Montana — Hosted Expedition
A small-group fly fishing expedition through three of the most respected trout regions in Montana and the Yellowstone ecosystem.
Each Australian winter we travel to Montana to fish some of the most celebrated trout rivers in North America.
This is not simply a fishing trip. It is a carefully organised expedition designed for a small group of anglers who want to experience these waters properly — with excellent local guides, comfortable accommodation, and the quiet assurance that every detail has been thought through.
I travel with the group throughout the journey, hosting the expedition and managing the logistics from start to finish. The fishing itself is conducted with highly experienced Montana-based guides who know these rivers intimately.
The result is a relaxed but deeply rewarding experience that allows guests to focus on what they came for: exceptional fly fishing in remarkable country.
A Carefully Designed Journey
The expedition runs for 13 days and 12 nights, moving through three distinct regions of Montana and the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
Rather than fishing a single location, the journey follows the rhythm of the rivers and the seasonal hatches. Each destination offers something different, from large tailwaters to intimate freestone rivers.
The structure allows guests to experience a wide cross-section of the region while maintaining a comfortable pace throughout the trip.
Across the expedition guests enjoy:
• 12 nights accommodation
• 9 days of professionally guided fly fishing
• a maximum of four anglers per trip
• one guide for every two anglers
• travel between regions organised and hosted throughout
This format has proven to be the most effective way to experience Montana’s fisheries without rushing or compromising the quality of the fishing.
Three Regions, Three Different Fisheries
The journey moves gradually across the state, allowing guests to experience the diversity of the region’s trout water.
The Missouri River
The expedition typically begins on the Missouri River near Craig, one of the most productive tailwater fisheries in the United States.
Long runs, consistent hatches, and large numbers of rising trout make the Missouri one of the most reliable dry fly fisheries in North America.
Drift boats allow us to cover miles of productive water while targeting fish feeding confidently in the long slicks and seams.
Southwest Montana
From the Missouri we move south toward the historic trout towns around Dillon.
This region gives access to several renowned rivers including the Beaverhead, Ruby and Big Hole. Each offers a different character, from technical tailwater fishing to classic Western freestone water.
These rivers reward careful presentation and thoughtful approach, often to large trout holding in deceptively simple water.
The Yellowstone Region
The final stage of the expedition explores the waters surrounding Yellowstone National Park and the Idaho border region.
Depending on conditions we may fish rivers such as the Madison, Yellowstone, or waters flowing from the high country around the park.
This part of the journey often provides some of the most memorable fishing of the trip — wild landscapes, abundant wildlife, and strong trout willing to rise to well-presented dry flies.
Small Groups, Personal Attention
Group size is intentionally limited to four anglers per expedition.
This ensures the experience remains relaxed and personal. With only two anglers per boat, each guest receives careful attention from their guide and ample opportunity to fish productive water.
The small group also allows us to move easily between locations and maintain a comfortable rhythm throughout the trip.
Many guests return year after year, and the atmosphere is typically one of quiet camaraderie rather than competition.
While most expeditions run with four anglers, we can comfortably accommodate private groups of eight or twelve anglers when travelling together.
In these cases the structure remains exactly the same — additional guides, vehicles and accommodation are arranged so that the guiding ratio of one guide to two anglers is maintained, each guest still enjoys a private room, and the relaxed pace of the expedition is preserved.
Accommodation and Evenings
Accommodation is selected for comfort, location, and character.
Guests stay in well-appointed lodges and guesthouses close to the rivers being fished. Each angler has their own private room throughout the expedition.
Evenings are relaxed and unhurried. After a day on the river we gather for good meals, conversation, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from fishing well in beautiful country.
Hosting the Expedition
While the fishing is conducted with local Montana guides, I travel with the group for the entire journey.
My role is to host the expedition, coordinate the logistics, and ensure the experience runs smoothly from beginning to end.
Having spent many seasons travelling these rivers and working with the same guiding teams, I am able to ensure guests are fishing with guides who are both highly skilled and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with on the water.
These relationships with guides and lodges have developed over many seasons, allowing the expedition to run smoothly and with a level of local knowledge that is difficult to replicate.
An Evening Drift
One small tradition has developed over the years.
During the expedition I take each pair of anglers for a private evening drift.
These evenings are unhurried and often become one of the most memorable parts of the trip. As the light softens and the river quiets, the fishing can be extraordinary.
It is a chance to experience the river in a more personal way and to share a small piece of the water that has meant a great deal to me over the years.
Pace and Physical Requirements
The expedition is primarily drift-boat based and is not physically demanding.
Most fishing is done from the boat, with straightforward wading where appropriate. This allows anglers to fish productive water without the need for long walks or difficult terrain.
Days are structured to provide substantial time on the water while still allowing for relaxed evenings and comfortable travel between locations.
The rivers themselves hold exceptional numbers of trout, and the trip suits both experienced anglers and those newer to fly fishing. With thoughtful guiding and carefully chosen water, everyone has the opportunity to fish well.
For guests who prefer minimal wading, entire days can comfortably be fished from the drift boat.
Who This Trip Suits
This expedition is particularly well suited to anglers who appreciate:
• an unhurried and immersive fishing experience
• small groups and private accommodation
• knowledgeable local guides
• travelling through remarkable landscapes
• the quiet rhythm of time spent on good rivers
Guests do not need to be expert fly fishers, but they should be comfortable travelling internationally and spending full days on the water.
The journey is intentionally designed as a small, thoughtful expedition rather than a high-volume tour or fast-moving schedule.
Many guests who join the trip have been considering a Montana journey for some time and are looking for a way to experience these rivers with the logistics handled carefully and professionally.
Hear It from Our Clients
“The trip was exceptionally well planned and executed. Fishing across three regions felt like separate adventures, yet it all ran seamlessly. The pacing — several days fishing, then a move day — worked perfectly and made the whole experience feel effortless.”
— Rod
(Montana trip participant, July 2025)
“Every detail was looked after — from pre-trip planning through to the fishing, accommodation, catering and support during the trip. You’re able to focus entirely on the fishing and enjoy the experience, knowing everything else is taken care of.”
— Craig
(Montana trip participant, July 2025)
Documentary Record of the Journey
A professional filmmaker joined one complete Montana expedition and documented the journey from beginning to end.
The film follows every stage of the trip — the rivers, the travel days, the accommodation, the meals, and conversations with the guides along the way.
The 17-minute film below is not a promotional montage but a genuine record of how the expedition unfolds.
It captures the rhythm of the days, the landscapes we travel through, and the atmosphere that develops as the journey progresses.
For many anglers, watching the film answers more questions than any brochure ever could.
Expedition Dates and Price
June & July 2027 Departures
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20 June –2 July June — Open
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4 July –16 July — Open
- 18 July – 30 July — Open
13 days / 12 nights
• 9 days guided fishing
• 1 guide per 2 anglers
• maximum 4 anglers per trip unless otherwise negotiated
Price: USD $9,500 per person if booked before June 30. USD $9,900 if booked after that date.
This includes accommodation, guiding, and all expedition logistics during the trip.
Enquiries
If Montana has been sitting in the back of your mind, the best next step is a conversation.
There’s no pressure to decide quickly — these trips tend to come together thoughtfully, one conversation at a time.
You’re welcome to get in touch to talk it through.
Best,
Anthony Boliancu
Goulburn Valley Fly Fishing Centre
0418 995 611
info@gvflyfishing.com