4 Ways to Get The Most Out of Your Guided Fly Fishing Trip
So you’ve got your Montana fishing license and you couldn’t be more excited about your guided fly fishing trip. However, you don’t know exactly what to expect.
How will the guide work with you?
What should you bring?
How should you dress?
Luckily, if you choose the right guide, all your concerns should be moot before you even set foot on the boat. Here’s what you can expect.
How to Prepare For Your Guided Fly Fishing Trip
1. Great Communication, Even Before the Trip Begins
From the time you arrange your guided fly fishing trip until you step off the boat at its end, you should be comfortable to speak to your guide about anything. Most importantly, if this is your first guided fly fishing trip, you should receive plenty of pointers from the very beginning.
Your guide should tell you what to wear and explain why you need every item he suggests you bring. From sunscreen to a hat and a flashlight, you should know exactly what purpose each item serves.
If you’re unclear about anything, just ask your guide. However, we strongly suggest you don’t dismiss what he says. Even if you’re an experienced angler, assume that the guide is right because he knows more about the Montana rivers and weather than you.
Still, a good guide should give you an explanation about every choice they make. When reading water or when choosing river X instead of Y, you should know what’s going on there and what’s the rationale behind every decision.
2. The Guide Should Adjust the Trip to Your Rhythm and Needs
Good guides have an itinerary set in advance. However, they should be able to change it at a moment’s notice if you, the client, say you want or need something else.
For instance, if you’re a beginning angler, the guide may spend more time explaining fly selection and tactics, as well as taking some time to give some casting instruction.
If you’re a seasoned angler, then the guide may allow you to make your own fly and casting decisions. Remember though, that it is your guide’s job to give you the best possible advice, so it’s generally best to heed it. NO guide should put your safety at risk, simply be adventurous, or to try and access a particular piece of water. Getting down the river safely should be the number one priority.
Whatever the case, be sure you tell the guide the truth. Don’t boast about fly fishing skills you don’t have – this will do no one any good.
3. Your Guide Should Be On Time (and So Should You)
Showing up to the meeting point in time is a form of respect. A good guide should have everything prepared prior to meeting up for the trip. That includes having lunch, ice, gear and equipment all ready to go, as well as a clean boat. You shouldn’t have to wait for him to show up or to assist him in the preparations (unless you discussed this beforehand and you want to do it).
The same goes for you. Sure, you’re the client and you’re paying. But showing up on time will ensure a better communication with the guide throughout the trip and a better-guided fly fishing trip overall! The meeting time and location is usually selected for a reason. Being late, or ill-prepared can have an adverse impact on the rest of the day. Show your guide the same respect they show you and you shall be rewarded.
4. Your Guide Should Provide a Friendly, Fun Atmosphere
We are all human and we all have bad days. But when you’re a fly fishing guide, you should always try to put that behind and be in a good mood for the client.
If the guide is grumpy and barely speaks, your guided trip might not be as awesome as it could be. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to know this in advance. If you book your guided trip in person, you can get a better sense of your guide’s personality. On the off chance that you do have a poor experience with your guide, be sure and let the outfitter who you booked the trip with know.
Looking for the perfect guided fly fishing trip on the Montana rivers? You have come to the right place! Our guides love to fish and to teach you all the ins and outs of fishing in the Big Sky State. Check out our services here.
