Top Fishing Guides & Fly Shops in Montana
Montana's best fly fishing outfitters include legendary shops like Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, Headhunters on the Missouri, and Yellowstone Angler in Livingston. These established operations offer decades of local knowledge, professional guides, and the gear you need for Montana's world-class rivers.
Last updated: February 2025
Montana is the epicenter of western fly fishing, and its shops, guides, and lodges reflect generations of expertise. Whether you need a drift boat guide on the Missouri, a walk-wade trip on the Gallatin, or a lodge experience on the Madison, these outfitters are the best in the state.
| # | Outfitter | Type | Location | Rivers Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Blue Ribbon Flies | Fly Shop | West Yellowstone, MT | Madison River, Gallatin River |
| #2 | Headhunters Fly Shop | Fly Shop | Craig, MT | Missouri River |
| #3 | Yellowstone Angler | Fly Shop | Livingston, MT | Yellowstone River |
| #4 | Madison River Lodge | Lodge | Cameron, MT | Madison River |
| #5 | Montana Troutfitters | Guide Service | Bozeman, MT | Madison River, Yellowstone River, Gallatin River, Missouri River |
| #6 | Bozeman Angler | Fly Shop | Bozeman, MT | Madison River, Gallatin River |
| #7 | Murray's Fly Shop | Fly Shop | Livingston, MT | Yellowstone River |
| #8 | Paradise Valley Lodge | Lodge | Livingston, MT | Yellowstone River |
| #9 | Fort Smith Fly Shop & Cabins | Outfitter | Fort Smith, MT | Bighorn River |
| #10 | Ennis Cafe | Restaurant | Ennis, MT | Madison River |
10 Montana Outfitters, Ranked
Blue Ribbon Flies
Blue Ribbon Flies is a legendary West Yellowstone fly shop founded by Craig Mathews and John Juracek in 1982. Located on Canyon Street just blocks from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the shop has earned an international reputation fo...
Headhunters Fly Shop
Headhunters Fly Shop is the premier Missouri River fly fishing outfitter, located in the small town of Craig, Montana, right on the banks of one of the most productive trout rivers in the American West. The shop has built a sterling reputation among ...
Yellowstone Angler
Yellowstone Angler is Livingston's premier fly shop, strategically located to serve anglers fishing the Yellowstone River, Paradise Valley spring creeks, and the vast network of waters in and around Yellowstone National Park. The shop has earned a de...
Madison River Lodge
Madison River Lodge is a full-service fly fishing lodge situated on the banks of the Madison River near Cameron in Montana's Madison Valley. The lodge offers an all-inclusive fly fishing experience, combining comfortable accommodations with guided fi...
Montana Troutfitters
Montana Troutfitters is a premier fly fishing outfitter and fly shop based in Bozeman, Montana, offering guided trips on the region's finest trout rivers. Established as one of Bozeman's original fly shops, Troutfitters has built a reputation for pro...
Bozeman Angler
Bozeman Angler is a full-service fly shop located in downtown Bozeman, Montana, serving as a central hub for anglers heading to the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone, and Missouri rivers. The shop's convenient location makes it an ideal first stop for v...
Murray's Fly Shop
Murray's Fly Shop has been a Livingston institution since 1981, serving generations of anglers fishing the Yellowstone River and surrounding waters. Located on West Park Street in the heart of Livingston's historic downtown, the shop is known for its...
Paradise Valley Lodge
Paradise Valley Lodge offers a comfortable fishing lodge experience in Montana's stunning Paradise Valley, with easy access to the Yellowstone River, Paradise Valley spring creeks, and Yellowstone National Park. The lodge is ideally situated along th...
Fort Smith Fly Shop & Cabins
Fort Smith Fly Shop & Cabins is the go-to outfitter for anglers fishing Montana's legendary Bighorn River. Located in the tiny community of Fort Smith at the base of Yellowtail Dam, the shop serves as Bighorn River headquarters with a full-service fl...
Ennis Cafe
The Ennis Cafe is a beloved Main Street gathering spot in the small Montana town of Ennis, situated in the heart of the Madison Valley. For generations of fly fishers, the cafe has served as the unofficial starting point for days on the Madison River...