Yellowstone River Fly Fishing
Take a guided fly fishing trip on the Yellowstone River and other world-class fisheries in and around Yellowstone National Park. Our experienced fly fishing guides know where the fish are, what they’re biting, and how to help you land them. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned angler, we’ll tailor the trip to your skill level. Book your fly fishing trip on the Yellowstone River today!
DRIFT BOAT FLY FISHING TRIPS
Fishing from a drift boat lets you cover more water while floating downstream. It’s a comfortable and effective way to fly fish larger rivers like the Yellowstone. Your guide rows while you cast.
FULL DAY DRIFT BOAT TRIP
A full day on the river means more time to find fish, learn fly fishing techniques, and enjoy the river. Lunch is included.
Trip Length: 7–8 hours | Distance: 10+ miles
Start Time: 8:00 AM | End Time: 4:00 PM
Price: $700 per boat (2 anglers max)
Trip Details
Meet at our raft shop (129 US Hwy 89 S in Gardiner) or a pre-arranged location (your guide will provide details) at the trip start time.
What’s Included:
- All fly fishing gear
- Waders and boots (if needed)
- Shore lunch with soft drinks and water
- Transportation to and from the river
You’ll Need to Bring:
- Montana fishing license
- Comfortable layers, rain coat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and hat
- If you don’t wear our wader shoes, wear something you can walk well in such as: Chacos, Keens, Tevas or water shoes
- Gratuity for your guide (20% is recommended)
HALF DAY DRIFT BOAT TRIP
Enjoy a relaxed introduction to fly fishing on the Yellowstone River. This trip is great if you’re short on time or want to combine fishing with other activities.
Trip Length: 4–5 hours | Distance: 4–6 miles
Start Times: 8:00 AM or 12:30 PM
End Times: 1:00 PM or 5:30 PM
Price: $600 per boat (2 anglers max)
Trip Details
Meet at our raft shop (129 US Hwy 89 S in Gardiner) or a pre-arranged location (your guide will provide details) at the trip start time.
What’s Included:
- All fly fishing gear
- Waders and boots (if needed)
- Shore lunch with soft drinks and water
- Transportation to and from the river
You’ll Need to Bring:
- Montana fishing license
- Comfortable layers, rain coat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and hat
- If you don’t wear our wader shoes, wear something you can walk well in such as: Chacos, Keens, Tevas or water shoes
- Gratuity for your guide (20% is recommended)
WALK-WADE FLY FISHING TRIPS
Wade into the river and fly fish on foot. Walk and wade trips let you take your time at each spot. Your Yellowstone fly fishing guide will tailor the trip to your ability, from easy access points near the road to backcountry hikes.
FULL DAY WALK-WADE FLY FISHING TRIP
Spend a full day fishing rivers and streams in and around Yellowstone National Park. Choose a leisurely stroll or an extended hike into more remote water. Lunch is included.
Trip Length: 6–8 hours
Start Time: 8:00 AM | End Time: 4:00 PM
Price: $700 for 1–2 anglers, +$150 per additional angler
Trip Details
Meet at our raft shop (129 US Hwy 89 S in Gardiner) or a pre-arranged location (your guide will provide details) at the trip start time.
What’s Included:
- All fly fishing gear
- Waders and boots (if needed)
- Shore lunch with soft drinks and water
- Transportation to and from the river
You’ll Need to Bring:
- Yellowstone National Park fishing license
- Comfortable layers, rain coat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and hat
- If you don’t wear our wader shoes, wear something you can walk well in such as: Chacos, Keens, Tevas or water shoes
- Gratuity for your guide (20% is recommended)
HALF DAY WALK-WADE TRIP
This trip is the perfect introduction to fly fishing for first-timers and families with younger children. You’ll fish at a relaxed pace, take in beautiful scenery, and get plenty of guidance.
Trip Length: 4–5 hours
Start Times: 8:00 AM or 12:30 PM
End Times: 1:00 PM or 5:30 PM
Price: $600 for 1–2 anglers, +$100 per additional angler
Trip Details
Meet at our raft shop (129 US Hwy 89 S in Gardiner) or a pre-arranged location (your guide will provide details) at the trip start time.
What’s Included:
- All fly fishing gear
- Waders and boots (if needed)
- Shore lunch with soft drinks and water
- Transportation to and from the river
You’ll Need to Bring:
- Yellowstone National Park fishing license
- Comfortable layers, rain coat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and hat
- If you don’t wear our wader shoes, wear something you can walk well in such as: Chacos, Keens, Tevas or water shoes
- Gratuity for your guide (20% is recommended)
Recent Fly Fishing Trip Reviews
Overall Google Rating: 5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (26)
Had a wonderful time on the river. Jonathan was a great guide for two folks who had never been fly fishing before. Didn’t take long to catch on and get into some nice fish. Can’t wait to come back and visit again!
We had an awesome experience on our fly fishing trip through Wild West Rafting. This was our first time fly fishing. Our guide Gil was excellent and provided two adults and one child with an unforgettable fishing experience in Yellowstone.
Our group had a great time learning the finer points of fly fishing from our guide Gil. He was knowledgeable and patient and enthusiastically helped us through the whole experience. Absolutely would recommend to beginners and pros alike.
Where We Fish in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Gardiner, Montana have some of the best blue-ribbon trout water in the world. Here are a few of our favorites.
Yellowstone River
The Upper Reaches (Headwaters to Gardiner, MT):
- Best for dry fly fishing or determined waders who are willing to hike
- Plentiful Yellowstone cutthroat trout with occasional rainbows for variety
Gardiner to Yankee Jim Canyon:
- Best for drift boat experiences
- Hardy trout, ready to challenge your skills
Paradise Valley:
- Waders, welcome home (well, okay, dry anglers are welcome, too)
- Brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout all enjoy these calmer waters
Livingston to Big Timber:
- Beautiful and rewarding challenges for all anglers on this stretch
- Plenty of all three types of trout
Firehole River
- The place for waders and dry fly fishers who love a challenge
- Trophy-sized, very picky trout
Gibbon River
- Stunning views for anglers of all ages and abilities
- Plentiful brown and rainbow trout
Madison River
- Great wading and boat fly fishing
- A favorite area for brown and rainbow trout
Lamar Valley (Lamar, Soda Butte, Slough Creek, Pebble Creek, and Cache Creek)
- A dry angler’s delight in late summer
- Abundant Yellowstone cutthroat trout
For still-water fishing, head for Yellowstone, Dailey, or Lewis Lakes.
Types of Fish You’ll Catch
Yellowstone fly fishing is all about the trout. Expect to reel in rainbow trout, brown trout, and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fly fishing experience?
We welcome all experience levels! Our guides work with complete beginners through advanced anglers. They’ll teach you casting, reading water, and fly selection, or leave you alone if you prefer to fish independently.
What is the difference between a drift boat and a walk-wade trip?
Drift boat trips allow you to cover 6–10+ miles of the Yellowstone River while fishing from a stable boat.
Walk-wade trips are done on foot, letting you move at a slower pace and access smaller streams and backcountry waters inside Yellowstone National Park that are inaccessible by boat.
Which fishing license do I need to buy?
The license you need depends on your trip location. For drift boat trips on the Yellowstone River, you need a Montana state fishing license.
For walk-wade trips inside the park, you need a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit. Both must be purchased online or at a local shop before your trip.
What fly fishing gear is included?
We provide all necessary gear, including fly rods, reels, flies, leaders, and tippet. We also provide waders and wading boots at no extra charge if the water conditions or trip type require them.
What should I wear and bring?
Polarized sunglasses are essential for seeing fish in the water and protecting your eyes. We also recommend a brimmed hat, sunscreen, and quick-dry layers. If you use our waders, please wear a pair of tall socks to ensure a comfortable fit with your wading boots.
Do you practice catch and release?
Starting Location
For all fly fishing trips, please check in at our office or prearranged location at your scheduled trip time.
Our office is located at:
129 US HWY 89 S, Gardiner, MT 59030