Not at all! We welcome anglers of all experience levels. Whether it’s your first time holding a fly rod or you’ve been fishing for decades, we’ll tailor your trip to your skill level. We love helping newcomers build confidence and seasoned anglers fine-tune their game.

We provide all necessary fishing gear—rods, reels, flies, and terminal tackle. If you prefer to use your own equipment, feel free to bring it! You’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather and bring personal items like:

• Layered clothing (base layer, midlayer, waterproof outer shell)

• Polarized sunglasses

• Hat, sunscreen, and lip balm

• Waders and boots (we can advise if needed)

That depends on where and when you’re fishing with us:

• Fort Smith, MT: Wild brown and rainbow trout on the Big Horn River

• Thermopolis, WY: Trout on the upper Big Horn, especially during shoulder seasons

• Kooskia, ID: Wild winter steelhead on the Clearwater system (Jan–Feb)

We’ll discuss your goals before the trip so we can match your expectations with the best fishing opportunities.

A full-day trip usually starts in the morning and includes 6–8 hours on the water, depending on conditions and location. You’ll float or wade different stretches of river with your guide, stopping to fish productive runs and riffles. We provide transportation on the water, and we’re happy to recommend local lodging and dining to complete your stay.

Absolutely. We’ve guided couples, families, and groups of all sizes. Non-anglers are welcome to ride along, take photos, or just enjoy the river. If you have a group with mixed skill levels or interests, we can arrange multi-boat trips or create a flexible schedule so everyone has a great time.

We fish in a wide range of weather conditions, especially in the shoulder and winter seasons. Our guide is experienced in reading both river flows and forecasts. If conditions are unsafe (extreme storms, ice, etc.), we’ll work with you to reschedule. Otherwise, dressing properly for the elements goes a long way—and some of our best fishing happens in less-than-perfect weather.