GPS Coordinates: 45°27’30.06″N 109°27’3.56″W
Trip Questionnaire: Once you have arranged your travel details, please click on the link below. This will take you an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip. THANK YOU!
Trip Questionnaire: Click Here
Getting to Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
Montana Fly Fishing Lodge is located just outside the small town of Absarokee, in Stillwater County, Montana, approximately 14 miles south of Columbus on Highway 78. It is named after the Crow Indians who formerly inhabited the land. It is a scenic one hour drive from the Billings Montana Airport (BIL) that hosts 6 airlines with non-stop flights to and from 21 US destinations, and connections all over the world. Complimentary airport shuttles from the Billings airport are included in the package.
Airport Shuttles: Shuttles can be arranged from Billings (BIL) airport to the lodge and ARE included in the price of the trip.
Guests can arrive at any time after 3pm, preferably before 6pm, as dinner is normally served around 7:00 PM.
Some guests prefer to rent a car and make the drive to and from the lodge on their own. It is nice have a vehicle for mobility If you want to see more of the area.
Please remember to follow these driving directions and do not plan on using GPS, as that will NOT get you to the lodge!
GATEWAY CITIES
From the East – Billings, MT (60 miles, 1 hour drive/shuttle time)
From the South – Cody, WY (90 miles, 1 hour and 30 minutes drive/shuttle time)
From the West – Bozeman, MT (120 miles, 2 hours and 12 minutes drive/shuttle time)
BILLINGS, MT Driving Directions/Map
Airport (BIL) Billings Logan International Airport: 406.247.8609
Alaska Airlines: 800.252.7522
American Airlines: 800.433.7300
Delta Airlines: 800.221.1212
Frontier Airlines: 801.401.9000
United Airlines: 800.241.6522
Car Rentals
Alamo/National: 800.227.7368 or 406.388.6694
Avis: 800.633.3469 or 406.252-8007
Budget: 800.218.7992 or 406.388.4091
Enterprise: 800.736-8222 or 406.294.2930
Hertz: 800.654.3131 or 406.388.6939
Chamber of Commerce Billings Chamber of Commerce: 406.245.4111
CODY, WY Driving Directions/Map
Airport (YRA) Yellowstone Regional Airport: 307.587.5096
Delta/Skywest: 800.221.1212 or 307.587.9740
Skywest/United:: 800.864.8331 or 307.587.9740
Mesa Airlines/United: 800.864.8331 or 307.587.9740
Car Rentals
Avis: 800.633.3469 or 307.587.4082
Budget: 800.218.7992 or 307.587.6066
Hertz: 800.654.3131 or 307.587.2914
Thrifty: 800.367.2277 or 307.587.8855
Chamber of Commerce Cody Chamber of Commerce: 307.587.2777
BOZEMAN, MT Driving Directions/Map
Airport (BZN) Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport: 406.388.8321
Delta Airlines: 800.221.1212
United Airlines: 800.241.6522
Frontier Airlines: 800.432.1359
Alaska Airlines: 800.547.9308
Car Rentals
Budget: 800.527.0700 or 406.388.4091
Enterprise: 800.261.7331
Hertz: 800.654.3131 or 406.388.6939
Alamo/National: 800.227.7368 or 406.388.6694
Chamber of Commerce Bozeman Chamber of Commerce: 800.228.4224 or 406.586.5421
Trout Tackle & Equipment
All rods, reels, leaders, tippet and flies are provided during your stay at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
For Recommended Trout Tackle and Clothing (Click on the Links Below):
Recommended Trout Rods, Reels, Lines and Terminal Tackle
Recommended Clothing and Equipment
Note:
Guides will provide all flies during your stay at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge and this is included in the cost of your trip, but you might bring some of your favorite trout flies as outlined below.
| Month | Insect/Bug | Sizes | Patterns |
| APRIL-MAY | Midges | #16-20 | BH Zebra Midge, Skittering Midge, CDC emerging Midge |
| Blue Wing Olive (BWO) | #16-20 | CDC Dun, Missing Link, Film Critic, Micro Mayfly Nymph | |
| March Brown | #12-14 | Improved Sparkle Dun, Hunchback March Brown, PT nymph | |
| Salmon Flies(Giant Stone Fly) | #2-6 | Pat’s Rubberlegs, Flush Floater, Morning Wood Special | |
| Streamers(Leeches & Sculpin) | #2-8 | Slumpbuster, Home Invader, Sparkle Minnow | |
| Caddis(Grannom) | #14-18 | Olive Jiggy Caddis, Olive Poopah, Silvey’s Beaded Pupa | |
| JUNE | Salmon Flies | #2-6 | Pat’s Rubberlegs, Flush Floater, Morning Wood Special |
| March Brown | #12-14 | Improved Sparkle Dun, Hunchback March Brown, PT nymph | |
| Green Drake | #10-12 | Foam Profile Green Drake, Missing Link, Hunchback GD | |
| Golden Stone | #4-8 | Crowd Surfer Stone, Morning Wood Special, PB Golden Stone | |
| Pale Morning Dun | #14-20 | Film Critic, Sparkle Stacker, Missing Link, GB Poxyback PMD | |
| Brown Drake | #8-10 | Missing Link, Quigley’s Split Flag Adams | |
| Streamers | #2-8 | Slumpbuster, Home Invader, Sparkle Minnow | |
| Caddis(Spotted Sedge) | #14-18 | Amber Jiggy Caddis, Amber Bubbleback, Silvey’s Beaded Pupa | |
| JULY | Caddis | #12-20 | Missing Link, E/C Caddis, Jiggy Caddis, Poopah |
| Flavs | #14-16 | Missing Link, Film Critic, Parachute Adams | |
| Yellow Sally | #14-16 | Missing Link Yellow Stone, Silvey’s Chubby Sallie | |
| Golden Stone | #4-8 | GB Poxyback Golden Stone, Double Dutch Bug | |
| Brown Drake | #8-10 | Missing Link, Quigley’s Split Flag Adams | |
| Callibaetis | #14-18 | Film Critic, Missing Link, Poxyback Callibaetis Nymph | |
| Green Drake | #10-12 | Foam Profile Green Drake, Missing Link, Hunchback GD | |
| PMD | #14-20 | Film Critic, Sparkle Stacker, Missing Link, GB Poxyback PMD | |
| Hoppers | #6-14 | Hopper Grande, Morrish Hopper, Head Turner Hopper | |
| Mahogany Dun | #16-18 | Missing Link, Hackle Stacker, D&D Cripple, Flashback PT | |
| Streamers | #2-8 | Slumpbuster, Home Invader, Sparkle Minnow | |
| AUGUST | Hoppers | #6-14 | Hopper Grande, Morrish Hopper, Head Turner Hopper |
| Beetles | #10-18 | Hi-Vis Beetle, Carl’s Cicada, Chubby Chernobyl | |
| Ants | #16-20 | Hegan Ant, Carl’s Foam Ant, Parachute Ant, Schlotter’s Ant | |
| Yellow Sally | #14-16 | Missing Link Yellow Stone, Silvey’s Chubby Sallie | |
| PMD | #14-20 | Film Critic, Sparkle Stacker, Missing Link, GB Poxyback PMD | |
| Callibaetis | #14-18 | Film Critic, Missing Link, Poxyback Callibaetis Nymph | |
| Caddis | #12-20 | Missing Link, E/C Caddis, Jiggy Caddis, Poopah | |
| Mahogany Dun | #16-18 | Missing Link, Hackle Stacker, D&D Cripple, Flashback PT | |
| Streamers | #2-8 | Slumpbuster, Home Invader, Sparkle Minnow | |
| SEPT/OCT | BWO | #16-20 | Missing Link, Film Critic, Hackle Stacker, Micro Mayfly nymph |
| Hoppers | #6-14 | Hopper Grande, Morrish Hopper, Head Turner Hopper | |
| Ants | #16-20 | Hegan Ant, Carl’s Foam Ant, Parachute Ant, Schlotter’s Ant | |
| Beetles | #10-18 | Hi-Vis Beetle, Carl’s Cicada, Chubby Chernobyl | |
| Midges | #16-20 | RS2 Sparkle Wing, Midge Hanger, Harrop’s CDC Midge | |
| Tricos | #20-24 | CDC Trico spinner, Parachute Profile Spinner, LC Cripple | |
| Mahogany Dun | #16-18 | Missing Link, Hackle Stacker, D&D Cripple, Flashback PT | |
| Streamers | #2-8 | Slumpbuster, Home Invader, Autumn Splendor, Sex Dungeon | |
| October Caddis | #6-10 | Skating October Caddis, Tungsten October Pupa |
Gratuities:
Gratuities are a personal decision based on services rendered. Normally, guides are tipped daily as you may have a different guide each day. We recommend that you tip your guide on a daily basis, somewhere in the nature of $150-$200 per day, per boat/guide (usually shared between two anglers). For the lodge staff, (chefs, housekeeping, wait staff, etc.) we recommend $50 per day per person. If you have any questions concerning gratuities, please feel free to call or ask the lodge owner for guidelines.
As soon as you have your flight schedule finalized to Montana, please forward it to us at travel@theflyshop.com , so that we can coordinate your transfer to the lodge.
Fishing Licenses:
If interested you may purchase your Montana fishing license(s) before your trip. This can be done online in about five minutes, and will mean more time on the water and less time spent at a store. If you would prefer to wait until you are at the ranch, they are more than happy to help you with whatever you need.
If you choose to drive to Yellowstone National Park, you will need to purchase a Yellowstone National Park license during your stay. We do not plan where you will be fishing in advance, and much of that decision is based on weather, water temperatures, fishing preferences, and similar factors that are impossible to forecast. Depending on the length of your stay, it may be beneficial to purchase a two-day, two two-days, or a ten-day license. For longer stays (5+nights) we recommend the ten-day option. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and make recommendations based on your reservation!
Communications:
With Montana Fly Fishing Lodge located just outside of the town of Absarokee, Montana, you can expect modern communications, including Wi-Fi (though it is a rural area and not always consistent, with some limited streaming possible, such as with Netflix), as well as cellular service (inside the lodge and on some of the surrounding lodge property, but not always on the fishing rivers).
Dining:
Be prepared for an amazing culinary experience while staying at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge. The four course private chef selections include an appetizer, salad, entrée with vegetables and of course a dessert to complete the meal. The menu varies but some of the favorites are; Steak medallions w/gorgonzola or cracked pepper sauce, a filet Mignon (6 oz.) with gorgonzola sauce & sautéed mushrooms, prime rib (slow roasted with a garlic/peppercorn rub). Surf options that are popular are Teriyaki honey glazed salmon on cedar plank, salmon with lemon pepper aioli or a parmesan crusted tilapia. Stay healthy with salad options which include spinach with glazed walnuts, balsamic, & feta, Caesar salad w/parmesan & croutons or a romaine wedge with thick cut bacon chunks, tomato, gorgonzola & blue cheese crumbles.
Liquor:
Montana Fly Fishing Lodge features an open, well bar and provides fine wines paired with dinner. (Top shelf wine and spirits are extra). With advance notice the lodge can bring a bottle of the requested spirits and mixer in and have them ready for the guest, for an additional cost. Please give us time to arrange this with the lodge so they can be prepared for your stay.
Non-Angling Guests:
Montana’s Big Sky Country is an unsurpassed place for outdoor adventure. If you or any of your group want a day away from your fly rod to experience all that Montana has to offer, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge is happy to assist you with arranging activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding, ATV tours, shooting sports, exploring Livingston or Red Lodge, shopping, museum and art gallery hopping or take a drive over the Beartooth pass which winds its way to almost 11,000’ from Montana to Wyoming on the Beartooth Plateau.
Contact numbers
Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
2839 Hwy 78
Absarokee, MT 59001
(406) 780-0015
Lincoln Powers
lincoln@montanaflyfishinglodge.com
(406) 780-0015
(406) 855-5149
The Fly Shop®
800-669-3474 • BUS. 530-222-3555
(Open 7 days a week, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) E-mail: travel@theflyshop.com
Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Travel Checklist
All the fishing gear is provided by the lodge and there are items for sale at the gift shop as well.
Must have Items
▢ Airline Tickets and this travel planner
▢ Valid Passport or Real ID
▢ Wallet (Cash for Tip, Credit Cards)
▢ Polarized Sunglasses
▢ Headlamp
▢ Wading Socks (For Wet wading)
▢ Toiletry Articles
▢ Prescription Medications
▢ Rain Jacket
▢ Light Socks
▢ Heavy Socks
▢ Slacks, Pants
▢ Quick Dry Shorts/Pants (wet wading)
▢ Undershirts, under shorts
▢ Under-wader wear
▢ Light pile or fleece pants
▢ Fishing Hat (Sun Hat)
▢ Stocking cap
▢ Fleece or layering jacket/pullover
▢ Long-sleeved Fishing shirts
▢ Sun Screen SPF 30+
▢ Lip Balm
▢ Fishing License
Optional Items
▢ Waders
▢ Wading Belt
▢ Wading Boots
▢ Bandana or Buff
▢ Smart phone/Tablet
▢ Fly Rods
▢ Fly Reels (Appropriate Line/Backing)
▢ Spare Spools, Spare Lines
▢ Leaders
▢ Tippet
▢ Split shot
▢ Fly boxes (Dries, Streamers, Nymphs)
▢ Floatant
▢ Indicators
▢ Tools (Nippers, Scissors, Hemostats)
▢ Hook file or Stone
▢ Knot Tool
▢ Fishing Vest/Day Pack
▢ Boat Bag
▢ Garbage/Zip-Lock bags
▢ Short-sleeved Shirts
▢ Shorts
▢ Belt
▢ Camp Shoes
▢ Fishing Gloves
Sun Gloves (Summer
Fleece Gloves (Fall/Winter)
▢ Pen and Pencil
▢ Reading Book
▢ Water Bottle (Hydro flask)
▢ Reading Glasses
▢ Extra pair of Sunglasses
▢ Camera, battery charger, storage cards
▢ Tape measure
▢ Insect Repellent
▢ Aspirin
▢ Wading Staff
▢ Flask