifting the Yellowstone River, where patient instruction and expert guidance resulted in numerous catches of brown and rainbow trout as well as whitefish. The guide’s expertise and approachable teaching style made learning new techniques both enjoyable and fruitful, even for novices.
Many anglers appreciate the thoughtful balance of challenge and support, with guides adapting to conditions and skill levels to keep everyone engaged and successful. From casting flies that imitate local grasshoppers to switching rigs to maximize the fishing action, the guides’ dedication shines through. Safety, patience, and good humor characterize every outing, creating an atmosphere where clients feel comfortable and encouraged regardless of their experience.
Montana’s impressive public access to prime fishing waters makes it a coveted destination, and Nate’s team takes pride in offering clients unparalleled opportunities to explore these legendary rivers and lakes. Their efforts consistently earn high praise not only for the quality of the fishing but also for the professionalism and care extended throughout each trip.
Bookings are handled with attentive communication and thorough planning to ensure every detail aligns with clients’ expectations. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned angler, your trip will be professionally coordinated from initial inquiry through to your last cast. Clients frequently express enthusiasm for the knowledgeable guides, captivating river landscapes, and the rewarding connection to Montana’s vibrant fishing community.
Overall, Nate and his dedicated crew stand out as top-tier fly fishing guides in Montana, blending deep local knowledge with a genuine passion for helping others create lasting memories on the water. Whether you seek a quiet day on a pristine river or an action-packed adventure chasing trophy trout, Nate’s guiding service offers an unmatched Montana fly fishing experience.
You can cancel at no cost up to 60 days prior to your scheduled trip and receive a credit to your account. If you cancel within 60 days of your trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and paid to the guide. Cancellations on the day of the trip or failure to show up will result in a charge of the full trip amount to your card.
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 so we can have it ready for you upon arrival. Rentals cost $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full day.
Included with your trip are lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, and all necessary tackle such as flies, leaders, and tippet. Additionally, the shuttle service for the guide’s vehicle is provided from the boat launch to the take-out location.
Your guide will provide rods if you do not have your own equipment.
Embark on an exhilarating jet boat adventure guided by one of Montana’s top fishing experts, and gear up for an unforgettable day of fly fishing on the Bighorn River! This exciting trip offers the perfect opportunity to chase Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout as you navigate the waters in style.
The Bighorn River is renowned worldwide, not just in Montana, for its exceptional year-round fly-fishing opportunities. Within the first 13 miles—from Afterbay to Bighorn fishing access—trout typically average around 14 inches, with impressive catches exceeding 20 inches not uncommon. Due to the high popularity, especially in summer, the river is often busy with boats. For a more exclusive experience, consider planning your trip between November and April to avoid the crowds.
As a fertile tailwater fishery, the Bighorn boasts a dense fish population per mile. When river flows are swift and high, the advantage of using a jet boat to motor back upstream and repeatedly float through prime fishing stretches can truly elevate your fishing success. Guided trips during the off-season, from November 1st through April, require a minimum two-day booking.
Your experienced, U.S. Coast Guard-certified guide will expertly pilot the jet boat upriver, then power down to row you through top fishing runs multiple times. This method grants access to deeper or more hazardous water that isn’t suitable for wading. Throughout the journey, your guide will share valuable fly-fishing techniques and encourage you to try your hand at catching fish—whether you’re a beginner or seasoned angler, expect to land a few fish with their help!
No matter where you're staying in Montana—Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith—your guide can conveniently pick you up at your accommodation, whether it’s a rental home, lodge, hotel, campsite, or even the airport. If your lodging is off the beaten path, you can coordinate to meet at a convenient spot for your fishing day(s).
All necessary gear including rods, reels, flies, and tippet will be provided by your guide, along with a delicious lunch to keep you fueled. Should you need to rent waders and wading boots, these are available for an additional fee—just let your guide know when you book. Remember to bring your valid Montana fishing license, and consider packing a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Note: We offer multiple jet boat fishing trip listings in the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park region. To ensure you have the best possible fishing experience, your guide may suggest exploring other nearby lakes or rivers if conditions are better elsewhere. You’re welcome to book through this listing and discuss alternatives to find the perfect spot for your outing!
