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5-6 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
BLACKFOOT RIVER, BITTERROOT RIVER, CLARK FORK RIVER
3-4 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
BLACKFOOT RIVER, BITTERROOT RIVER, CLARK FORK RIVER
6+ HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
3-4 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT ($50 per additional person)
Includes: Charcuterie, Wine, and Other Beverages
BLACKFOOT RIVER or BITTERROOT RIVER
* Trip pricing does not include recommended gratuity of 20%
It’s probably a question I’ve gotten more than any other over the last 20 years. While there are many answers, I think the number one reason is that we care. We love to share what we have in Montana. Regardless of your skill level you’re going to receive the same attitude from your guide. Every guide here is equally enthusiastic about teaching as they are about guiding the seasoned Angler.
Here in Missoula, Montana we are fortunate to fly fish on some of the most legendary streams of the world. I can guarantee that you’ve heard of at least one of our streams, if not all of them. The Bitterroot River, the Blackfoot River, the Clark Fork River, the Missouri River, and Rock Creek. Any one of them is reason alone to visit. With exclusive permits on certain stretches, Clear Creek Outfitters is able to get you on water that very few other companies can. I often tell people you can come out for a month and not fish the same stretch of water.
We also specialize in helping our clients (friends) find dream homes out there. Montana River And Ranch Homes are also part of our mission. That mission is to help you find that second vacation home, or a rental, or a place to retire in the heart of paradise. If you’re going to come out and fall in love with Montana, why not stay? I can promise we’ll find you that perfect place.
Call us today and get that fly fishing trip booked, or let us start finding you that perfect place on the river, or in the mountains.
Clear Creek Outfitters Montana
The Bitterroot River forms just south of Darby, Montana. This is where the East Fork of the Bitterroot and the West Fork of the Bitterroot come together. Both the East and West Fork are outstanding fisheries. The West Fork is best known for its epic Salmon Fly and Golden Stone hatches. Its raw beauty, as it meanders through a canyon lined with fir and pines, makes for a breath taking view at every turn. The East Fork is equally spectacular but is only floated in June and early July due to heavy flows. It is especially known for its outstanding Stonefly hatches. But watch out! The fast flows require quick accurate cast with one eye always locked in downstream checking for upcoming productive water. Our guides at Clear Creek Outfitters have perfected some techniques, here, to help all levels of angling experience
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406-370-7039
The Clark Fork River can easily be described as three different rivers. The headwaters are a meandering stream much like the Beaverhead River, and has a predominately brown trout population that are more than willing to attack a streamer or bait fish imitation. As it approaches Missoula, both Rock Creek and the Blackfoot River dump into it before it reaches town. As it winds through Missoula, it turns into more of an urban trout fishery. As it exits Missoula, The Clark Fork meets up with the Bitterroot River and almost doubles in flow size. The species more predominate in this lower stretch is mostly large rainbow trout. For the next 40 miles it remains a large stream as it winds through the Alberton Gorge and its white water section.
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406-370-7039
The Blackfoot River was made famous back in the early 90’s with the movie, “A River Runs Through It.” The Blackfoot River can best be described as a river that winds through a conifer lined canyon, with crystal clear water. A good bit of the river is strewn with big boulders and cliff walls. The Blackfoot River canyons were formed by the glacial lake floods that occurred at the end of the last ice age.
Many consider the Blackfoot River as one of the most scenic rivers in Montana. The Blackfoot River originates 10 miles to the northeast of Lincoln, Montana. Its flows come from snowpack and springs near Rodgers Pass. Its total length is 75 miles at the point where it feeds in to the Clark Fork River east of Missoula.
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406-370-7039
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America. It flows 2,341 miles before joining the Mississippi River, but for all intents and purposes we’re concerned with the 50 mile stretch below Holter Dam. At times, this stretch is called Montana’s largest spring creek, but rather, the tail water flows mimic the prime conditions of a spring creek. Water flows at a fairly consistent temperature, compared to our local free-stone rivers and boasts good clarity year-round. Due to these conditions the fish grow at a staggering rate, and at times it seems there aren’t any small fish to be found! Due to the abundant aquatic insects the number of trout below the dam is an estimated 16,000 fish per mile! That makes for some excellent Missouri River fly fishing opportunities.
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406-370-7039
Well, we don’t sell key chains and coffee mugs; we’re too busy putting our clients on fish!
The night before your trip is spent preparing for the next day, cleaning gear, and comparing notes with our other guides, in an effort to improve the next day. We live and breathe fly fishing and everyone that works with us, knows our profession will probably never make us rich, but it’s our passion that strives to make your day the best it can be.
If you’re not familiar with Missoula’s fly fishing opportunities then you should be! Its home to 4 world class blue ribbon trout streams: The Bitterroot Riiver, Blackfoot River, ClarkFork River, and Rock Creek not to mention the Missouri River which can be accessed on a day trip.
Any one of these rivers would be reason enough to come to Missoula but the fact is, being based in Missoula, we can access several hundred miles of prime water on any given day.
Every trip we do deserves patience, hard work, and understanding of the client’s needs; anywhere from a complete beginner, to a seasoned expert.
Certain times of the year and certain clients require different schedules. For instance the hottest part of the year we may need an earlier start to have the best fishing possible. Or a client may have a desire to fish a certain river at a certain time so flexibility is the key.
While catching fish is very important so is enjoying the day. Other outfitters preach racing down the river to make sure they’re first. We’re not on a set time schedule and our guides are completely competent to be able to catch fish in any condition. In the hottest part of the year, we may need an earlier start to have the best fishing possible. Or a client may have a desire to fish a certain river at a certain time so flexibility is the key.
Brian Gast2024-04-11I have been fishing with Doug at Clear Creek Outfitters for about 15 years now and I would never go anywhere else. Doug’s knowledge of the rivers and where the fish are is second to none. He always finds a way to put you onto some nice fish! In addition to some great fishing you will always have a great time with Doug, and the lunches👍. So if you are looking for a great day on the river and want to catch some fish this is the only place to go!Gavin Holles2024-04-07Doug was instrumental in delivering a truly epic trip down both the Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers. These are remarkable landscapes on their own - made even better by his ability to put you on fish and help even a novice fly fisherman find success! He delivers the whole experience for his clients which makes for a great day on the river. Highly Recommend.railroader232024-03-21Highly recommend Clear Creek Outfitters for drifting the rivers in the Missoula area! Doug Jones is an awesome guide and knows all the sweet spots on the rivers. He's very patient especially if you are a beginner fly fisherman like me lol. Doug showed me new techniques to hone my skills and what I need to look for as a beginning fly fisherman. Hooked up on some big fish but being a beginner it was rod handler error on getting them in the boat. I will definitely be choosing Clear Creek Outfitters again for my next fishing trip down the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Blackfoot or Missouri River and this time I'll be ready to land that personal best with Doug!!!Joe Reidy2023-07-08I've fished quite a bit and I can say that this was one of my favorite days on the water. Doug got me on the trout within the first two casts. Throughout the day we told fishing stories and got along like old friends fishing. At certain points he'd give me tips on improving my cast, where to drop the fly, alter presentation, or when to set. Other times, he'd let me fish with no critique. He hit the perfect balance. I can't recommend Doug highly enough, 5 stars doesn't do him justice.Ashley May2022-10-18Whether you’re a seasoned fly junkie or a total newbie Doug will go out of his way to accommodate you and adapt to your needs. He has more experience than a lot of the guides I looked into and it really came through. Local info and stories were a nice bonus to a day spent on the Blackfoot as well as a tasty lunch. Don’t look any further if you’ve found Clear Creek!ashreading2022-07-25My Dad and I went out with Doug when waters were high and fishing was tough. Doug got us on fish and gave us a great day. Will definitely recommend to anyone I know looking for a guide in the future.Debra Raines2022-07-24Fantastic time fly fishing. This was my first time fishing. Our guide, Doug, was an excellent instructor and made our trip so much fun.. I actually caught a sizable fish..I can’t wait for our next trip ..Duane Cook2022-07-08What a great way to learn fly fishing! Doug was tremendous. About 6 hours of rapid fire instruction and encouragement. It was so fun! I think I had 9 strikes (my wife about the same) and I even pulling in my dinner: literally. I learned SO MUCH! Doug has a infectious love of fly fishing. We have been out twice since our float down the Bitterroot! Everything we needed to know to get started…casting, mending, watching, how to react when they hit! Doug knows all the great spots and exactly where to put the fly! If you want to learn from a true professional, he is you guy!Jeff Somrock2022-07-08Doug is a true professional. Having never been fly fishing before he taught us to cast and had us pulling fish into the raft almost immediately. Sorry for all the flies we left in the trees we promise to lose less next year!Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 20 reviews
Cell: 406-370-7039
Alternate Cell: 406-531-3776
E-mail: info@clearcreekoutfitters.com
Doug Jones
Montana Outfitter #8453
5400 Arnica Road
Missoula, MT 59803
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We operate under special use permit with the Forest Service and are an equal opportunity provider