Frequently Asked Questions

Fishing

What should I wear? What should I bring?

Regardless of the time of the year always pack warm layers and a waterproof layers. During Spring and Fall plan for a cold front to pass through for a short time during your stay even though it will probably be pretty mild in the 60/70s. Summer is generally hot, we recommend a lightweight travel pant and long sleeve sunshirt. A sun buff for your face and full brim hats also recommended. Sunscreen, good pair of polarized sunglasses. But even in the heart of summer a cold front can move through and drop temps into the 50s/60s for a day or two so be prepared. Afternoon thunderstorms for an hour or two in the summer are common.

Do I need to bring a fly rod? What rod weights are best?

A stiffer 5 wt is a good all around option for nymph fishing. 6wt works really well too for nymph rigs and streamers. 4 & 5 weight for dry fly fishing. 7 wt rod probably too much, 3 wt too little

What is included with my guide trip?

Lunch, terminal tackle, water, soft drinks, and flies are all included with your guide trip. Waders, boots, and rods are also included should you need them although we always encourage clients to bring their own equipment if convenient, but not necessary

What is not included in the price of my guide trip?

A Montana fishing license, guide gratuities, and alcohol are not included

How long is a guided trip?

Normally a guide trip starts around 8am and ends around 4-5pm with 7-8 hours on the water. A half day trip normally starts at 8am and end around 12-1pm with around 4 hours on the water.

What is included with an "All Inclusive Guided Fishing Package"

Our packages include lodging, and all meals starting with dinner the night you arrive through breakfast the morning you leave. Our fishing packages also include terminal tackle and flies, along with waders, boots, and fly rods should you need them. NOT INCLUDED is a fishing license, gratuities, and alcohol.

What is the nearest airport and how do I get there?

Most clients fly into Billings. Our lodge is an hour and a half south of Billings. From the airport take I-90 to Hardin (about 45 minutes) and highway 313 from Hardin to the town of Fort Smith (45 minutes)

Can I buy alcohol in Fort Smith and are there any restaurants?

No and no. Hardin is the last town to purchase alcohol before driving out to the river. The town of Fort Smith is within the confines of a tribal reservation and therefore the public sale of alcohol is prohibited. Consuming alcohol however is perfectly legal. There are no public restaurants in the town of Fort Smith. Most clients join us on site at Lynn’s Backcast Grill, but you must be a guest staying with us as we are not a public restaurant.

What is the standard gratuity?

Standard guide gratuity is $100-150 per day. Gratuity of $10 per person, per day for the kitchen staff is also fairly standard.

Lodging

Can I make a special request?

What is your cancellation policy?

Can I bring my pet?

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Are meals included? What are the restaurant hours?

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Location

Where are you located?

What is the closest airport?

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Are there other places to dine or shop?

Our Trip Planner

From the best time of year to travel to what you can expect and much more. We answer all of your questions in our trip planner.

TRIP PLANNER

Have More Questions?

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is here to assist you with every aspect of customizing and booking your trip. We can advise on lodging options, best times to come, transportation, what to bring and anything else important to you.