You expect the best from us when we take you out on the water. We demand the best from the clothing we use. We chose top-of-the-line items from companies we trust and use every day on the water.
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.
After the East and West Forks join up to form the main water, the Bitterroot can best be described as a winding river of which the banks are comprised of sand and gravel. Because of this the Bitterroot River constantly changes appearance from one year to the next. Certain channels may completely close up while new ones are formed during the subsiding of the run-off. The Bitterroot winds its way through the Bitterroot Valley with the Sapphire Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Range to the west. The river continues to grow gathering volume from several dozen feeder streams before it reaches the Clark Fork River.
We start to fish the “Root” in the spring and fish it all the way through October with the exception of the run-off season. The Bitterroot River has probably the most diverse insects of any of the other local streams. Many insect species are unique to this river in both the spring and fall. Regardless of the time of year, the Bitterroot is a beautiful river and the colors of the fall foliage is hard to beat. So whether you like fishing giant salmon flies, or technical light tippet and size 20 tricos the Bitterroot River will satisfy even the most discriminating angler.
If you want to specifically fish the Bitterroot River please call us to discuss dates and availability. If you are interested in fly-fishing the Missoula and/or Bitterroot Valley please contact us about the dates you would like to visit, and we can make some great recommendations based on our extensive experience and your individual fly-fishing goals. Certain rivers afford different opportunities to anglers based upon their level of expertise, so please be honest about your abilities; we want to make sure you have the best experience possible!
Local Full-Day: $650/boat
5-6 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
Local Half-Day $550/boat
3-4 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
Local Full-Day Missouri River: $800/boat
6+ HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
ANY GIVEN DAY WE COULD HAVE A HOUR AND A HALF DRIVE (1.5 HOURS) TO A
TWO AND A HALF HOUR (2.5 HOURS) DRIVE TO THE MISSOURI RIVER.
• 30-day cancellation policy applies to all trips.
• Deposit Return is subject to a 5% fee.
• Price does not include the recommended guide gratuity of 20%.
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