Nate is your go-to expert for fly fishing adventures throughout Montana. Alongside his dedicated team, he fishes wherever Rainbow and Brown Trout can be found—practically across the entire state and beyond. Operating out of Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron, Montana, Nate guides trips on rivers like the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn. He also provides guided excursions on Holter, Hebgen, and Ennis Lakes, as well as Soda Butte and Slough Creek. His team has exclusive fishing access within iconic Yellowstone National Park too.
Nate's connection to Montana runs deep, tracing back to the late 1800s when his great-great-grandfather settled in Billings after working as a cook on a cattle drive. While fishing is a family tradition, Nate’s passion for fly fishing truly began when he first cast a fly rod at age 13. Over the years, he explored the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder rivers extensively before launching his guiding career in 1999 during his time at Montana State University. Now, with over two decades of experience, Nate enjoys mentoring up-and-coming guides and sharing his expertise.
His love for fly fishing is matched by his dedication to clients of all ages and abilities—from children as young as eight to seniors in their nineties, including families, groups, and those facing physical challenges or serious illnesses. Nate believes wholeheartedly in teaching the skills necessary to maximize each fishing trip, creating lasting memories both for his clients and himself. As he puts it, “Helping people get the most out of their fly fishing experience is what it’s all about.”
A single father based in Bozeman, Nate lives with his two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth. Every day, he travels to the waters he guides on and eagerly anticipates sharing the experience with you, your family, or friends. Simply select your preferred date, group size, trip length, and start time to book an unforgettable fly fishing day with Nate.
Our day with Nate’s guide Patrick was truly memorable. Patrick is a consummate professional who made the experience approachable for beginners and was delightful company. Even if we hadn’t caught anything, the day would have been enjoyable, but Patrick’s expertise on the Madison River led to several catches, including brown and rainbow trout plus whitefish. An excellent outing!
A personal highlight was finally fishing the Yellowstone from a drift boat, something I had wanted to do for a long time. Despite extensive fishing travel experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but everything came together for an amazing day. We met our guide Nathan at 8 a.m. at the boat ramp and were soon on the water. As novice fly fishers, Nathan was an ideal teacher—patient, skilled, and a great person to spend time with.
Seeing numerous grasshoppers around, we based our fishing approach on those insects, using a larger hopper pattern with a smaller floating fly trailing behind. Watching trout react to the flies was fascinating—some struck aggressively, others hesitated, while a few simply inspected the offerings. After some practice, I managed to catch a couple of small rainbows, making it a rewarding introduction to this style of fishing. I plan to apply these new techniques on future trips, including this fall in Colorado.
Our guide Nathan adapted patiently to our learning curves as we fumbled with casting and tangle troubles, always professional and encouraging. At one point during a casting frenzy, he jokingly shouted, “Stop casting!” which broke the tension and gave us all a laugh. Overall, he’s one of the best guides I’ve had the pleasure to fish with, having experienced fishing from locations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Belize, and Colorado. While the fishing pace was steady but not frantic, the consistent bites and Nathan’s expert fly changes throughout the day kept us engaged.
Traffic on the river was moderate for a Saturday, but as a large river, it didn’t interfere much. Nathan’s courteous demeanor and adherence to safety standards made the day both fun and comfortable, especially during the drift boat experience. My companion appreciated the stability and safety while casting from the boat’s leaning post. I also gained valuable insights into the mechanics of drift boats, which enhanced the overall experience.
Montana has made it to the top of our list for places to explore further, particularly due to its exceptional public fishing access. Nathan graciously offered to be our fishing buddy whenever we return, which we truly appreciate. A big thank you also goes to Jonathan of Captain Experiences for organizing and supporting our trip flawlessly. Jonathan connected us with some of the finest guides across the country, including Nathan, and his professionalism shone through every step of the process.
Nathan, based in Bozeman, expertly navigates Montana’s Yellowstone, Madison, and other prime rivers. His thorough communication, including a detailed itinerary and ongoing follow-up, ensured a smooth and enjoyable trip. If you’re seeking a top-notch guide or planning a Yellowstone fly fishing adventure, Jonathan and Nathan are excellent contacts to consider for your next outing.
Reflecting on the overall experience, it was the perfect way to spend a day outdoors, complemented by awe-inspiring wildlife sightings, including daily wolf encounters. After this trip, I’ve added the Madison River to my bucket list and look forward to returning.
Several clients have shared their praise for Nate’s excellent guiding staff: Drew and Will worked tirelessly on challenging Missouri River conditions to keep anglers on big fish, adjusting tactics to the weather and flows. Ryan and Matt put in a fantastic effort on the Madison, skillfully shifting patterns and locations to maximize success. Client reviews consistently highlight friendly communication, enthusiasm, and dedication from Nate and his guides.
Whether you’re a beginner catching your first rainbow trout or a seasoned angler seeking expert insight, Nate’s team is ready to provide an exceptional fly fishing experience. Many commend their knowledge, patience, and professionalism, making every trip memorable regardless of the fishing conditions.
You can cancel at no cost up to 60 days prior to your trip and have the amount credited back to your account. If you cancel less than 60 days before the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and paid to the guide. Cancellations made on the day of the trip or failure to show up will result in the full trip cost being charged to your card.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket.
Wader and Wading Boot Rental: If you require rental gear, please inform us when booking. We will ensure the equipment is ready for you upon arrival. Rentals are priced at $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full day.
If you have studded boots, kindly let us know so we can provide the appropriate mats for the drift boats.
Included in your trip: Lunch, non-alcoholic drinks, all fishing tackle (including flies, leaders, and tippet), and the shuttle service for the guide’s vehicle from the boat launch to the take-out location. If you don’t have your own fishing rods, your guide will provide them for you.
Prepare for an exciting day of fishing in Yellowstone National Park as you wade into the waters of the Lamar River with an experienced guide. This fly-fishing adventure focuses on targeting native Yellowstone Cutthroat trout, giving you a chance to experience one of the park’s most scenic and rewarding fishing locations.
Situated in the beautiful Lamar Valley, the Lamar River offers stunning surroundings and excellent fishing opportunities, especially during the summer months of July through September. The native Cutthroat Trout are attracted to hoppers, beetles, and ants, providing plenty of action on the water. Depending on your preference, accessing the river can be a quick 5-minute walk or a more challenging 5-mile hike. Note that trips on the Lamar River require a minimum booking of two days with our guides.
Each full-day trip begins with your guide leading you into the river from one of Yellowstone’s access points. Your guide will share valuable fly-fishing techniques and help you land your first fish, whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler. They are dedicated to ensuring that you have a productive and enjoyable fishing experience.
We accommodate guests staying throughout Montana, including Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, and Fort Smith. Your guide can pick you up directly from your accommodation—be it a vacation rental, lodge, hotel, campsite, or even the airport. Should your lodging be distant, you can conveniently meet your guide at an agreed-upon location for your fishing day(s).
All fishing gear is provided by your guide, including rods, reels, flies, and tippet, so you can focus on fishing without any hassle. A delicious lunch will be served during the trip to keep your energy up. If you require waders and wading boots, please mention this when booking; these will be supplied at an additional fee. You must also obtain a Yellowstone National Park fishing license (no state license is necessary) and pay a $20 entrance fee to access the park. For your comfort and safety, bringing a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and rain gear is recommended.
Enjoy a memorable day out on the water with expert guidance and the chance to catch Yellowstone’s native Cutthroat trout!
Note: We offer multiple wade fishing trips around the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park region. To provide the best experience possible, your guide may suggest alternative locations if conditions are better elsewhere. Feel free to book this trip, whether you prefer this spot or want to explore other options; your guide will contact you to discuss the details and help tailor your fishing adventure.
