
Nate offers everything you need for an exceptional fly fishing experience in Montana. Together with his dedicated team, he chases Rainbow and Brown Trout across nearly the entire state and beyond. Operating out of Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron, Nate guides clients on iconic rivers like the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn. He also leads guided fishing excursions on lakes including Holter, Hebgen, and Ennis, as well as Soda Butte and Slough Creek. Notably, Nate and his crew have special fishing access within the famous Yellowstone National Park.
Nate’s roots in Montana run deep, tracing 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 was part of his heritage, Nate didn’t start fly fishing until age 13, which sparked a lifelong passion. He spent his youth exploring rivers such as the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder, beginning his guiding career in 1999 while attending Montana State University.
More than two decades later, Nate continues to guide anglers of all ages and abilities, from youngsters to seniors, including those with disabilities or terminal illnesses, families, and large groups. His dedication to sharing skills is heartfelt: “I understand the importance of teaching clients what they need to fully enjoy fly fishing, creating memories that endure for both my clients and me.” Now a single father living in Bozeman with his daughters Emily and Elizabeth, Nate commutes daily to the local waters and eagerly anticipates fishing with you and your group.
You can customize your fly fishing trip by selecting the date, group size, trip length, and start time. Nate’s guides are flexible regarding your preferred starting point. While Nate offers lodging options, these are not included in the trip price; please mention if you would like accommodations during booking or explore nearby hotels and vacation rentals.
Clients consistently praise the experience with Nate’s team. One memorable day on the Madison River with guide Patrick was both educational and enjoyable, especially for beginners eager to learn the ropes. Despite a relaxed pace, several Brown and Rainbow trout were caught, along with whitefish, highlighting the guide’s expertise.
A favorite among visitors is the Yellowstone River drift boat experience. Newcomers to fly fishing found Nate to be the perfect teacher—patient, skilled, and friendly, ensuring an enjoyable day. The use of grasshopper fly patterns adapted to the abundant insect life produced intriguing fish responses, fostering a rewarding learning curve. Switching tactics later in the day allowed everyone to land fish, including native rainbows and whitefish. Nate’s professionalism and good humor shone through even when handling tangled lines, making the day fun and comfortable.
The guides at Nate's operation have vast experience across acclaimed fishing horizons, from Belize and the Great Barrier Reef to Colorado. Yet, Montana stands out for its exceptional public access, making fishing adventures both accessible and varied. Their ability to navigate busy waterways with patience and courtesy further enhances the outing.
Clients have expressed immense satisfaction with the drift boat setup, appreciating the safety and convenience it offers for casting and standing. Nate and his team’s thorough communication and attentive follow-up provide a seamless trip experience. Their dedication and hard work to keep anglers on the fish are evident across trips on rivers like the Madison and Missouri, where they continually adjust tactics to the conditions.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, the team shows a passion for guiding that elevates every outing. Testimonials highlight not just the quality of fishing but also the enjoyment of engaging conversations and the enthusiasm brought by guides like Matt, Ryan, and Shelly. These qualities ensure that every trip is memorable, regardless of fishing success.
Overall, Nate’s guiding service offers more than just fishing; it provides lasting memories, skill-building opportunities, and an authentic Montana experience on some of the country’s most renowned waters.
You can cancel without any charges if done at least 60 days prior to your trip and the amount will be credited back to your account. Canceling within 60 days of your trip means your deposit will be non-refundable and paid to the guide. If you cancel on the day of the trip or fail to show up, your card will be charged the full remaining balance.
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 everything ready for you upon arrival. Rental fees are $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full-day.
(*If you plan to use studded boots, please let us know in advance so we can provide appropriate mats for the drift boats.*)
Trip Inclusions: Your trip price covers lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, all fishing tackle including flies, leaders, and tippet, as well as the guide vehicle shuttle service from the boat put-in to the take-out. If you do not have your own fishing rods, your guide will provide them for you.
Embark on an exhilarating fly-fishing adventure with one of Montana’s premier guides, cruising across the pristine waters of Lake Ennis for a thrilling day targeting Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. This jet boat excursion promises both excitement and expert fishing opportunities.
Ennis Lake is renowned for its exceptional sight fishing, offering excellent chances to cast toward Rainbow and Brown Trout. While precision casting greatly boosts your catch potential, it’s not mandatory. Thanks to the lake’s shallow depths, anglers can choose to fish directly from the drift boat or wade the flats for a more hands-on experience. Your guide will often begin the day with casting to rising trout on the lake before transitioning to fly fishing in the nearby Madison River.
Fishing season kicks off as the ice melts, typically between mid-February and mid-March. Early catches mainly feature rainbow and brown trout averaging 14″ to 16″, but it’s not unusual to hook larger specimens ranging from 18″ to 24″. During summer, “gulpers” — large brown and rainbow trout — cruise beneath the surface, feeding on mayflies and producing a distinctive gulping noise. August and September offer prime opportunities to chase these exciting fish. In the fall, from mid-September through October, anglers can often land larger-than-average brown trout.
This full-day trip includes transportation around Ennis Lake by your U.S. Coast Guard-certified crew aboard a jet boat, granting access to deeper or hazardous waters unsuitable for wading. Your guide will provide hands-on fly-fishing instruction and help you maximize your chances at landing a catch, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler.
Wherever you’re staying in Montana — Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith — arrangements can be made to pick you up from your rental, lodge, hotel, campsite, or even the airport. If your accommodations are remote, just coordinate with your guide to meet at a convenient spot for your fishing day.
All necessary equipment, including rods, reels, flies, and tippet, will be supplied by your guide, as well as a delicious lunch for all participants. Should you require waders and wading boots, these are available for rent at an additional fee; please inform when booking. Don’t forget to bring your Montana fishing license along with a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket to ensure a comfortable day on the water.
Note: There are multiple jet boat trip options nearby within the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park region. To ensure you have the best fishing experience, your guide may recommend an alternate spot if conditions are more favorable elsewhere. Feel free to book this trip to get in touch and discuss your options, whether you prefer this location or want to explore others.
Additionally, Nate and his team manage several rental properties tailored for anglers. If interested, you can inquire about these accommodations after booking your fishing trip.
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