What to Bring

What Equipment should you bring.

Wild Trout Outfitters offers a list of equipment to bring for a successful Big Sky Montana fishing trip. So no worries if you forget something. We have a fully stocked fly fishing shop. You can rent or buy what you need. Plus, some of our gear is available through our online store. Call us today. We’re eager to answer your questions and plan your trip.

  • Rod:
  • Fly rod selection has to do with your personal preference. It’s not the arrow it’s the Indian. We have big open spaces and some big rivers. Our area has many smaller creeks and streams. The best thing is to decide what kind of water you are going to fish. Then bring the rod the suits your needs. Our guide’s use mostly 9ft 5wt and 6wt rods paired up with W-F floating line. A 3wt or 4wt rod for smaller creeks and for dry fly fishing when the wind is not a issue. A seven weight rod being the top of the weight class for our area.
  • Waders:
  • A lightweight breathable (gore tex) wader is your best bet. Even in the winter months combined with a fleece pant will keep you comfortable.
  • Felt soles boots are still allowed in Montana But Not In Yellowstone Park. If you have Tacky rubber sole you will be fine.
  • Wading staff is helpful but not mandatory, if you are not a strong wader then bring your staff.
  • Polarized glasses are a must. Do not fish without.
  • Fly patterns and all other tackle can be acquired at our fly shop upon arrival.

Rental Equipment

Rod, Reel and Wader Combination
$30 Full Day
$20 Half Day

Late Winter / Early Spring Fishing

Temperatures locally can vary greatly from well below zero to 50 degrees and above, dressing in layers is essential. Gloves, sunglasses, warm hats and double layers under your waders are necessary.

What Tackle to Bring

For float fishing and walk/wade trips, a rod of 8 ½ to 9 ft.and five to seven weight line will be your best bet. Fishing some of the smaller streams or alpine lakes, bring a light rod for three of four weight line. Nearly all of our fishing is done with floating lines, but a 10′ sinking tip may be useful on float trips, lake fishing and streamer fishing. Chest waders (boot or stocking foot style) are best. Felt soles or tacky rubber with cleats along with a wading staff will aid you in wading some of our larger rivers. Polarized glasses cut the glare and allow you to see your fly more easily. We’ll help you select the most effective fly patterns here at our store when you arrive.

What Clothing to Bring

We suggest you dress in layers; typically, the early mornings and evenings are cool and the afternoons can be hot.

Trip Package Inclusions

Full-Day Trips include: Guide, Transportation, Delicious Lunch, and Non-Alcoholic Beverage.
Half-Day Trips include: Guide, Transportation and Non-Alcoholic Beverage.

All necessary fishing equipment provided at the shop, all you need to bring is your personal gear and camera.