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Top Montana Fishing Trips

For anglers, fishing in Montana is about as close as you can get to heaven. The landscapes, besides being stunningly beautiful, are relatively undeveloped - the nation’s fourth-largest state only has a population of 800,000. The clear rivers and streams are fed by runoff from the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, an ideal environment for trout and salmon. That’s why you’ll find plenty of fishing resorts and lodges and Montana, and many of them employ experts on fly fishing with a deep knowledge of the areas and environments. A select few offer even more - gourmet meals, elegant and sometimes unexpected accommodations and varied outdoor adventures. Here are our top 10!
1

North Forty Resort

Columbia Falls, Montana

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+1 (866) 775 - 2731
Centrally located in the Flathead Valley of Montana, North Forty Resort provides its guests with a recreational dreamland.Location, location, location is a major bonus at Flathead. Set on 40 forested acres of their... read more

Centrally located in the Flathead Valley of Montana, North Forty Resort provides its guests with a recreational dreamland.

Location, location, location is a major bonus at Flathead. Set on 40 forested acres of their own for you to explore, they are also mere minutes away from Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, and Glacier National Park. Choose among 23 log cabins and one glamping tent set where you’ll have access to miles of wooded paths to hike, endless watersport options, and, of course, fishing. For fly fishing enthusiasts, cast a line in the Flathead River while just north of the resort is the expansive Whitefish Lake where you can spend hours relaxing and enjoying great Montana outdoors.

Address

3765 MT-40 W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Highlights

The glamping tent set is luxurious in every sense of the word—an electric fireplace, king bed, and a mini-fridge will be included so you can test out a new kind of camping.

Related Onsite Offerings

Interested in hosting a business retreat or family reunion? The Snowberry Center onsite can handle up to 65 people and comes equipped with a full commercial kitchen, gas fireplace, large windows and separate men's and women's restrooms.

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2

The Resort at Paws Up

Greenough, Montana

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+1 (866) 806 - 6114
It’s funny - even if you’re shying away from the idea of a MT fishing vacation from a tent, the Resort at Paws Up has some surprise accommodations for you. Yes, it’s a tent; but it features a spacious deck, a... read more

It’s funny - even if you’re shying away from the idea of a MT fishing vacation from a tent, the Resort at Paws Up has some surprise accommodations for you. Yes, it’s a tent; but it features a spacious deck, a private master bathroom nearby, housekeeping, gourmet meals and even a personal butler.

It’s called “glamping.” But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The fishing really is wonderful here. The Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Missouri and Clark Fork Rivers are all right nearby - world-renowned for huge, fighting trout. The Resort at Paws Up rests in the heart of an area that has been referred to as the “Golden Triangle” - an area between eastern Idaho, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks - that is world-renowned for fly fishing. That’s not all it’s about at the Resort at Paws Up - there are also world-class tours on horseback or ATV, plus rappelling, sporting clays, upland bird hunting and a special six-day-a-week program for children, to name a few. And about those tents - collectively known as Tent City, they’re just a small part of the accommodations at Paws Up which include bunkhouses, ranch houses, lodges and wilderness estates.

Highlights

The Resort at Paws Up offers the Pomp, Trough and Tank Restaurants, the breathtaking Tower Office Boardroom and the 76,000-square-foot Saddle Club for corporate retreats and group events of all kinds.

Related activities

Spa Town® at Paws Up features eleven oversized tents, a winding boardwalk and private spa treatments delivered by trained massage therapists.

Fun facts

The Resort at Paws Up is home to the annual Wine & B*tch Weekend - the first luxury vacation designed for you and dog. It includes a fashion show, a wellness seminar, a dog parade and much more.

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3

Five Star Rentals of Montana

Whitefish, Montana

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+1 (406) 862 - 5994
Variety is the spice of life for the avid fisherman. You’ve got to diversify your portfolio; how are you going to be an accomplished fisherman (or fisherwoman) if you fish the same place for the same fish all the... read more

Variety is the spice of life for the avid fisherman. You’ve got to diversify your portfolio; how are you going to be an accomplished fisherman (or fisherwoman) if you fish the same place for the same fish all the time? You need an assortment of lakes, with an even larger assortment of fish. Enter Five Star Rentals.

Five Star Rentals offer accommodations all around northwest Montana. While their lodgings are luxurious, cozy, and the perfect place to hole-up for a weekend, you’re here for the fishing. Lakes, rivers, and stream litter the area. Whitefish lake, Flathead Lake, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake MacDonald, the Middle, South and North Fork of the Flathead River are just some of the options at your disposal, and there are untold numbers and species of fish for you to try your luck at catching. Boat, canoe, or dock, grab a rod and cast away into a fantastic fishing getaway!

Address

704 Baker Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937

Dates and Times

Check in starts at 4 pm every day!

Fun facts

Montana is nicknamed “Big Sky Country” for its wide-open spaces.

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4

Gallatin River Lodge

Bozeman, Montana

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+1 (888) 387 - 0148
You don’t often hear about romance and fly fishing in the same sentence, but you’ll find it at Gallatin River Lodge. It’s one of the few places we’ve ever heard of that’s known equally as a MT fly fishing... read more

You don’t often hear about romance and fly fishing in the same sentence, but you’ll find it at Gallatin River Lodge. It’s one of the few places we’ve ever heard of that’s known equally as a MT fly fishing destination lodge and fine country inn!

By fine country inn, we really mean a small luxury hotel that happens to sit on a 350-acre Montana ranch. And by a fly fishing destination - well, the possibilities are almost endless. The lodge is five minutes from the Gallatin River, and the Madison River, the Yellowstone River and countless creeks and streams are within a half hour. If you have any doubts about the fishing here - or any questions at all - the lodge staff can answer them, down to what types of fish inhabit which section of these untouched waters. The lodge itself is a masterpiece that hosts romantic vacations from all over the world. Six well-appointed suites have all the little luxuries including Jacuzzi tubs and satellite TV; the dining is yet another unforgettable experience, featuring the creations of the lodge’s own Executive Chef who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America.

Mountain range

Your Gallatin River Lodge fishing experience will always include breathtaking views of Montana’s Spanish Peaks.

Highlights

To go along with its spectacular local cuisine, Gallatin River Lodge features three dining rooms which seat 24-40 guests each; enjoy cocktails from its historic oak bar.

Related Onsite Offerings

Gallatin River Lodge is ideal for Montana weddings, wedding receptions, dinners and other events for up to 100 indoors and up to 300 outdoors.

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View call direct
+1 (406) 682 - 7034
If you're an avid angler or a rookie just looking to get their feet wet, you'll love Madison Management Vacation Rentals' riverfront rental properties!Madison Management Vacation Rentals are spacious, luxurious,... read more

If you're an avid angler or a rookie just looking to get their feet wet, you'll love Madison Management Vacation Rentals' riverfront rental properties!

Madison Management Vacation Rentals are spacious, luxurious, and conveniently located near some of Montana's most spectacular attractions! If you'er even the slightest bit interested in fly fishing, there's a wide range of guided fly fishing adventures in the area to suit your needs and make your vacation an experience to last a lifetime. Hone your skills as you float down the Madison River or wade into the Gallatin, then return to your incredibly spacious yet cozy property!

Population

890 (2016)

Elevation

4,941′

Fun facts

The Ennis Chamber of Commerce has organized an annual 4th of July parade since the early 1980s!

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6

Five Rivers Lodge

Dillon, Montana

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+1 (800) 378 - 5006
Yes, the Five Rivers Lodge is named correctly, and for the record the five rivers here are the Beaverhead, the Ruby, the Big Hole, the Jefferson and the Madison. More importantly, they’re all brimming with huge... read more

Yes, the Five Rivers Lodge is named correctly, and for the record the five rivers here are the Beaverhead, the Ruby, the Big Hole, the Jefferson and the Madison. More importantly, they’re all brimming with huge trout. And they’re all within a 30-minute radius of this luxury Dillon, MT fishing lodge.

There are also two acres of spring fed ponds, but at this point, who’s counting? Five Rivers Lodge is: the staff keeps careful watch over these private-access waters, and conducts three- to seven-day guided trips based on which areas have not been fished. This makes for an unforgettable fishing trip - private, exclusive and full of huge brown trout! What’s also unforgettable are the accommodations here. Along with the spacious guest rooms and several gathering areas that encourage you to gather before dinner - which is always an event, with healthy, hearty gourmet meals - you’ll find plenty to help you gain knowledge about nature and fly fishing including a library and a fly tying bench. Five Rivers is as serious about comfort as it is about Montana fishing!

Highlights

With excellent equipment and meeting facilities and accommodations for up to 30, Five Rivers Lodge welcomes your corporate Montana fishing retreat, seminar, client trip or board meeting.

Getting there

Five Rivers Lodge rests on 28 acres on Highway 41, just 13 miles north of Dillon, Montana.

Related Onsite Offerings

Five Rivers Lodge is open year round and offers photography seminars, fishing schools and guided or self-guided area tours.

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7

Duck Lake Lodge

Babb, Montana

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+1 (406) 799 - 5168
Snagging the second spot, Duck Lake Lodge is a unique and homey base camp for you fishing excursions. With guides bring you to some ponds and lakes less fished, you'll be catching all the famous rainbow trout in no... read more

Snagging the second spot, Duck Lake Lodge is a unique and homey base camp for you fishing excursions. With guides bring you to some ponds and lakes less fished, you'll be catching all the famous rainbow trout in no time! And if you want an extra special fishing experience Duck Lake is catch and keep!

Located on the front door of Glacier National Park, and connected to its famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, Duck Lake Lodge prides itself on being so close to the pristine natural wonder of the Montana Wilderness. If you're looking to take a break from fishing, the opportunities for hiking trails, biking trails, and much more are all around! Just keep your eyes peeled for some of the more impressive wildlife in the area like Elk, Black and Grizzly Bears, and much more!

Address

3215 Duck Lake Rd. Babb, MT 59411

Mountain range

Both the Livingston Range and Lewis Rage are in the area with more than 150 peaks over 8,000 ft.!

Related Onsite Offerings

There's a full, onsite restaurant and a newly remodeled jacuzzi, so after a long day of adventuring, you can grab a bite, then soak in the bubbling waters!

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8

Rich Ranch

Seeley Lake, Montana

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+1 (800) 532 - 4350
Coming in at number eight, Rich Ranch is home to plenty of outdoor fun. Catching cutthroats, rainbows and brown trout in the Big Blackfoot River immortalized in the film "A River Runs Through It," is just the... read more

Coming in at number eight, Rich Ranch is home to plenty of outdoor fun. Catching cutthroats, rainbows and brown trout in the Big Blackfoot River immortalized in the film "A River Runs Through It," is just the beginning. Discover adventure and the Dude Ranch, or take a day and explore the area on one of the many Bike trails.

Glacier National Park isn't far either so you can rest assured that the natural beauty is as pristine and breathtaking as you'll find anywhere. There's practically no better way to spend a day than driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road through the heart of the park. And make sure to watch closely so you can spot Elk, Moose, and Black and Grizzly Bears! As if all of that wasn't enough, you can rest assured that with the modern and comfortable rooms, you don't have to sacrifice comfort for such great adventure!

Address

939 Cottonwood Lakes Road Seeley Lake, Montana 59868

Fun facts

Located Nearby Glacier National Park!

Related Onsite Offerings

Go for a ride on a horse at the dude ranch or explore the area with a bike ride on one of the many trails!

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9

Ninepipes Lodge

Charlo, Montana

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+1 (406) 644 - 2588
Designed with the adventurous fisherman in mind, Ninepipes Lodge offers majestic Rocky Mountain views, amazing hospitality, and of course, bountiful fishing.Rooms at the resort are comfortable and full of all the... read more

Designed with the adventurous fisherman in mind, Ninepipes Lodge offers majestic Rocky Mountain views, amazing hospitality, and of course, bountiful fishing.

Rooms at the resort are comfortable and full of all the modern amenities you’d expect. All rooms sleep 2-4 people and promise to deliver spectacular views of the Mission Mountains or the Ninepipes Reservoir. But that’s simply a nice bonus to the TRUE moneymaker here: the fishing. Flathead Lake was created by Glaciers and is the largest natural lake in the western US. Naturall, a plethora of fish species call it home, fish that you’ll be doing your best to wrangle from the comfort of one of the lodge’s dedicated fishing boats. Ninepines claims to offer “a true Montana vacation experience”. If that entails incredible fishing, they didn’t lie!

Address

69286 US-93, Charlo, MT 59824

Population

439 as of 2000.

Total area

Charlo is 2.008 mi²

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10

Missoula River Lodge

Huson, Montana

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+1 (406) 240 - 9435
Offering an intimate boutique retreat on a 100-acre ranch, Missoula River Lodge is the ideal destination for your next Montana fishing adventure.No matter if you're a beginner or expert angler, the Bitterroot River,... read more

Offering an intimate boutique retreat on a 100-acre ranch, Missoula River Lodge is the ideal destination for your next Montana fishing adventure.

No matter if you're a beginner or expert angler, the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, and Rock Creek have the ideal fly fishing adventure for you. Let Missoula River Lodge's professional fly fishing guides take you on an unforgettable fishing adventure in the rivers of the Missoula area. Their all-inclusive packages provide three, four, or seven-day trips and include amenities such as hot shore lunches, complimentary equipment, and much more! Well-appointed single suites, wireless internet, and pick-up and drop-off service for daily fly-fishing activities make Missoula River Lodge the ultimate fishing experience.

Address

25155 Huson Road Huson, Montana 59846

Elevation

The elevation of Huson, Montana is 3,012 feet.

Related activities

Whether you prefer to take in the beautiful Missoula scenery on a horseback ride or explore the terrain on an exciting mountain biking adventure, Missoula River Lodge is the ultimate Bitterroot Mountain Range destination.

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11

Timber Wolf Resort

Hungry Horse, Montana

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+1 (406) 387 - 9653
Timber Wolf Resort has a little bit of everything. With opportunities for tent camping and hook-ups for RVs, in addition to rooms at the lodge, you get to choose exactly how you want this fishing adventure to go. ... read more

Timber Wolf Resort has a little bit of everything. With opportunities for tent camping and hook-ups for RVs, in addition to rooms at the lodge, you get to choose exactly how you want this fishing adventure to go. Only nine miles from Glacier National Park, you can practically pick any direction to head and you'll find a great place to fish.

If you're looking for something revolving a bit more around civilization, only a few minutes away from Timber Wolf Resort, are several rustic and quaint towns, perfect for an afternoon of relaxed exploring. But, if the mountains are calling, head to Glacier National Park and take a scenic drive along the fifty mile Going-to-the-Sun Road. You can expect to see Elk, Black and Grizzly Bears. Not to mention breathtaking vistas of glacier scarred mountain terrain!

Address

9105 US Highway 2 East Hungry Horse, Montana 59919

Highlights

Nearby offerings include museums, quiet mountain towns and even a water park. You can rest assured, there'll be something for everyone to love at Timber Wolf Resort!

Related activities

Whether it's fishing, hiking, hiking, kayaking, or moutain-climbing, the grandeur surround Glacier National Park is the place to do it!

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12

Twin Rivers Ranch

Manhattan, Montana

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+1 (406) 284 - 6485
Welcome to a truly serene, wildlife-filled, utterly scenic fishing vacation in Manhattan. We’re not kidding. Once you see the stunning mountain views and start catching the fish that teem in the East and West... read more

Welcome to a truly serene, wildlife-filled, utterly scenic fishing vacation in Manhattan. We’re not kidding. Once you see the stunning mountain views and start catching the fish that teem in the East and West Gallatin Rivers, you’ll never want to leave this ranch near Manhattan, Montana again.

That’s not to mention the myriad rivers and streams that surround this magical place, which are almost always inhabited by deer, eagles and of course plenty of fish. Rainbow and brown trout and salmon are prized catches here. And whether by wading or drift boat, Twin Rivers is excellent for the serious angler: here, terms like attractor and hopper patterns, stoneflies and terrestrials are part of the lexicon and the guides know the local plants and animals as well as they do every part of the river you’re fishing. Cabins at Twin Rivers Ranch are as beautiful as the scenery and equally functional. Riverside cabins feature wireless Internet, CD sound systems and solar lighting, and the Deluxe Cabin on the hill, which accommodates up to 12, is as much a work of art as its surroundings.

Related activities

Along with unforgettable guided fly fishing adventures at Twin Rivers Ranch, you can strike out and discover the local Montana landscape including the Lewis and Clark Caverns, Virginia and Nevada Cities and Yellowstone National Park.

Fun facts

Twin Rivers Ranch specializes in meticulously breeding and raising Tennessee Walking horses. Many of these wonderful animals are for sale.

Related Onsite Offerings

Twin Rivers Ranch offers a variety of clinics and packages including women’s fly fishing adventures, beginner and intermediate casting clinics, crafters’ getaways, horse clinics, bird watching walks and more.

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13

Montana River Lodge

Superior, Montana

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+1 (406) 207 - 0673
Fly fishing at Montana River Lodge isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. And with the average trout measuring between 15 and 20 inches, it’s easy to see why!Loads of fly fishing lodges, outfitters, and... read more

Fly fishing at Montana River Lodge isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. And with the average trout measuring between 15 and 20 inches, it’s easy to see why!

Loads of fly fishing lodges, outfitters, and locals continuously use the same river sections over and over creating tough conditions for fellow fishermen. However, what sets Montana River Lodge apart from others is there is no boat access below the class 3+ white water and the area surrounding the lodge sits among hundreds of acres of state forest. This pristine and uncrowded access offers numerous opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers and adds up to a dream fishing vacation.

Address

822 River Gorge Road Superior , MT 59872

Related activities

Besides fishing, the area yields plenty of other activities including hiking, rafting, and snowmobiling during winters.

Related Onsite Offerings

The custom-built lodge features eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, and can accommodate up to 30 guests.

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14

Gentry River Ranch

Columbia Falls, Montana

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+1 (406) 892 - 1464
On your next Montana vacation, leave the stale hotel experience behind and stay with Gentry River Ranch for a truly fresh and invigorating time.Gentry River Ranch equally balances the comfort you’d expect at home... read more

On your next Montana vacation, leave the stale hotel experience behind and stay with Gentry River Ranch for a truly fresh and invigorating time.

Gentry River Ranch equally balances the comfort you’d expect at home with the beauty of nature. Secluded along the banks of the Flathead River, you’ll be far removed from the sounds of city traffic. Chirping birds, rushing water, and an abundance of wildlife will make up your world here. Their luxury cabins come fully-furnished and provide a scenic view atop a bluff overlooking the Flathead River. Their three cabins, aptly named the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork are similar in size and come complete with a full kitchen. When you’re not relaxing in your accommodation, spend a few hours fly-fishing in the river below at a spot of your choosing, follow the river south and cast away at Flathead Lake, or explore nearby Glacier National Park and soak up as much of the natural scenery as you can. This Montana destination puts you in the driver’s seat!

Address

62 Gentry Way, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Extra Stops

Both the Middle Fork and the South Fork Cabins are pet-friendly so you can bring Fido along on the adventure with you!

Related Onsite Offerings

Gentry River Ranch’s central location also puts you in a great position to ski or snowboard the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort.

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15

320 Guest Ranch

Gallatin Gateway, Montana

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+1 (866) 452 - 4604
A fly fisher's fantasy awaits at 320 Guest Ranch! Surrounded by fish-filled rivers and stunning Montana scenery, you're in for an unforgettable angling experience. A wide variety of fishing options and rustic yet... read more

A fly fisher's fantasy awaits at 320 Guest Ranch! Surrounded by fish-filled rivers and stunning Montana scenery, you're in for an unforgettable angling experience. A wide variety of fishing options and rustic yet refined lodging makes for an angling adventure to remember!

Reel in tons of trophy trout, as this ranch offers plenty of opportunities for fly fishing. Two Blue Ribbon-rated rivers are within an hour of the ranch. The trout-filled Gallatin runs through the ranch and the Madison River is just a short drive to the south. Guide shops from Big Sky can pick you up right here at the ranch and take you to all these angling meccas. Walk, wade, or float; there are so many fishing options here! When you're not fishing, hike through Gallatin National Forest or ride the mountain trails on horseback. Return to a deluxe log cabin, a riverfront cabin, or mountain chalet and soak in the simple life. Breathtaking views, full kitchens, and a continental breakfast add to your stay. Come cast off on a cozy fishing adventure!

Address

205 Buffalo Horn Creek, Gallatin Gateway, Montana 59730

Highlights

Casting instruction on the resort's trout-stocked pond will give you angling experience and equipment rental options allow you to tackle the nearby rivers!

Related Onsite Offerings

Experience the great outdoors with your entire family! 320 Ranch offers pet-friendly accommodations for those who prefer to travel with their four-legged companion.

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