
Nate is your premier destination for fly fishing in Montana. Along with his dedicated team, he pursues Rainbow and Brown Trout across nearly every corner of the state and beyond. Based in Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron, Montana, Nate and his crew fish legendary waters such as the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn Rivers. They also lead guided fly fishing adventures on Holter, Hebgen, and Ennis Lakes, as well as excursions to Soda Butte and Slough Creek. Their exclusive access extends into the iconic Yellowstone National Park.
Nate’s Montana roots run deep, tracing back to the late 1800s when his great-great-grandfather settled in Billings after working as a cook on a cattle drive. Although fishing runs in his blood, Nate started fly fishing at age 13, marking the beginning of his passion for the sport. He spent his early days exploring rivers like the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder, and began guiding in 1999 while attending Montana State University. Over two decades later, Nate continues to share his expertise, mentoring the next generation of guides. He treasures every opportunity to work with anglers ranging from 8 to 90 years old, including families, large groups, and individuals facing disabilities or serious illnesses.
In Nate’s own words, "Teaching people essential fly fishing skills to ensure they enjoy unforgettable experiences on the water is incredibly rewarding for both my clients and me." Now a single father living in Bozeman with his two young daughters, Emily and Elizabeth, Nate commutes daily to the fishing spots he loves and eagerly anticipates sharing those experiences with you, your family, and friends. Simply provide your preferred date, group size, trip length, and start time to arrange an extraordinary day on the water with Nate. Trips can begin at locations convenient to you.
Accommodations recommended by Nate are separate from the trip cost. If you’d like to book lodging, please mention this in the checkout notes, or refer to nearby hotels and vacation rentals.
Here are reflections from some guests who have fished with Nate’s guides:
“Our day with guide Patrick was incredible. Patrick’s professionalism and ability to simplify things for beginners made the experience enjoyable, regardless of catching fish. His knowledge of the Madison River helped us reel in several Brown and Rainbow Trout, along with whitefish. A truly great outing!”
“Fishing the Yellowstone in a drift boat had always been a goal of mine, and I was fortunate to make it happen. Despite being new to fly fishing, our guide Nathan, with 35 years of experience on these rivers, was patient, skilled, and a fantastic teacher. We focused on larger grasshopper patterns, observing how the fish reacted in all sorts of fascinating ways. After some practice, I landed a few small rainbows. Nathan’s expertise and calm demeanor turned what was initially a challenge into a rewarding experience.”
“Though we encountered some river traffic and occasional confusion among other boaters and guides, Nathan remained courteous and professional, ensuring our day remained enjoyable and safe. His expert handling of the drift boat provided a comfortable and stable fishing platform. Montana impressed us with its abundant public fishing access, and Nate’s hospitality was outstanding throughout.”
“Booking through Jonathan at Captain Experiences was seamless. Nate kept us informed with detailed itineraries and responsive communication before and after our trip. His team’s dedication truly made this a first-class experience.”
Additional guest testimonials highlight the exceptional work of Nate’s guides Drew, Will, Ryan, Matt, Ian, and Shelly, who tirelessly worked to keep anglers fishing productive waters, adapting techniques and patterns to current conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or veteran, Nate’s team brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and care to every outing, helping clients land memorable catches and enjoy their time on Montana’s iconic rivers.
Overall, spending a day fishing with Nate and his team offers not only excellent fishing but also the chance to create lasting memories while exploring some of the finest waters Montana has to offer.
You can cancel your reservation without any fees if done at least 60 days prior to your scheduled trip, and the amount will be refunded as credit to your account. If you cancel within 60 days of the trip, your deposit will be retained by the guide. Cancellations made on the day of the trip or failing to show up will result in a charge of the full trip amount to your payment method.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket.
Wader and Wading Boot Rental: If you need rental gear, let us know when you book. We will have it ready for you upon arrival. Rentals are $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full day.
*If you use studded boots, please inform us so we can prepare the appropriate mats for the drift boats.*
What’s Included in Your Trip: Lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, all tackle (including flies, leaders, and tippet), and shuttle service for the guide’s vehicle from the boat launch to the take-out location. If you don’t have your own rod, your guide will provide one.
Embark on an exciting fly-fishing adventure with a knowledgeable guide as you float across the pristine waters of Lake Ennis, one of Montana's premier fishing destinations. This trip offers the perfect opportunity to pursue Brown and Rainbow Trout in a breathtaking setting.
Lake Ennis is renowned for its excellent sight fishing, especially for Rainbow and Brown Trout. While precise casting enhances success, it’s not a strict requirement. Thanks to the lake’s shallow depths, anglers can fish either right from the drift boat or venture onto the flats in waders. Your guide may also start the day by casting to rising trout on Ennis Lake before moving to afternoon fly fishing on the Madison River.
Fishing kicks off on Ennis Lake as soon as the ice melts, typically between mid-February and mid-March. During this period, expect to find abundant Rainbow and Brown Trout averaging 14″-16″, with larger fish up to 24″ not uncommon. In summer, large trout known as “gulpers” feed beneath the surface, rising to devour mayflies and producing distinctive gulping sounds—an incredible spectacle and prime fishing opportunity. Late summer through early fall (August to September) is ideal for spending a few hours chasing these gulpers, while the fall season (mid-September to October) often rewards anglers with bigger-than-average Brown Trout.
Your half-day or full-day trip includes expert guidance as your guide expertly rows you through the water in a highly maneuverable drift boat, enabling access to remote and otherwise unreachable fishing spots while soaking in the scenic beauty. Whether you’re a novice or experienced fly-fisher, your guide will share valuable tips and work hard to help you land fish throughout the day.
No matter where you’re staying—Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith—your guide can provide convenient pickup from your vacation rental, lodge, hotel, campsite, or even the airport. If your accommodations are further afield, a meeting spot along the route can be arranged for your convenience.
All necessary gear including rods, reels, flies, and tippet will be supplied by your guide, who will also provide a delicious lunch. If you require waders and wading boots, these can be rented for an additional fee—just mention this when booking. The only item you need to bring is a valid Montana fishing license. We also recommend you bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket to ensure a comfortable day on the water.
We offer several nearby float trip options throughout the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park region. Your guide is dedicated to providing the best fishing experience possible and may suggest traveling to an alternative lake or river if conditions warrant. Whether you choose to fish at Lake Ennis or explore other recommended locations, simply book your trip through this listing, and your guide will reach out to discuss the best plan for your adventure.
Additionally, Nate and his team manage several rental properties tailored for anglers. If you’re interested in accommodations, Nate will be happy to discuss available options after you’ve booked your trip.
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