- What's included in a guided trip?
- All-inclusive guide trips with no hidden fees: equipment (rods, reels, flies, leaders, tippet), drift boat, transportation to and from the river, lunch, and beverages. Montana fishing license and guide gratuity are separate.
- Do I need a fishing license?
- Yes. Montana fishing licenses are required for everyone 12 and older. You can buy a 2-day, 10-day, or season license online from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before your trip — bring it with you, ideally already in your wallet.
- How do we get back to the vehicle?
- We use a shuttle service that moves your vehicle from the put-in ramp to the take-out ramp during the day, so it's waiting for you when you finish.
- How much should we tip the guide?
- We recommend tipping 20% at the minimum. Guiding is hard work and your guide carries significant overhead per outing — a good tip is the most direct way to thank them for the day.
- What should we bring?
- Your fishing license, a few extra layers (Montana weather changes fast), polarized sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Please leave dogs at home — we can't take them on trips for liability reasons.
- Where should we stay?
- We partner with East Ridge Ranch, a Western-styled lodge about 10 minutes from Corvallis with options for two, six, or eight guests. Guides will pick up and drop off ranch guests on trip days.
- When will my guide contact me?
- Your guide will reach out the night before your trip at the latest, and as early as a week before — to confirm pickup time, talk through the plan for the day, and answer any last questions.
- What's the best time of year to fish?
- April, June, July, September, and October are our favorites — best combination of bug life, water temperatures, and flows. The Bitterroot fishes well from March through November with consistent dry fly action.
