FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will a typical float trip be like?
The day begins at your point of local lodging at a pre-determined time. Timing for the day is up to the needs and goals of the angler for the best chance for success of the day, so it's negotiable. A typical time frame is starting at 8:00 A.M. and getting off the river at 5:00 P.M.. A brief phone conversation close to the time of your trip will set this up as well as your desires for lunch. Typically we offer a Deli style sandwich for lunch and water or non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
At the time of your trip we will determine the river to fish based on your goals and the body of water that is fishing the best at that time. We will drive to the selected boat launch, or "put in" to gear up, and place the boat on the river. You can relax as we float down the river and fish through the morning.
At lunch time we will pull over and eat along the bank. The float continues after lunch and proceeds to take out. Our vehicle will be shuttled from the "put in" to the "take out" while we are out fishing so the truck and trailer will be waiting for us at the "take out". We can then drive back to your place of lodging or alternate meeting place. In the event that a party requests a double float, there would be an extra shuttle cost and/or an angler's vehicle could be brought into the mix for one of the shuttles.
At the time of your trip we will determine the river to fish based on your goals and the body of water that is fishing the best at that time. We will drive to the selected boat launch, or "put in" to gear up, and place the boat on the river. You can relax as we float down the river and fish through the morning.
At lunch time we will pull over and eat along the bank. The float continues after lunch and proceeds to take out. Our vehicle will be shuttled from the "put in" to the "take out" while we are out fishing so the truck and trailer will be waiting for us at the "take out". We can then drive back to your place of lodging or alternate meeting place. In the event that a party requests a double float, there would be an extra shuttle cost and/or an angler's vehicle could be brought into the mix for one of the shuttles.
What would a typical wade trip be like? Wade trips have generally the same time frame but we don't have to deal with the logistics of the boat. We generally work out of the car and use that which can be carried. Fishing locations may be changed during the day based on how the fishing goes or on the particular goals of the anglers.
What about tackle?
You will need a current Montana Fishing License. This can be purchased on line, at http:/fwp.mt.gov/fishing/license, before your trip or we can stop that morning to pick one up. There are options for a season license or for shorter units of 2 day combinations.
Many fishermen are used to their own gear and we will work with you to make sure it is set up to best meet the fishing of the day. If you don't have a rod one will be furnished for you. I will bring extra rods in the boat in case one might get broken. This also allows you to sample some other rods if that fits your goal.
You should expect to purchase about $20 of flies for the day. This of course, depends on those flies you already have. You are certainly welcome to use your own flies but consider the local expertise of the guide as you make your choices. Each river will have either different insects, hatch timing or available food for the fish. This means different flies will be needed on different rivers. Flies are typically $2 a piece and some will be lost during the day. Any flies left at the end of the day are yours to keep for the next time. Those flies that we might need beyond the choices purchased for the day will be provided by the guide.
You should expect to purchase about $20 of flies for the day. This of course, depends on those flies you already have. You are certainly welcome to use your own flies but consider the local expertise of the guide as you make your choices. Each river will have either different insects, hatch timing or available food for the fish. This means different flies will be needed on different rivers. Flies are typically $2 a piece and some will be lost during the day. Any flies left at the end of the day are yours to keep for the next time. Those flies that we might need beyond the choices purchased for the day will be provided by the guide.
If you do have your own rod we may need to start with a fresh leader depending on what you have on the rod.
All other "terminal tackle"(weights, indicators, tippet, floatant, etc.), will be furnished for you.
We have a net in the boat so you won't need yours.
All other "terminal tackle"(weights, indicators, tippet, floatant, etc.), will be furnished for you.
We have a net in the boat so you won't need yours.
What should I wear?
Remember that we will be on the river for 8+ hours and the weather can change rapidly. Safety is our prime concern and only if the weather conditions would be unsafe would we cancel the trip. Otherwise, we will attempt to go regardless of the weather.
A hat with a brim and sunglasses are mandatory! Polarized sunglasses and the hat will help you spot fish, and add protection from wayward casts, around the boat.
Jeans and cotton clothing take for ever to dry if they get wet, so choose those fabrics that dry quickly for comfort. Even on a bright sunny morning, bring along an extra layer, a fleece sweater perhaps. The temperature can change dramatically in a rain shower.
During cooler weather poly pro long underwear is helpful. Gloves are not out of the question and a warm hat can keep up to 60% of your heat inside you. All of this extra clothing can be stored in the boat so if the weather should warm up, layers can be shed.
Bringing rain gear is advisable. I also suggest either rain pants or waders to go along with a jacket. A coat alone is not enough to keep you dry. Staying dry is a high priority for having a comfortable day! Waders are not required for a float trip unless you do want to wade. Waders can provide protection from both the cold and wet,even in a sudden shower. Wet wading may be an option but then you would want to have suitable wading shoes with either a felt bottom or the newer felt less wading soles. The rocks are beyond slippery in the river! I would prefer that you leave your studded wading shoes behind as they really beat up the boat floor and are slippery on the fiberglass.
Remember your sunscreen! We will be at elevation of around 5000 feet and the air is thinner and sun stronger. Also the reflection of the sun off the water is a huge factor.
Some areas may require the use of insect repellent. On many of the rivers this is a non event but there are times and places where repellent will help.
Remember your Camera!
A hat with a brim and sunglasses are mandatory! Polarized sunglasses and the hat will help you spot fish, and add protection from wayward casts, around the boat.
Jeans and cotton clothing take for ever to dry if they get wet, so choose those fabrics that dry quickly for comfort. Even on a bright sunny morning, bring along an extra layer, a fleece sweater perhaps. The temperature can change dramatically in a rain shower.
During cooler weather poly pro long underwear is helpful. Gloves are not out of the question and a warm hat can keep up to 60% of your heat inside you. All of this extra clothing can be stored in the boat so if the weather should warm up, layers can be shed.
Bringing rain gear is advisable. I also suggest either rain pants or waders to go along with a jacket. A coat alone is not enough to keep you dry. Staying dry is a high priority for having a comfortable day! Waders are not required for a float trip unless you do want to wade. Waders can provide protection from both the cold and wet,even in a sudden shower. Wet wading may be an option but then you would want to have suitable wading shoes with either a felt bottom or the newer felt less wading soles. The rocks are beyond slippery in the river! I would prefer that you leave your studded wading shoes behind as they really beat up the boat floor and are slippery on the fiberglass.
Remember your sunscreen! We will be at elevation of around 5000 feet and the air is thinner and sun stronger. Also the reflection of the sun off the water is a huge factor.
Some areas may require the use of insect repellent. On many of the rivers this is a non event but there are times and places where repellent will help.
Remember your Camera!
Should I bring food?
If you have specific food requirements discuss this with the guide before the day of the float. We will try to meet those for you. It is also important that you alert the guide of any food allergies. We will provide a lunch that will include a large deli style sandwich, with pasta or potato salad, snacks and dessert and all non alcoholic beverages. We will have lots of bottled water and soft drinks. . In some areas there may be a salad option instead of a sandwich. There again if you have specific requests, let us know and we will attempt to provide them for you. You are certainly welcome to bring any extra snacks that will help make your day a success!
Are there any other costs other than the price of the trip?
You will need a Montana Fishing License. This can be purchased at http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/license. You will likely need about $20 worth of flies for the day as well as possibly a leader if yours is not appropriate for the day.
A gratuity for the guide is customary. Typically it would fall in the range of $50 to $100 depending on the level of service.
A gratuity for the guide is customary. Typically it would fall in the range of $50 to $100 depending on the level of service.
