From our central location of Philipsburg, Montana, we explore the Blue Ribbon Trout Streams of the Treasure State
Where We Fish
Trout don’t live in ugly places!
Montana is full of beautiful rivers, creeks and lakes that hold healthy populations of wild Brown, Rainbow, Brook, Bull and Cutthroat Trout. The diversity of species and density of Blue Ribbon Trout Streams are what make this a world class fishing destination.
From Philipsburg, or the Bozeman area, you have numerous fishing options.
Philipsburg Area
Rock Creek
Rock Creek is located about 20 miles outside of Philipsburg and offers exceptional wade fishing, or can be floated before July 1st. Known for epic Stone Fly hatches and great dry fly fishing throughout the season.
Georgetown Lake
This stillwater gem sits 15 miles outside of Philipsburg. Here you can target trophy Brook and Rainbow Trout. Fish streamers on a sinking line, throw a nymph rig with leaches and chironomids, or head hunt in the shallows to rising fish with dry flies.
Blackfoot River
With a short drive from Philipsburg you can reach the river featured in the fabled “A River Runs Through It.” The Blackfoot has a healthy population or West Slope Cutthroat Trout that can easily be fooled by a big fluffy dry fly and a dropper nymph.
Bitterroot River
After a breath-taking drive over the Skalkaho Pass you reach the scenic Bitterroot Valley. It offers great dry fly fishing throughout the season; starting with Skwala Stoneflies in March through Blue Winged Olives in October.
Clark Fork River
30 Miles from Philipsburg you connect with the Clark Fork River. After being a main route for Lewis & Clark, it has rebounded from the effects of mining through the early 1900’s to become a fishing destination. It transforms from a small stream at its head waters near Butte and becomes a major branch of the Columbia River as it flows past Missoula.
Missouri River
The mighty Mo is one of the most well known tailwater fisheries in the West. Great spring fishing option, while other rivers experience run-off, and is known for technical dry fly fishing. Sections of the Missouri can be explored by either a drift boat or jet boat.
Bozeman Area
Yellowstone River
The longest un-dammed river in the lower 48, the Yellowstone flows through diverse country and provides plenty of opportunity for trophy trout. Float through the breathtaking Paradise Valley casting hoppers for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, or explore down stream of Livingston throwing streamers for aggressive Brown Trout.
Madison River
The famous 50 mile riffle is full of chunky Rainbow and Brown Trout. You can explore the upper stretch of the river wade fishing, float through the beautiful valley outside of Ennis, or float the lower river as it meanders towards the headwaters of the Missouri River. Fish pocket water with nymphs and streamers or throw dry flies near the banks.
Operated under John McKinnie, Montana Outfitter #20844
McKinnie Fly Fishing Outfitters of Montana 