Missoula, MT
Full-day and half-day float trips on the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Missouri, and Blackfoot. Good fish, good food, and good company — a day on the water you'll remember.
OUT ON THE WATER
Every day is built around you and the folks in your boat. New to a fly rod? We'll take the time to get you into fish. Been at it for years? We'll chase the hatch and hunt the big ones. Tell us the kind of day you're after and we'll put it together.
Guided trips
Our signature day: six to eight hours on the water with a licensed Montana guide, drift boat, and all gear. A streamside lunch, cold beverages, and snacks are included, along with transportation to and from the river. The best way to chase big fish and cover the most water.
A shorter guided float covering prime stretches of the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, or Missouri, with all gear provided. A great fit for tighter schedules, families, or anyone who wants a focused half day chasing trout.
WESTERN MONTANA RIVERS
We guide Western Montana's best trout rivers, all within reach of Missoula — from freestone classics to big tailwater trout. Here's where we'll spend the day.
A diverse fishery holding several species of trout in every size class, and one of the best dry-fly rivers in the region. Set against some of the prettiest scenery in the valley, it's our signature water for a spring day chasing bugs.
See the water
The longest river in the area, with the widest variety of water. Riffles, runs, and deep pools hold multiple species of trout, and the range of water types means there's almost always a technique that's working.
See the water
A high-density tailwater with a shot at some genuinely big fish. Excellent nymphing and dry-dropper fishing, plus stretches of technical dry-fly water when the bugs are up. One of our favorite spring floats.
See the water
Arguably the most scenic river in the area, with a wide variety of fish and one of the most epic salmonfly hatches anywhere in Western Montana. A freestone classic that's worth the drive.
See the waterYour guide
“A day on the water with Tailwind is about the people in the boat, not just the number of fish in the net. I love to teach, and I'll happily take the time to work through it with you – whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or you've been at it for years. I take fishing seriously and I work hard to put you on fish, but good friends, good laughs, good food, and good conversation are what I'm really about.
The guides who work with Tailwind share that same approach. They're experienced, patient, fish hard, and understand that a great day on the water is about a lot more than just catching fish.
I grew up in Montana, and there's nothing I'd rather do than share this place with people – new friends and old. After more than a decade of guiding, I still love the challenge of figuring out the fishing every single day and giving folks a day they'll remember.”
– Nick Ford
Owner/Outfitter
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