When most people think about fishing in Montana, they think of fly fishing for trout. This is true for both locals and visitors. However, below the confluence of the Clark Fork and Flathead River is a fantastic warm water fishery. Because it is off the radar for all but a few local fishermen, the area is largely uncrowded and the fishing pressure is light.
In this stretch between Paradise, Thompson Falls, and the Idaho border, we fish for smallmouth bass and large pike. Some of the pike we’ve caught hit 20 pounds on the scale. Both species are excellent game fish, known for their fighting prowess. The lower Clark Fork is home to tremendous populations of pike and bass, as well as trout, perch, and walleye in some areas.
The lower Clark Fork is at its best when the rest of the fishing in Western Montana slows down. As the Blackfoot and Bitterroot get warm in mid to late summer, the fishing slows; and, frankly, the fishing pressure is hard on the trout. However, the Clark Fork shines during the heat of the summer. Our best smallmouth bass and pike fishing occurs when water temperatures are between 60–75 degrees.
Drift MT Outfitters also offers guided trips to The Land of Giants, its w...
When most people think about fishing in Montana, they think of fly fishing for trout. This is true for both locals and visitors. However, below the confluence of the Clark Fork and Flathead River is a fantastic warm water fishery. Because it is off the radar for all but a few local fishermen, the area is largely uncrowded and the fishing pressure is light.
In this stretch between Paradise, Thompson Falls, and the Idaho border, we fish for smallmouth bass and large pike. Some of the pike we’ve caught hit 20 pounds on the scale. Both species are excellent game fish, known for their fighting prowess. The lower Clark Fork is home to tremendous populations of pike and bass, as well as trout, perch, and walleye in some areas.
The lower Clark Fork is at its best when the rest of the fishing in Western Montana slows down. As the Blackfoot and Bitterroot get warm in mid to late summer, the fishing slows; and, frankly, the fishing pressure is hard on the trout. However, the Clark Fork shines during the heat of the summer. Our best smallmouth bass and pike fishing occurs when water temperatures are between 60–75 degrees.
Drift MT Outfitters also offers guided trips to The Land of Giants, its well-known moniker deriving from the size of the fish frequenting 18-23’’. Larger fish, up to 26”, are not uncommon either. Located on the Missouri River, about 20 miles from the historic city of Helena, Montana, this breathtaking section of the river is about three miles long and is set in a spectacular, steep canyon with large, rugged rock formations, requiring a jet boat to fully access the river. Drift MT has one of a limited number of Coast Guard Captain’s Licenses, enabling us to take full advantage of this amazing stretch of water. We launch the boat from Upper Holter Lake, just a stone’s throw from the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. Even if you’re not fishing, simply taking in the view of the Gates and the canyon is worth the trip.
Fishing Trips with Drift MT Outfitters start at: $450.00
You’ll need to bring drinks (no glass bottles), snacks, weather appropriate clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
Weather cancellations are at your Captain’s discretion, your safety is their number one priority! You will receive a refund for any weather cancellation, or you can choose to reschedule your trip for a different date.
PO BOX 17492 Missoula, MT
Brown Trout
Coho Salmon
Cutthroat Trout
Lake Trout
Northern Pike
Smallmouth Bass
King Salmon
Largemouth Bass
Steelhead
Walleye
Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
Sockeye Salmon
Your Captain will have you targeting the species biting most frequently on the days leading up to your trip!
When most people think about fishing in Montana, they think of fly fishing for trout. This is true for both locals and visitors. However, below the confluence of the Clark Fork and Flathead River is a fantastic warm water fishery. Because it is off the radar for all but a few local fishermen, the ar...
When most people think about fishing in Montana, they think of fly fishing for trout. This is true for both locals and visitors. However, below the confluence of the Clark Fork and Flathead River is a fantastic warm water fishery. Because it is off the radar for all but a few local fishermen, the area is largely uncrowded and the fishing pressure is light.
In this stretch between Paradise, Thompson Falls, and the Idaho border, we fish for smallmouth bass and large pike. Some of the pike we’ve caught hit 20 pounds on the scale. Both species are excellent game fish, known for their fighting prowess. The lower Clark Fork is home to tremendous populations of pike and bass, as well as trout, perch, and walleye in some areas.
The lower Clark Fork is at its best when the rest of the fishing in Western Montana slows down. As the Blackfoot and Bitterroot get warm in mid to late summer, the fishing slows; and, frankly, the fishing pressure is hard on the trout. However, the Clark Fork shines during the heat of the summer. Our best smallmouth bass and pike fishing occurs when water temperatures are between 60–75 degrees.
Drift MT Outfitters also offers guided trips to The Land of Giants, its well-known moniker deriving from the size of the fish frequenting 18-23’’. Larger fish, up to 26”, are not uncommon either. Located on the Missouri River, about 20 miles from the historic city of Helena, Montana, this breathtaking section of the river is about three miles long and is set in a spectacular, steep canyon with large, rugged rock formations, requiring a jet boat to fully access the river. Drift MT has one of a limited number of Coast Guard Captain’s Licenses, enabling us to take full advantage of this amazing stretch of water. We launch the boat from Upper Holter Lake, just a stone’s throw from the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. Even if you’re not fishing, simply taking in the view of the Gates and the canyon is worth the trip.
Popular Features:
Children Welcome
Fishing Tackle Included
Fishing Trips with Drift MT Outfitters start at: $450.00
You’ll need to bring drinks (no glass bottles), snacks, weather appropriate clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
Weather cancellations are at your Captain’s discretion, your safety is their number one priority! You will receive a refund for any weather cancellation, or you can choose to reschedule your trip for a different date.
PO BOX 17492 Missoula, MT
Brown Trout
Coho Salmon
Cutthroat Trout
Lake Trout
Northern Pike
Smallmouth Bass
King Salmon
Largemouth Bass
Steelhead
Walleye
Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
Sockeye Salmon
Your Captain will have you targeting the species biting most frequently on the days leading up to your trip!
Trips:
You will have the opportunity to select backup dates in checkout (if applicable)
Scenic Tours - No Fishing
Trip Total:$450.00
Price includes up to 2 guests
Reserve now with a $117.00 deposit
6:00am - 10:00am MST (4 hours)
Deposit refundable up to 3 Days before the trip
SeeTrip Details
Come enjoy all Montana has to offer. Beautiful scenery, relaxing waters, and a rich mix of local wildlife. Nothing beats a relaxing day on the water away from it all guided by one of Montana's top professional guides.
Montana And Idaho
Trip Total:$500.00
Price includes up to 2 guests
Reserve now with a $130.00 deposit
6:00am - 12:00pm MST (6 hours)
Deposit refundable up to 7 Days before the trip
SeeTrip Details
The Clearwater River’s fishing reputation is built around “B run” steelhead. “B run” fish spend an extra year or more in salt water compared to the typical “A run” fish. The vast majority of the Clearwater’s fish are B run steelhead. These fish are typically 28–34″ long and weigh between 8 and 14 pounds. The Clearwater river gets 30,000 to 40,000 of these fish each year – more than any other river in the lower 48 states.
These steelhead are truly spectacular, putting up an incredible fight when hooked, and display a vibrant range of color. When steelhead start their spawning migration, they are shiny chrome. By the spring, they look like a brightly colored rainbow.
most popular
Montana - Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Georgetown Lake
Trip Total:$550.00
Price includes up to 2 guests
Reserve now with a $143.00 deposit
6:00am - 12:00pm MST (6 hours)
Deposit refundable up to 7 Days before the trip
SeeTrip Details
When most people think about fishing in Montana, they think of fly fishing for trout. This is true for both locals and visitors. However, below the confluence of the Clark Fork and Flathead River is a fantastic warm water fishery. Because it is off the radar for all but a few local fishermen, the area is largely uncrowded and the fishing pressure is light.
In this stretch between Paradise, Thompson Falls, and the Idaho border, we fish for smallmouth bass and large pike. Some of the pike we’ve caught hit 20 pounds on the scale. Both species are excellent game fish, known for their fighting prowess. The lower Clark Fork is home to tremendous populations of pike and bass, as well as trout, perch, and walleye in some areas.
The lower Clark Fork is at its best when the rest of the fishing in Western Montana slows down. As the Blackfoot and Bitterroot get warm in mid to late summer, the fishing slows; and, frankly, the fishing pressure is hard on the trout. However, the Clark Fork shines during the heat of the summer. Our best smallmouth bass and pike fishing occurs when water temperatures are between 60–75 degrees.
Land Of The Giants
Trip Total:$650.00
Price includes up to 2 guests
Reserve now with a $169.00 deposit
6:00am - 12:00pm MST (6 hours)
Deposit refundable up to 7 Days before the trip
SeeTrip Details
The Land of the Giants derives its well-known moniker from the size of the fish, often seen in the 18–23” range. Larger fish, up to 26”, are not uncommon either. Located on the Missouri River, about 20 miles from the historic city of Helena, Montana, this breathtaking section of the river is about three miles long and is set in a spectacular, steep canyon with large, rugged rock formations, requiring a jet boat to fully access the river. Drift MT has one of a limited number of Coast Guard Captain’s Licenses, enabling us to take full advantage of this amazing stretch of water. We launch the boat from Upper Holter Lake, just a stone’s throw from the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. Even if you’re not fishing, simply taking in the view of the Gates and the canyon is worth the trip.