Preparing for Your Trip
Prepare for the time of your life!
The primary Montana rivers and streams which John Perry’s Fly Fishing guides float and wade are the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, Clark Fork River, Missouri River, and Rock Creek. These great fly fishing rivers are primarily located in Ravalli County, Missoula County, Granite County, Cascade County, Mineral County, Sanders County, and Lewis and Clark County. These counties are all located in western and central Montana. Some cities you may be familiar with in the area are Missoula, St. Regis, Helena, Hamilton, Craig, and Philipsburg.
The team of fly fishing guides and outfitters used by John Perry’s Montana Fly Fishing are the best in the business! Each guide is mature in his knowledge of the Montana rivers and streams fished, fly fishing equipment, flies, hatches, and water conditions. Our fly fishing guides are ready to utilize every trick of the trade, for novice and experienced fisher alike, to obtain your desired expectations. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fly fisher, we have the guide that fits you best. Providing a great experience goes well beyond just putting the client on a river with trout in it. Our guides specialize in teaching you how to fly fish more effectively, putting you into the parts of the river that hold good fish and making your overall experience a pleasant one.
After you have booked your trip with John Perry Fly Fishing, now you have to start packing.
Contact John if you have any questions at (406) 370-9183 or via email at: jpbugmeister@gmail.com
Custom-flies are always better!
Did you know that throughout history, artificial fish flies constructed of furs, feathers, and threads bound on hooks were created by anglers to attract fish. The first known mention of an artificial fly was in 200 AD in Macedonia! (Thank you, Wikipedia...). Our fish flies for sale follow that ancient tradition.
I usually tie between 300 and 400 dozen fish flies during the winter when I can't get on the rivers. We provide all the flies for our clients on our trips, and I spend all winter getting my boxes full of some of my old stand-by patterns. When the snow is on the ground and the nights are cold, I'm working overtime to get ready for the next season, tying flies day and night.
Every year, I also come up with some new patterns... some that don't even have names!
If you would like to place orders for any of my fish flies, I sell them in dozen lots. They cost $30.00 - 36.00 USD per dozen, depending upon the pattern. All my flies are stage and triple-glued, using the finest materials available. My fish flies have been used in many waters around the world.
Popular patterns for sale are Bugmeisters, Transformers (all colors), Hymen Hoppers, Congo Caddis, Nightmares, Extended Bodies and The Wickeds.
Email me at jpbugmeister@gmail.com if you want to order some!
Fly Fishing Resources
Below is a list of some of the most valuable fly fishing resources that will help you make your fly fishing trip to Montana the trip of a lifetime!
Fishing License - Apply here for your Montana fishing license.
The Native Fish of Montana - From Montana Fish and Wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that we get to help you prepare for your adventure!
- Flies, line, tippet and extra fly rods and reels, as needed
- Transportation to and from the rivers
- Lunches, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Instruction - as little, or as much as you desire!
- Fly Rods - Bring two rods in case of an accident. 8-1/2 to 9, 5 to 6 weight are standard. If you want to bring a 4 weight, we're not stoppin' you!
- Reels and Lines - Single action fly reels with 75 to 100 yds of backing and a weight forward or double taper fly line matching the rods. Bring two if possible.
- Leaders - 7-1/2' to 9', 2x to 6x are standard. We usually provide these, but it can't hurt to bring some.
- Flies - We usually provide these. We can also stop into a shop along the way to pick up extras.
- Accessories - This includes floatant, split shot, lead sleeves, nippers. Tippets are provided by us.
- A Montana Fishing License - We can stop for this or you can go online and purchase it before hand at Get Your Montana Fishing License Here.
We generally recommend a 5 wt. rod with 6 wt. line of 6 wt. rod with 7 wt. line. We do provide rods and reels if you don't wish to travel with one. You can contact us for more details.
That depends on what you are looking for. Our guide season usually runs from March thru early November depending upon the weather and water conditions. We can answer more specifically when contacted.
Generally layers of clothes. Light rain jackets, baggy wading pants in the summer, river boots or river sandals, and waders during the cooler months. Contact us for more specifics.
There are lots of opportunities for those that don't fish-including white water rafting, hiking, sight seeing, mountain biking, and many other area town attractions. Contact us for more details.
The average tip for the guide is usually around $100. This is up to you and how much the guide worked and how the day went.
- Rain gear - You'll want waterproof and high quality rain gear. The right kind of rain gear can make or break an enjoyable day on the river, especially during the spring and fall seasons. Pack lightweight gear including waders for the summer and warmer gear (neoprene waders) for the spring and fall.
- Hat or Cap - Pack a wool hat for cooler seasons and a wide brim hat in the summer for sunburn prevention.
- Underclothing - Especially in the cooler months, we encourage you to bring undergarments for warmth (sweaters, sweatshirts, long johns, wool socks etc.).
- Gloves - Definitely recommended for the cooler seasons.
- Shirts and Pants - During the summer months, a set of warmer clothing is suggested for that odd day. Shorts are ideal for summer, but beware of sunburn!
- Shoes - Many people use wading sandals or sandals during the warmer months and many even wear sneakers. Wading shoes are required for the cooler seasons.
- Sunglasses - Polarized Sunglasses are the best, and we suggest an eye-glass holder. Glasses slipping off your head and into the water are hard to find!
- Sunscreen/Sunblock - This is vital during the summer trips, as the high sun reflects off the water and can cause severe sunburn.
- Any Medications or Medicine - Please bring any medication that you need regularly or might need in an emergency (asthma inhaler, for instance...).
- Bug Spray - You will want this sometimes... it's good to bring it with you.
An unparalleled fishing experience with the best guides on Montana's best rivers.