2021 Out-West Trip

Missoula, Montana
Missoula is a city located on the western side of Montana. Ideally situated for an angler, the majestic Clark Fork river splits the city in half. Confluences of both the Bitterroot and the Blackfoot rivers with the Clark Fork bookend the town. With the convergence of five mountain ranges, this “hub of five valleys” provides an immense amount of fishable water. Beyond it’s obvious fishing opportunities, Missoula boasts a beer scene that rivals that of Asheville and Bend, Oregon. As the second largest city in Montana (approx. 118k metro area), the Missoula airport supports a healthy volume of flights each day.

Climate
At an elevation of 3,209 ft and surrounded by 5000ft peaks, the summer climate could be described as an Appalachian mountain summer without as much rain. Average highs are 85°F and average lows are 50°F. Missoula receives approximately 1in of rain during the
month of August.

Fishing
Simply put, incredible. Anglers have the opportunity to target healthy populations of Brown, Rainbow, and, native Westslope cutthroat trout. Anglers should also be prepared to land cutbow hybrids, brook trout, whitefish, or even the rare native bull trout. During our time in in Montana, we hope to fish during the exhilarating spruce moth hatch. The fish can get frenzied at the appearance of these calorie rich meals. Depending on fishing conditions, guide, and, angler preference, drift boat float trips will take place on the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, and, Missouri Rivers. Walk and wade trips will take place on Rock Creek and other small mountain streams. There will be a 2 angler to 1 guide ratio.

Itinerary
August 1: Fly into Missoula airport, shuttle takes group to DoubleTree Edgewater
August 2: Full day of guided fishing
August 3: Full day of guided fishing
August 4: Full day of guided fishing
August 5: Full day of guided fishing
August 6: shuttle takes group to Missoula airport, fly home

Package
Lodging at the DoubleTree Edgewater in Missoula
Pricing is based off of double occupancy
4 full days of guided fishing
Breakfast and Lunch Provided
Flies, line, rod, reel
Shuttle transportation

Package EXCLUDES
Montana fishing license
Dinner
Guide tips (similar to standard 20% restaurant tipping rates)

Costs
Fly Fishing package 5 nights/4 days fishing: $1560
Flight: approx. $450
Matt Williams will coordinate both, PLEASE DO NOT CHECK FLIGHTS ON WEB (pushes the flight prices up)

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DEPOSIT DEADLINES:

> Initial Reservation, $200: March 1st
> Flight Booking, $450: April 1st
> Final Deposit/Balance, $1360: May 1st

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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to be an experienced fisherman to go?
A: NO! We will have guides for every day of fishing, they are some of the best guides in Montana and will be excellent teachers for all skill levels

Q: Do I need to practice with my equipment before departure
A: Yes please! For many, this is a once in a lifetime trip. Your ability to catch fish is directly proportional to your skills. We will have casting clinics throughout the spring and summer to prepare.

Q: Is this a man’s only trip?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT! #1 fish do not care if you are male or female, young or old. #2 women make excellent fly anglers. Attention to detail and willingness to take direction from a guide are found more commonly with women than their male counterparts.

Q: Can I customize each day’s itinerary?
A: Yes, just like any successful relationship, communication is key. The guides are excellent at helping you maximize your day and by a larger scale, your trip, all they need to know is your wants, concerns, hopes, etc.

Preliminary Packing List
Clothing for 4 days of fishing in the sun and maybe the rain
Think UPF
Think 85°F and sunny in the middle of the day
Think 7AM start with temperatures closer to 50°F
Shoes that can get wet
Raincoat
Clothing for evenings in Missoula
Fishing gear (optional)
All equipment is provided, however there are certain advantages of fishing with your stuff that you are comfortable with
Additional fishing opportunities right outside your hotel room (Clark Fork)
9ft 5wt
9ft 6wt
Correlated reel and Weight Forward fly line
Basic flies
2x-4x leaders
3x-5x tippet
Wading boots
Montana fishing license
Can be purchased online as late as the morning of the 1st day of fishing
Polarized sunglasses
Prescriptions
Matt Williams will host an in depth pre trip meeting where specifics are broken down in detail