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In years past we have often lamented how few multi-day float trips were available to our serious trout fishing clients, until, that is, we fished with Tom Jenni and his crew of seasoned Montana guides. Now, knowing that our clients can select from multi-day overnight trips on the Yellowstone, Madison, Missouri, Smith, Stillwater, Blackfoot, Clarks Fork and Bitterroot rivers, we are amazed by how many exceptionally productive blue ribbon floats there are to choose from.  Tom’s trips not only stand out for the nature of the waterways they fish but for their guides, equipment, work ethic and remarkable gourmet meals. Honestly, its hard for us to imagine what could be finer than spending a full day floating a river, catching wild trout and then arriving at a fully prepared camp for a lavish meal of rack of lamb, grass fed bison or wild salmon?  The answer may be this; heading out after your full and fishing the evening hatch in front of camp until the last rays of summer light have left the water.  Tom’s camps include covered dining areas, large comfortable tents, cots, sleeping pads and even hot showers if so desired. Truly the ultimate way to get the most fun and adventure out of a summer trip to Big Sky Country!
 
Reel Montana Travel:
Depending upon your trip and river you will be fishing you will need to fly into Bozeman or Missoula, Montana.  Please check your itinerary to determine which airport.  In Bozeman we recommend the Best Western City Center - 800-870-3661, walking distance to all the downtown restaurants), Best Western Grantree Inn - 800-624-5865, one of the nicest hotels in town, or the Wingate Inn -  406-582-4996, convenient to the airport.  You should also book a room for the evening we get off the river. In Missoula we recommend the Double Tree Hotel - 406.728.3100, on the river and within walking distance of many restaurants.  You should also book a room for the evening we get off the river.
 
Reel Montana Fishing:   
Clark’s Fork River: The Clark Fork River is one of the rivers Tom Jenni learned to flyfish on and is still one of his favorites. The lower Clark Fork is big, mostly flat water, connected by relatively short riffles, and one big whitewater canyon. From Missoula downstream there is enough water and scenery (trout too!) to create a week long vacation, and never fish the same water twice.  The fish count in the lower Clark Fork sounds low compared to many of the state's better known fisheries but the rainbows and increasing cutthroat trout provide outstanding and consistent dry fly fishing. The fish tend to be in pods so there are long relatively fishless stretches; this is another river where it really helps to have a guide, even for the very experienced fisherman.  Early in the season, starting in March, there can be good stonefly hatches with both skwalas and nemouras. From the first blue-wing olives of the year there are usually some mayflies hatching on the river all the way into October, and caddis flies play another important roll, particularly in the evenings as summer progresses. The hard fighting rainbows and cutthroat in this river will often fall for hoppers or juicy attractors or they may require a little more technical skill during the incredible trico hatches of August.
 
Reel Montana Accommodations and Meals:
Your hosts will set up a comfortable camp each night.  Each day the bag boater will make their way down river to have camp set up by the time you arrive.  Tom Jenni will provide your tent as well as all other camping gear.  Note:  You may want to bring your own sleeping bag. 
 
Reel Montana Climate:
Montana has a highly variable climate; always expect the best but be prepared for the worst.  Bring clothes to be comfortable from 30-90 degrees F and enough clothes that if you wear everything you can survive a snowstorm (unlikely event but this is Montana).  In addition to ‘camp’ clothes, we suggest you bring a warm hat, light gloves, fleece jacket, and comfortable pair of camp shoes.  A small flashlight with fresh batteries is also helpful for late night visits to the bush.  We also recommend a camp towel or other small towel if you will be taking a refreshing dip in the river or to clean up after your shower.
 
Reel Montana Season:
July - September
 
Reel Montana Fish Species:
Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout
 
Reel Montana Trip Capacity:
4-18 anglers
 
Reel Montana 2008 Rates:
5 day / 4 night floats average $2,175 per person.
 
Included:
All gourmet meals, boats, guided fishing, dry bags, flies, transportation to and from hotel to river and back, camping gear (except sleeping bags).

Not Included:
Fishing licenses (see site for updated fees http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/license/default.html ), gratuities, and hotel nights in town.  Kids 14 and under don't need their own licenses, 15 and older do need licenses.