Expert Fly Fishing Guides for All Skill Levels
Welcome to Montana Tailwater Anglers! We are a small family-owned guide service that focuses on attention to detail and creating unforgettable experiences for our clients! We offer guided fly-fishing float trips and accommodations on Montana’s famous Bighorn River. We are located in Fort Smith Montana and just minutes from the river.
Jim Arthur, Owner & Outfitter, has pursued fish on the fly for over 30 years. Jim has guided the Bighorn since 2020 and is known for his easy-going personality, knowledge of the river, and being a patient and professional teacher. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or have never touched a fly rod, you’re going to enjoy your time on the water with Jim!
Our fishing and lodging packages are designed for anglers that prioritize a high-quality guide service over the frills of other options. The lodging we offer is our vacation home that provides comfort and privacy for up to four guests. We don’t provide meals, except for our amazing boat lunches on guided trips. Guests enjoy our fully equipped home to prepare meals of what they want and when they want them. We have a passion for Montana and for the Bighorn River. Our goal is to make this experience more affordable while still providing you with the highest quality guide service!
Comfortable & Private Lodging
Clients choosing to stay with us for multi-day trips will enjoy our private vacation home, located within Fort Smith’s town limits. This home is two bedrooms, one bathroom, and can comfortably sleep four anglers. It features a fully equipped kitchen, deck with outside seating and BBQ, central heat and AC, high-speed internet and streaming TV service.
This home is listed on Airbnb and has maintained a 5-star rating by all who have stayed with us! If you’re not interested in guided fishing and just need a great place to stay, give us a call and we’d be happy to check availability of the house. We offer discounted nightly rates for guests booking through Montana Tailwater Anglers!
Guided Fly Fishing Packages
- Full-Day Float
- Half-Day Float
- 3 Nights + 2 Days Fishing
- 4 Nights + 3 Days Fishing
- Custom Packages
- Deposit & Cancellation Policy
Full-Day Float
1 or 2 Anglers
Includes:
- All flies, leaders, tippet, etc. Clients may bring their own rods and reels or they may use ours. We use 6 weight rods for nymphing and 4 or 5 weights for dry flies.
- Boat lunch and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Full day trips include 6 to 8 hours of fishing.
- Transportation to and from the river each day.
Not Included:
- Montana Fishing License – May be purchased online here.
- Guide gratuity
Half-Day Float
1 or 2 Anglers
Half day trips are perfect for anglers with time restraints. These trips typically cover the first half of a day,
Includes:
- All flies, leaders, tippet, etc. Clients may bring their own rods and reels or they may use ours. We use 6 weight rods for nymphing and 4 or 5 weights for dry flies.
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Half day trips include 4 hours of fishing.
- Transportation to and from the river each day.
Not Included:
- Montana Fishing License – May be purchased online here.
- Guide gratuity
3 Nights + 2 Days Fishing
2 Anglers
Includes:
- Vacation home accommodations, arriving the afternoon before your first day of fishing, and departing the morning after your second day of fishing,
- 2 full days guided float fishing with boat lunch and all non-alcoholic beverages.
- All flies, leaders, tippet, etc. Clients may use their own rods/reels or are welcome to use our equipment.
- Transportation to and from the river each day.
Not Incuded:
- Montana Fishing License – May be purchased online here.
- 8% Montana Lodging Tax on accommodations cost.
- Guide gratuity
4 Nights + 3 Days Fishing
2 Anglers
Includes:
- Vacation home accommodations, arriving the afternoon before your first day of fishing, and departing the morning after your third day of fishing.
- 3 full days guided float fishing with boat lunch and all non-alcoholic beverages.
- All flies, leaders, tippet, etc. Clients may use their own rods/reels or are welcome to use our equipment.
- Transportation to and from the river each day.
Not Included:
- Montana Fishing License – May be purchased online here.
- 8% Montana Lodging Tax on accommodations cost.
- Guide gratuity
Custom Packages
We’re driven by doing all we can to accommodate our clients! If you have a large group requiring multiple boats, or smaller groups that want to stay for numerous days, we’d appreciate the opportunity to work with you! Contact us today and we’ll start working on a plan!
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
We thank you in advance for taking the time to carefully read this policy!
- Reservations made 30 days or more in advance, require a 50% deposit. Reservations made less than 30 days require payment in full.
- The balance of advanced reservations must be received no less than 7 days before the first day of the reservation.
- Cancellations received more than 30 days before the first day of the reservation will receive a full refund of the deposit, less a $50 processing fee.
- Cancellations received less than 30 days before the first day of the reservation will result in the loss of your deposit.
- Cancellations received 7 days or less before the first day of the reservation will result in a 100% charge of the total reservation cost.
- Montana’s weather can change quickly. Regardless, we fish rain or shine and can still provide a quality experience for our clients. If in the rare case the environment is not safe, such as wildfires during the summer, or an especially intense storm, and we make the decision to cancel a trip, you will receive a full refund for the day or days cancelled. If conditions require us to cancel a complete reservation prior to your arrival, you will be given the option of being credited for a future trip or you may choose to receive a full refund. We are not responsible for any other costs associated with your trip, such as airfare, rental car, hotel, etc. As with any other type of travel booked in advance, we recommend you purchase travel insurance.
(406) 384-3884
Jim Arthur
Owner & Outfitter
(Montana Outfitter License # 63801)