Fishing
Fly Fishing Across Montana
Guided fly fishing across Montana’s rivers, creeks, and private waters
Nelson’s Guides & Flies offers guided fly fishing across some of Montana’s most iconic and productive waters. From float trips on the Yellowstone River and the Madison River to walk-and-wade trips inside Yellowstone National Park, every experience is tailored to the conditions and your goals for the day.
We also provide limited access to private spring creeks, offering a more technical and deliberate style of fishing for those looking to refine their skills.
Every day on the water is shaped by seasonal conditions, water type, and experience level. Our approach is simple: fish the right water at the right time, and help anglers learn along the way.
Ways We Fish Montana
Guided fly fishing trips built around water, season, and experience level
Nelson’s Guides & Flies offers a range of guided fly fishing trips designed to match the water, the season, and the angler. From full day float trips on the Yellowstone River to walk and wade fishing and limited access private spring creeks, each trip is selected based on conditions and your experience level.
Yellowstone River Float Trips
Best for: Covering water, variety, Montana experiences
Highlights:
- Scenic float trips on the Yellowstone River
- Dry fly, nymph, and streamer opportunities
- Adapted daily to flows, hatches, and angler ability
Walk & Wade Fly Fishing
Best for: Technical water, learning, quiet days
Highlights:
- Scenic float trips on the Yellowstone River
- Dry fly, nymph, and streamer opportunities
- Adapted daily to flows, hatches, and angler ability
Private Spring Creek Fishing
Best for: Limited access, technical challenge, solitude
Highlights:
- Exclusive private spring creek access on the ranch
- Limited pressure, clear water, selective trout
- Available to guided guests only
Custom Trips & Multi-Day Fishing
Best for: Groups, families, returning anglers
Highlights:
- Multi-day itineraries combining rivers and private waters
- Tailored trips based on goals, experience, and conditions
- Lodging and outfitting coordination available
Certified & Prepared
All Nelson’s Guides & Flies guides are certified in CPR, First Aid, and Wilderness Safety, ensuring every day on the water is safe.
Conservation-Focused Guiding
We guide with limited pressure, thoughtful access, and conservation in mind, helping protect Montana’s fisheries.
Ranch-Based Perspective
Living and working on the land we fish gives us a deeper understanding of water, wildlife, and responsible access.
Education Over Instructions
We don’t just tell clients what to do. We explain why, helping anglers leave more confident and connected to the resource.
Limited Access by Design
Thoughtful limits help protect the water and the experience
Nelson’s Guides & Flies intentionally limits access on certain fisheries to protect the resource and preserve the quality of each experience. This approach allows our guides to fish the right water at the right time while maintaining low pressure and thoughtful stewardship.
Private spring creek fishing is limited to six anglers per day and is available only to guided guests. Availability varies by season and conditions, and not all trips can be booked online.
What this means for your trip:
Spring creek access is limited to six anglers per day
Some trips require advance planning & guide coordination
Not all services are available for instant booking
Our team helps match anglers to the best available option
What to Expect on a Guided Trip
A calm, professional approach to fishing Montana waters
Every guided trip with Nelson’s Guides & Flies is shaped by current conditions, water type, and the experience level of each angler. Our guides focus on creating a relaxed, productive day on the water while helping you understand why decisions are made along the way.
From safety and fish handling to reading water and refining technique, we guide with intention so guests leave more confident and connected to Montana fly fishing.
Fishing for Every Experience Level
Trips tailored for first timers, experienced anglers, and everyone in between
Nelson’s Guides & Flies works with anglers of all experience levels. Whether you are new to fly fishing, looking to refine your skills, or returning to Montana waters with specific goals, our guides tailor each trip to match your comfort level and interests.
We focus on creating productive days on the water that feel relaxed, informative, and rewarding, no matter where you are in your fly fishing journey.
Our guided trips are well suited for:
First time fly anglers
Intermediate anglers looking to improve technique
Experienced anglers seeking seasonal opportunities
Families and small private groups
Returning guests wanting variety across waters
Planning Your Fishing Trip
Guided planning built around conditions, access, and experience
Planning a fishing trip with Nelson’s Guides & Flies starts with understanding the water, the season, and what you want to get out of your time in Montana. Not every trip can or should be booked instantly, and some experiences require advance coordination to ensure the best possible day on the water.
Our guides help you choose the right fishing option based on current conditions, access availability, and your experience level. Whether you are planning a single guided day, a multi day trip, or hoping to include limited access waters, we work with you to match the right opportunity to the right timing.
Questions before booking? Visit our Fly Shop or Contact Us.
