Nate offers a comprehensive fly fishing experience throughout Montana. Along with his expert team, he targets Rainbow and Brown Trout across nearly every corner of the state and even further. Based in multiple locations including Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron, Montana, Nate’s crew fishes top rivers like the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn. Beyond river trips, they provide guided excursions on Holter, Hebgen, and Ennis Lakes, as well as Soda Butte and Slough Creek. Their access extends into the iconic Yellowstone National Park, offering anglers an exceptional variety of fishing adventures.
Nate’s connection to Montana runs deep, tracing back to the late 1800s when his great-great-grandfather settled in Billings after traveling as a cook on a cattle drive. Although fishing was a family tradition, Nate himself started fly fishing at 13, a passion that has grown steadily ever since. He explored renowned rivers such as the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder during his youth and began guiding in 1999 while attending Montana State University. Now, with over two decades of guiding experience, Nate enjoys mentoring newer guides and sharing his knowledge. He values every opportunity to work with a wide range of clients—from young kids to seniors, individuals with disabilities or terminal illnesses, families, and large groups. As he puts it, “Teaching people the skills needed to truly enjoy fly fishing and creating lasting memories is what it’s all about.”
Living in Bozeman as a single father to his daughters, Emily and Elizabeth, Nate commutes daily to the fishing spots he loves and looks forward to introducing new anglers, friends, and families to Montana’s incredible waters. To plan your unforgettable outing, simply provide your preferred date, group size, trip length, and start time. Nate and his team offer flexible launch locations to accommodate your needs.
One guest described their day with Nate’s guide Patrick as outstanding, appreciating Patrick’s professionalism and ease in guiding beginners. Despite fishing challenges, Patrick’s deep understanding of the Madison River led to multiple catches including Brown and Rainbow Trout, as well as Whitefish, making the experience memorable.
Another memorable trip involved fishing the Yellowstone River from a drift boat, a unique adventure for complete novices. Their guide, Nathan, brought 35 years of local fishing experience and a patient teaching style that turned a challenging day into a fantastic learning experience. They focused on fishing grasshopper patterns and nymph rigs, gradually mastering the techniques. Nathan’s calm, knowledgeable guidance made the outing enjoyable, and despite a slow bite typical for the late season and busy river, the overall trip was rated exceptional. Guests appreciated Nathan’s professionalism, patience, and safety-conscious handling of the drift boat, along with his respectful approach towards other river users.
Montana’s outstanding public fishing access adds to its appeal, and visitors expressed eagerness to return, especially thanks to Nate and his team’s dedication. With extensive options to fish rivers like the Yellowstone and Madison through expert guides, every trip is handled with personalized care, constant communication, and professionalism from booking through the adventure.
Numerous testimonials highlight the exceptional guides like Drew, Will, Ryan, Matt, Shelly, and others who work tirelessly to ensure guests have success on the water and enjoy their experience regardless of skill level. Whether casting your first fly or fine-tuning your techniques, these guides offer patience, knowledge, and enthusiasm that elevate every outing.
Overall, Nate’s operation provides a first-rate fly fishing experience characterized by expert guiding, beautiful surroundings, and genuine hospitality. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, you can expect a tailored, memorable day on Montana’s legendary waters with Nate and his dedicated team.
You can cancel your booking at no cost if done at least 60 days prior to your trip and the amount will be credited back to your account. If you cancel within 60 days before the 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 for the full trip cost applied 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 when booking. We will have the equipment ready for you upon arrival. Rental fees are $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full-day rental of waders and boots.
(*If you are using studded boots, please let us know so we can prepare appropriate mats for the drift boats.*)
Trip Inclusions: Your trip cost covers lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, all fishing tackle including flies, leaders, and tippet, as well as shuttle service for the guide’s vehicle from the boat launch to the take-out point. If you do not have your own rod, your guide will provide one.
Step into the waters of Montana with an expert guide and prepare for an exhilarating day of fly fishing on one of the region’s premier rivers! This fly-fishing adventure takes you wading into the Bighorn River, known for its abundant Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
The Bighorn River offers year-round fly fishing and is renowned as one of the finest fisheries not only in Montana but worldwide. Within the first 13 miles from the Afterbay to the Bighorn fishing access, trout populations have been estimated at up to 6,000 fish per mile, averaging about 14 inches in length, with many trout exceeding 20 inches. Due to its popularity, particularly in summer, the river can get busy with boats. For a more peaceful experience, consider scheduling your trip between November and April, as guided trips during this period require a two-day minimum.
During your full-day trip, your guide will lead you into the river from public access points and share invaluable fly-fishing techniques. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, your guide is dedicated to helping you land some impressive catches.
No matter where you’re staying—Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith—Nate or another guide from the team can arrange convenient pickup from your accommodation, lodge, hotel, campsite, or airport. If your lodging is remote, simply meet the guide at an agreed-upon location for your fishing excursion.
All necessary equipment, including rods, reels, flies, and tippet, will be provided. Additionally, your guide will supply a delicious lunch for the trip. Should you need waders and wading boots, they are available for rent at an extra cost—just notify them when booking. Don’t forget your valid Montana Fishing License. It’s also advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket to ensure comfort during your outing.
Note: There are multiple wade fishing trip options available nearby in the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park areas. To offer you the best fishing experience, guides may suggest alternative locations if conditions are better elsewhere. Whether you prefer to keep to this river or explore other waters, feel free to book through this listing and your guide will contact you with all the details.
