Private Lake Fly Fishing in Montana

We have access to a handful of private, spring-fed lakes in close proximity to Livingston, MT, where the trout are big and the views are exceptional. These are exclusive-access waters that hold rainbows and browns well into the double digits, with strict daily limits that keep the lakes quiet and the fishing strong. For anglers who want trophy water away from the crowds, a day on one of our private lakes is hard to beat.

Why Fish a Private Lake

Private lake fly fishing is a different game from river fishing, and it's a rewarding one. A few reasons anglers love these trips:

• Big fish. These lakes hold trout that are larger on average than what you'll find on most public water. Double-digit rainbows and browns are a real possibility.

• The dry-fly bite can be exceptional. When the bugs are coming off, watching a 20-inch trout sip a small dry off a glassy lake surface is one of the great experiences in fly fishing.

• A different kind of fishing. Anglers who have spent time on rivers often find that learning to fish stillwater opens up a new layer of the sport. Reading lakes, working the drop-offs, and targeting cruising fish is a skill set worth building.

• Exclusivity. Strict daily rod limits and private access mean you're not sharing the water with other anglers.

What to Expect

We fish these trophy lakes from drift boats, which gives anglers access to the entire fishery (not just the shoreline). Your guide will work the boat to put you on cruising fish, structure, and active water as conditions change through the day.

Most private lake trips meet in Emigrant, MT. We offer both full-day and half-day trips on the lakes, so you can scale the day to fit your trip and your stamina.

A day on the lake pairs well with a multi-day adventure. Many anglers book one day of lake fishing alongside a float trip on the Yellowstone or a walk-and-wade day in Yellowstone Park to round out a Montana fly-fishing trip.

Lake Access and Trip Logistics

We have access to several lakes and we don't list them by name (they're secluded for a reason). If you're interested in booking, reach out and we'll walk you through the options based on the season and what's fishing well.

Rod fees are required for all private lake trips and range from $100 to $150 per person, depending on the lake. Rod fees go directly to the property owner and secure your spot for the day. They are separate from your guide fee.

Availability is limited. Daily rod limits mean these spots fill quickly during prime windows. Advance booking is required, especially for May and June.