
Nate offers comprehensive fly fishing adventures throughout Montana, guiding enthusiasts to prime spots where Rainbow and Brown Trout abound—virtually across the entire state and beyond. Based in multiple locations including Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Ennis, Helena, Cascade, Three Forks, and Cameron, Montana, Nate and his team expertly navigate waters like the Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, Firehole, Gibbon, Lamar, and Bighorn Rivers. They also lead guided fishing excursions on lakes such as Holter, Hebgen, and Ennis, along with Soda Butte and Slough Creek. Their unique access to renowned Yellowstone National Park is an added advantage for anglers seeking exceptional experiences.
Nate’s connection to Montana runs deep, tracing back to his great-great-grandfather, who settled in Billings in the late 1800s after working as a cook during a cattle drive. While fishing seemed to be part of Nate's heritage, he actually began fly fishing at age 13, marking the start of his lifelong passion. He spent considerable time exploring the Bighorn, Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder rivers, eventually embarking on a guiding career in 1999 while studying at Montana State University. Over two decades later, Nate remains dedicated to guiding and mentoring the next generation of fishing guides. He finds fulfillment in working with anglers of all ages—from youngsters to seniors—and enjoys helping individuals with various challenges, including disabilities and serious illnesses, as well as accommodating families and large groups.
In Nate’s words, "Teaching anglers the skills to maximize their fly fishing adventures is crucial, creating lasting memories not only for my clients but also for me." Residing in Bozeman, Montana, as a single father to daughters Emily and Elizabeth, Nate commutes daily to his fishing locations and eagerly anticipates sharing Montana’s waters with you and your companions. When planning your outing, simply provide the date, group size, duration, and preferred start time to organize a memorable day on the water. Nate’s team can adjust the starting point to suit your needs.
While lodging options recommended by Nate are available, these accommodations are separate from the trip cost. If you are interested in staying overnight, please mention it in the notes during checkout or consult local maps for additional hotel and vacation rental options.
Our session with Nate’s guide, Patrick, was outstanding. Patrick demonstrated professionalism and made the experience enjoyable and accessible for beginners. Even without catching fish, the day was rewarding, but Patrick’s expertise on the Madison river led to multiple catches, including brown and rainbow trout and some whitefish.
Fishing the Yellowstone River from a drift boat was a highlight—an experience that proved to be both successful and memorable. Meeting our guide Nathan at the boat ramp early in the morning, we quickly got underway. As newcomers to fly fishing, Nathan’s patience, skill, and friendly demeanor made for a fantastic experience. The day's strategy revolved around fishing grasshopper patterns, a natural choice given the season. Watching fish respond differently—some striking aggressively, others with subtle takes—offered a fascinating insight into their behavior.
Although learning to set the hook took some practice, I managed to catch a few small rainbows, which was thrilling. Nathan adeptly adjusted tactics throughout the day, eventually moving to a nymph rig with an indicator to ensure that even the less experienced among us hooked fish. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with Nathan’s endless patience as we dealt with tangled lines and imperfect casts, made for a day filled with laughter and learning.
This trip was one of the most enjoyable fishing experiences we've had, ranking alongside adventures at the Great Barrier Reef, Belize, and Colorado. Although the fishing wasn’t fast-paced, the consistent bites and Nathan’s attentive guide work kept us engaged and successful. Despite some challenges with river traffic and occasional interruptions from other anglers, Nathan’s calm and courteous approach ensured the day remained fun and stress-free.
Fishing comfort was enhanced by the drift boat’s design, which Nathan piloted safely, allowing us to stand and cast easily. Montana’s public fishing access earned my highest praise and has definitely placed the state high on my list of future fishing destinations. Thanks to Nathan for his hospitality and to the booking team for a professionally organized trip.
Clients consistently praise Nate’s operation, highlighting guides like Drew, Will, Ryan, Matt, Ian, and Shelly for their dedication, expertise, and friendly service. Whether battling windy conditions on the Missouri River or adapting to changing river patterns on the Madison, these guides work tirelessly to keep anglers on the fish. Many first-time fly fishermen celebrate great memories, including catching their first rainbow trout, thanks to Nate’s knowledgeable team.
In summary, a day spent with Nate and his guides promises not only excellent fishing but also a supportive, educational, and enjoyable atmosphere—ideal for anglers of all levels seeking to experience Montana’s breathtaking fisheries.
You can cancel your booking at no cost if done at least 60 days prior to your scheduled trip, and the amount will be refunded to your account as credit. Should you cancel within the 60-day window, your deposit will be retained by the guide. If you cancel on the day of the trip or fail to show up, the full price of the trip will be charged to your payment method.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket for your trip.
Wader and Wading Boot Rental: If you need rental gear, kindly inform us when booking so we can have it ready upon your arrival. Rental fees are $30 for a half-day and $40 for a full day.
Included with your trip are lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, all necessary tackle (including flies, leaders, and tippet), and shuttle service for the guide’s vehicle from the boat launch to the take-out point. If you don’t have your own fishing rods, your guide will provide them for you.
*If you plan to use studded boots, please let us know in advance to ensure we have the appropriate mats for the drift boats.*
Step into the refreshing waters alongside your expert guide and prepare yourself for an unforgettable day of fishing in Montana with one of the most skilled guides available! This fly-fishing adventure takes place on the Ruby River, where you'll wade through the river’s clear waters to pursue Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
The Ruby River, known as one of the smaller waterways offered, is perfect for a half-day walk-and-wade excursion, though full-day trips are also available for anglers seeking extended fishing opportunities. Expect to catch wild Brown and Rainbow Trout ranging from 12" to 16" with relatively short casts. The prime fishing seasons here are during winter and spring before the runoff, spanning January through April, and again right after runoff from mid-June through July. For the best experience, TOTF suggests booking this trip with a small group.
During your half-day or full-day outing, your guide will lead you into the river via public access points. Along the way, they’ll share expert fly-fishing techniques to help you improve your skills and get fish on the line. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned angler, your guide is committed to making sure you have a rewarding and educational day on the water.
No matter where your Montana lodging is located—be it Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith—your guide can arrange convenient pickup. They’ll meet you at your rental, lodge, hotel, campsite, or even the airport. For accommodations off the beaten path, simply agree on a convenient meeting spot to begin your day of fishing.
All the essential gear, including rods, reels, flies, and tippet, will be supplied by your guide. As an added treat, a delicious lunch will be provided during the trip. Should you require waders and wading boots, these can be rented for an additional fee—just notify your guide when booking. Don’t forget to bring a valid Montana Fishing License, along with a hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a rain jacket for a comfortable day outdoors. Enjoy every moment with your knowledgeable guide by your side!
Note: We also offer several other wade fishing trips in the Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park region. To ensure you have the best fishing experience possible, your guide might suggest an alternative location if conditions are better elsewhere. Whether you prefer to stick with the Ruby River or explore other spots, feel free to book this trip and your guide will be in touch with further details.
Additionally, Nate and his team own multiple rental properties tailored for anglers. If you’re interested in accommodations, you can discuss options with Nate after booking your trip.
To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies such as cookies to store and/or access information on your device. By consenting to these technologies, we may process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. If you do not consent or withdraw your consent, it may adversely affect certain features and functionalities.