Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the Flathead River
There’s no place like home water—and no better crew to help you experience it. Based in Columbia Falls, Montana, Lary’s Fly & Supply offers guided fly fishing trips on the North Fork, Middle Fork, and Main Stem of the Flathead River.
Whether you’re casting a fly for the very first time or chasing native Westslope Cutthroat on technical dry flies, our experienced local guides create unforgettable days on the water.
How to book a local guided trip with Lary's fly fishing guides
We believe the best fishing trips start with a conversation!
River conditions, weather, hatches, water levels, and your experience all play a role in choosing the perfect day on the water. Rather than asking you to sort through dozens of online booking options, we’d rather talk with you, learn what you’re hoping for, and recommend the trip that’s the best fit.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting float through whitewater, a peaceful day casting dry flies, or introducing your family to fly fishing for the first time, we’ll take care of the planning so you can simply enjoy Montana at its best.
Give us a call at (406) 897-3540, and we’ll help build your perfect day!
The Mainstem of the Flathead River is where many people fall in love with fly fishing. Just minutes from Columbia Falls, it offers gentle floats, incredible mountain scenery, and healthy populations of native Blackspotted Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, learn the basics, and experience the magic of watching a native cutthroat confidently rise to a dry fly. Wide gravel bars, forgiving currents, and beautiful scenery make the Mainstem an excellent choice for anglers of every experience level.
Whether you’re introducing your kids to fly fishing, celebrating a special Montana vacation, or simply looking for a relaxing day on the water, the Mainstem delivers an experience you’ll remember long after the last cast.
Quick Facts:
Trip Style
Relaxed Scenic Float
Primary Species
Native Blackspotted Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Skill Level
Excellent for beginners • Great for all experience levels
Best For:
- First-time fly anglers
- Families with children over 10 years old
- Learning casting and fly fishing fundamentals
- Relaxing scenic floats
- Visitors looking for a classic Montana experience
What Makes This River Special:
The Mainstem has a way of making everyone feel like an angler. It’s forgiving enough for beginners to build confidence, yet rewarding enough that experienced anglers still look forward to every day on the water. Watching a wild, native Westslope Cutthroat rise against the backdrop of the Swan and Whitefish Ranges never gets old.
The North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River offer some of the most spectacular fly fishing in Montana. Flowing alongside Glacier National Park through one of the largest intact ecosystems in North America, these rivers are home to thriving populations of native Blackspotted Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
Every float offers something memorable—from crystal-clear water and eager dry-fly eats to towering mountain views, abundant wildlife, and stretches of river that feel wonderfully remote. Whether you’re floating the wild water of the North Fork or the splashy whitewater of the Middle Fork, you’ll experience a side of Montana that few places can offer.
If you’re looking for wild trout, breathtaking scenery, and a true Montana adventure, the Forks of the Flathead belong at the top of your list.
Quick Facts:
Trip Style
Scenic Wilderness Float • Adventure Float with Whitewater
Primary Species
Native Blackspotted Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Skill Level
Great for intermediate to advanced anglers
Best For:
- Bucket-list Montana fly fishing trips
- Glacier National Park visitors
- Dry fly enthusiasts
- Wildlife and nature lovers
- Guests looking for a true wilderness experience
- Anglers seeking a challenge or more adventure
What Makes These Rivers Special:
The North and Middle Forks are more than incredible fisheries—they’re living examples of what healthy rivers can be. These free-flowing waters support native trout, abundant wildlife, and one of the most intact freshwater ecosystems in the Lower 48. Every trip is an opportunity to experience Montana’s wild side while fishing for native Westslope Cutthroat in the waters they’ve called home for thousands of years.
The Flathead Valley is home to an incredible variety of lakes, each offering its own unique fly fishing experience. From quiet mornings casting to cruising trout to exciting days stripping streamers for aggressive northern pike, our local lakes provide outstanding fishing throughout the season.
Depending on the lake and time of year, you may target Rainbow Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, or Largemouth Bass. We’ll recommend the lake that’s fishing best based on current conditions and the type of adventure you’re looking for.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day on calm water, introducing your family to fly fishing, or hoping to target a new species on the fly, our lake trips offer a fun and memorable way to experience northwest Montana.
Quick Facts:
Trip Style
Stillwater Fly Fishing
Primary Species
Rainbow Trout • Westslope Cutthroat Trout • Kokanee Salmon • Northern Pike • Yellow Perch • Largemouth Bass (varies by lake and season)
Skill Level
Great for all experience levels
Best For:
- Spring runoff season
- Families and beginner anglers
- Calm water and relaxed fishing
- Anglers interested in targeting multiple species
- Guests looking to experience another side of northwest Montana
What Makes These Waters Special:
Every lake has its own personality. Some are known for cruising trout and peaceful mornings, while others are famous for explosive eats from aggressive northern pike. Because we spend time on these waters throughout the season, we can match you with the lake that’s fishing best and create a trip that’s tailored to your goals. It’s a side of Montana fly fishing that surprises a lot of people—and quickly becomes one of their favorite days on the water.
Located about 1.5 hours west of Columbia Falls, the Thompson River offers a completely different fly fishing experience than the waters of the Flathead Valley. Instead of floating in a drift boat, you’ll spend the day on foot exploring pocket water, riffles, undercut banks, and quiet pools in search of wild trout.
Walk-and-wade fishing encourages you to slow down, read the water carefully, and enjoy every cast. It’s a rewarding experience for anglers who appreciate smaller rivers, thoughtful presentations, and discovering fish tucked into places only accessible on foot.
If you’re looking to experience another side of northwest Montana, the Thompson River is well worth the drive.
Quick Facts:
Trip Style
Walk & Wade
Primary Species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout & Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Skill Level
Great for all experience levels
Best For:
- Anglers who enjoy smaller rivers
- Walk-and-wade enthusiasts
- Guests looking to improve casting and presentation
- Repeat Montana visitors
- Anyone looking to explore beyond the Flathead Valley
What Makes This River Special:
The Thompson offers a different rhythm than our float trips. Every bend, riffle, and pocket invites you to slow down and become part of the river. It’s the kind of place where careful observation often matters more than long casts, and where the journey between fish is just as rewarding as the fish themselves. For anglers willing to venture a little farther from Columbia Falls, the Thompson provides a peaceful and memorable day on the water.