Nate is the ultimate destination for fly fishing adventures throughout Montana. Together with his team, he travels wherever Rainbow and Brown Trout are found, covering nearly the whole state and beyond. Based in Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron, Montana, Nate’s group fishes the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn Rivers. They also offer guided fly fishing excursions on Holter, Hebgen, and Ennis Lakes as well as Soda Butte and Slough Creek. Access to the iconic Yellowstone National Park is also part of their offering.
Nate’s connection to Montana goes 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 blood, Nate didn't begin fly fishing until the age of 13, marking the start of his passion for the sport. He spent much time exploring rivers like the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder, and began guiding in 1999 while attending Montana State University. More than 20 years later, Nate continues to lead anglers and loves mentoring future guides. He treasures working with clients of all ages—from young children to seniors—as well as those with disabilities or serious illnesses, families, and large groups. He emphasizes the importance of teaching skills to help clients maximize their fly fishing experiences and create memories that last a lifetime.
Today, Nate is a single dad living in Bozeman with his daughters, Emily and Elizabeth. He commutes daily to the waters where he guides and eagerly looks forward to sharing those experiences with you, your family, and friends. By selecting your preferred date, group size, trip length, and start time, you can join Nate for an unforgettable day on the water.
Lodging options provided through Nate are not included in the trip fee. If you are interested in accommodations, please mention it in the notes section during booking. Alternatively, there are numerous hotels and vacation rentals nearby.
Our day out with Nate’s guide Patrick was exceptional. Patrick is a consummate professional who simplifies the experience for beginners and is delightful company. Even without catching fish, the experience was rewarding. However, Patrick’s intimate knowledge of the Madison River led to several catches, including brown and rainbow trout as well as whitefish. It was truly a memorable outing!
One of my goals during the trip was to fish the Yellowstone River from a drift boat, and I was fortunate to achieve it. With extensive fishing experience across various locations, I never take the outcome for granted, but that day everything aligned perfectly. We met our guide, Nathan, promptly at 8 a.m. and soon found ourselves on the river. As beginners at fly fishing, both the Boss and I learned a great deal from Nathan—an ideal guide and teacher who has fished these waters for over 35 years. His patience, skill, and friendly demeanor made the day enjoyable.
Observing the numerous grasshoppers near the park helped shape our fishing plan. I find topwater fishing thrilling, and we spent much of the day using larger hopper patterns paired with a small floating fly about eight inches behind. It was fascinating to watch how the fish reacted—some aggressively striking, others gently sipping or simply inspecting. It took me some time to perfect the hook set, but eventually, I caught a few small rainbows, including some casts that landed beyond the boat. This method was new to us, and I plan to use what we learned on future trips in Colorado. The Boss noted how each fishing location and technique was different—it’s all part of the learning journey.
By the end of the day, while I caught about half of my casts with a few fish including whitefish, the Boss struggled initially. To ensure she had a great experience, Nathan switched us to a nymph rig with a strike indicator. With his help, she finally landed a rainbow and a native whitefish. Though she mostly enjoyed relaxing and taking in the scenery, she remained dedicated to casting. Nathan’s calm patience as we untangled lines, doubled up our casts, and stumbled through rookie mistakes was impressive. (We all shared laughs when he jokingly told us to “stop casting” during one tangled session.)
One of the best guides I have fished with, Nathan made the experience comfortable and safe, especially with standing and casting from the boat’s leaning post. I appreciated learning about drift boat handling and its water performance. Montana made the top of my list for prime public fishing access, thanks to Nathan’s expertise and generosity in sharing the rivers. Thanks also to Jonathan from Captain Experiences for arranging and overseeing the entire trip professionally. Should you want expert guides in the region, Jonathan is a fantastic contact for setting up unforgettable adventures.
Nate’s team consistently delivers excellent fishing trips. Individuals like Drew, Will, Ryan, Matt, and Shelly have proven to be dedicated, knowledgeable guides who work tirelessly to keep anglers on the fish, regardless of weather conditions or skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying fly fishing for the first time, they offer personalized experiences with professionalism and enthusiasm.
Overall, Nate and his crew provide memorable fly fishing journeys throughout Montana’s iconic waters, dedicated to helping every client have an extraordinary and educational day on the river or lake.
All deposits made for this journey are non-refundable, except in cases where the trip is canceled due to weather conditions. If you cancel on the day of the trip or fail to show up, the entire remaining trip cost will be charged to your card.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket. If you require waders and wading boots, you can rent them from us—just mention it when you book, and we’ll have them ready for you upon arrival. Rental fees are $30 for a half-day or $40 for a full-day.
Included in your trip are lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, and all tackle supplies such as flies, leaders, and tippet. We also provide shuttle service for the guide’s vehicle from the boat launch to the take-out point. If you don’t have your own rod, your guide will supply one for you.
Embark on an exciting fly-fishing adventure in Montana by floating down the Jefferson River with an expert guide. This trip offers a fantastic opportunity to target Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout while enjoying one of the most scenic and tranquil rivers in the state.
The Jefferson River, often called the “Jeff,” is prized not just for its fish population, but for the peaceful solitude it provides away from the crowds—ideal for anglers hunting trophy-sized fish. Anglers here have success using a variety of techniques, including streamers, dry flies, and nymphs.
The best fishing on the Jefferson River occurs in the spring months of March through May, before runoff begins. During this time, you'll experience remarkable insect hatches featuring species like March Browns, Caddisflies, Skwallas, and Blue Winged Olives (Baetis). Late summer into fall can also be productive with terrestrial insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and ants. In October and November, the river is known to produce large brown trout that are particularly vulnerable in their pre-spawn phase, making streamer fishing especially effective.
Your half-day or full-day trip includes a guided float in a nimble drift boat. The guide will row to prime fishing spots while you take in breathtaking surroundings. Drift boats allow access to larger stretches of the river and to areas unsafe for wading, maximizing your fishing opportunities. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced angler, your guide is enthusiastic about sharing tips and helping you land fish.
No matter where you are staying in Montana—such as Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith—your guide can pick you up from your lodging, campground, or airport. If your accommodations are a bit remote, simply arrange to meet your guide at a location convenient to you.
All the necessary gear, including rods, reels, flies, and tippet, is provided by your guide. You’ll also be treated to a delicious lunch during your day on the water. If you need waders and boots, those are available to rent for an additional fee—just tell your guide when booking. Just bring along a valid Montana fishing license, and it’s suggested to pack a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket to be prepared for changing weather.
Additional Options: There are several other float trip listings nearby in the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park area. Your guide aims to ensure you have the best fishing experience possible and may recommend other lakes or rivers if conditions are better elsewhere. Whether you prefer to stay on the Jefferson River or explore alternative waters, book this trip, and your guide will reach out to discuss the best options.
After booking, you may also connect with Nate and his team about their multiple overnight lodging options available to anglers for an extended Montana fishing experience.
