From $850
- 850

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5/5

(21)
Firehole River Walk-n-Wade
Gear Included: Yes
License Required: Yes
Live Bait: No, not provided
Fishing Game Cleaning: No, not provided
Tackle: All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fishing Area

Techniques

Guide_Photo-CE525
Your Guide: Nate S.
Experience: 31 years of exp.

About Your Guide

Nate serves as your ultimate resource for fly fishing adventures across Montana. Along with his team, he ventures wherever Rainbow and Brown Trout are found — essentially throughout the vast expanse of Montana and beyond. Based in Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron, Nate's crew fishes top Montana rivers such as the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn. They also guide trips on Holter, Hebgen, and Ennis Lakes, as well as Soda Butte and Slough Creek. Access to the iconic Yellowstone National Park fishing spots is another perk offered by Nate and his group.

Nate’s Montana heritage traces back to the late 19th century when his great-great-grandfather settled in Billings after working as a cook during a cattle drive. Although fishing is in his blood, Nate didn't start fly fishing until age 13 — the moment he truly became hooked on the sport. Growing up, he explored water bodies like the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder rivers. By 1999, during his time at Montana State University, Nate began guiding fly fishing trips. With over two decades of experience, he continues to take pride in mentoring new guides and sharing his expertise. He deeply values working with diverse anglers — from children as young as 8 to seniors in their 90s, including people with disabilities or serious illnesses, as well as families and large groups.

In Nate’s own words, he understands the importance of patiently teaching anglers the skills they need to truly enjoy fly fishing — creating memories that last both for customers and himself. As a single father residing in Bozeman, Nate lives with his two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth, and makes daily trips to Montana’s rich fishing waters. He welcomes you, family, and friends to join him in an unforgettable day on the river. To schedule your trip, simply select the date, group size, trip duration, and desired start time.

Please note that lodging options mentioned during booking are not included in the trip price. If interested in accommodations, kindly inform us in the notes section during checkout, or explore local hotels and vacation rentals highlighted on the map.

Our day with Nate’s guide Patrick was exceptional. Patrick, a true professional, was patient and straightforward, making the experience enjoyable for beginners. His expert knowledge of the Madison River led to multiple catches of Brown and Rainbow Trout, along with several whitefish. The trip was memorable regardless of catches, showcasing the thrill of fly fishing in Montana’s pristine waters.

A highlight of our visit was drifting the Yellowstone River, an adventure we were eager to complete. Having fished many destinations worldwide, the collaboration with our guide Nathan on this trip stood out. Meeting him at the boat ramp at 8:00 am, we quickly set off. Although novices, Nathan’s 35 years of river experience, patience, and teaching skills made learning enjoyable. The abundant grasshoppers influenced our fishing approach that day — we used larger hoppers served with smaller floating flies on droppers. Watching the trout respond was fascinating, with some striking aggressively and others cautiously inspecting the bait.

It took some time to perfect our hooking technique, but eventually, we landed several small Rainbow Trout. This fishing style was new to us, and we look forward to applying these lessons in Colorado later this year. Each fishing experience is unique, and Nathan adapted by switching to a nymph rig with indicators to ensure success for all anglers. Though one of us caught a Rainbow and a native whitefish, the other enjoyed casting from the back and soaking in the scenery. Nathan maintained a professional yet fun atmosphere, even when we struggled with tangled lines.

From international locations like the Great Barrier Reef and Belize to local rivers, we've had numerous fishing experiences, and this day ranked among the best. While the bite was steady, it was not fast — likely due to late-season conditions and higher river traffic on a Saturday. Still, the wide river accommodated everyone comfortably despite occasional navigational challenges common on busy waterways. Nathan’s respectful and calm demeanor contributed to an enjoyable outing, solidifying his reputation as an outstanding guide.

Fishing from the drift boat was comfortable and safe; the ability to stand while casting made for a dynamic and educational outing. Montana’s public fishing access impressed us highly among the many places we’ve visited, thanks to dedicated guides like Nate who make these experiences accessible and unforgettable. A special thanks goes to Jonathan of Captain Experiences for his seamless booking and continued support.

Nate and his team provided a professional, well-organized trip from start to finish. Communication was prompt, and detailed itineraries kept us informed throughout our adventure. If you’re interested in fishing the Yellowstone area or elsewhere and need a reliable guide, Nate’s operation is highly recommended for both beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Many grateful clients have shared their positive experiences as well. Drew and Will, guides for a Missouri River trip, worked tirelessly amid challenging winds and temperatures to keep everyone catching big fish throughout the day. Similarly, Ryan and Matt on the Madison River demonstrated tireless effort to find fish, adjusting tactics and positioning to ensure a successful outing. Repeat clients have praised Matt’s engaging personality and eagerness to return for future trips.

Ian and the rest of Nate’s team were commended for their helpful and friendly approach during bookings, even on short notice. The enthusiasm and warmth of guides like Matt enhance every trip, making even tough fishing days enjoyable. First-time fly fishermen especially appreciated the knowledgeable guidance of Shelly on the Missouri River, celebrating their first Rainbow Trout caught on fly gear — a true testament to the team’s dedication to educating customers.

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Cancelations:

You can cancel your booking without any charges if you do so at least 60 days prior to the scheduled trip, and the amount will be credited back to your account. If you cancel within 60 days before the trip, the deposit paid to the guide will be non-refundable. Cancellations made on the day of the trip or failure to show up will result in the full trip cost being charged to your payment method.

Recommended Packing:

Please remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket for your trip.

Wader and Wading Boot Rental: If you require rental gear, please inform us when booking. We will have it ready for you upon arrival. The rental fees are $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full day.

Included in Your Trip: Lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, all fishing tackle (including flies, leaders, and tippet), and shuttle service for the guide’s vehicle from the boat launch to the take-out.

Your guide can provide rods if you do not have your own.

(*If you own studded boots, please notify us so we can prepare appropriate mats for the drift boats.*)

Disability Friendly: Yes
Child Friendly: No
Beer Welcome: Yes
Open On: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Step into the waters of Yellowstone National Park with one of our expert guides for an unforgettable day of fly-fishing on the Firehole River. This full-day adventure offers a unique opportunity to target Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout in one of the most distinctive trout fisheries found in the lower 48 states—or perhaps anywhere in the world.

The Firehole River is renowned for its unusual fishing conditions, largely influenced by several hot water geysers that feed into the river. These geothermal tributaries raise the water temperature, boosting flow and creating an environment that benefits fishing during the colder months. However, in the summer, the warmer water may cause the fish to relocate.

Fishing season on the Firehole runs from Memorial Day weekend Saturday through the first Sunday in November. Anglers can expect to catch mostly Rainbow and Brown Trout ranging from 5” to 12”, with occasional catches between 14” and 16”. In October and November, anglers may find impressive trout measuring 16” to 24” below Firehole Falls.

Your guide will meet you at one of the Yellowstone Park access points and wade you into the river, providing expert fly-fishing instruction along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, your guide is dedicated to helping you land fish and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

No matter where you’re staying—whether in Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith, Montana—your guide can pick you up directly from your lodging, including vacation rentals, hotels, campsites, or even the airport. If your location is remote, simply meet your guide at a convenient spot for your fishing excursion.

All fishing equipment is supplied, including rods, reels, flies, and tippet, and a delicious lunch will be provided during your trip. Should you need waders and wading boots, these can be rented for an additional fee—just mention your needs when booking. You will need to purchase a Yellowstone National Park fishing license (no state license required) and pay a $20 park entrance fee. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket for comfort and protection throughout the day.

We offer several listings for wade fishing trips around the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park area. Our guides prioritize delivering the best fishing experience possible and may suggest alternative lakes or rivers if conditions are more favorable elsewhere. Whether you prefer to fish the Firehole or explore other options, book your trip here and our team will reach out with tailored recommendations.

Additionally, Nate and his team manage multiple rental properties for anglers interested in staying close to prime fishing locations. Feel free to discuss accommodations with Nate after your booking to explore available options.

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Adres: 4467 Ethan Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718, USA
Sanitary facilities: No
Lodging Included: No
 2
From $850
- 850

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