Backcountry Angler

Unforgettable fly fishing excursions, on
some of the best waters in Montana

Join one of the largest permitted outfitters on the only restricted access rivers in SW Montana.

$595/2 people per day
$550 single per day

~Beaverhead, Big Hole, Ruby or Madison depending on conditions~

3/15 - 5/5

Guided Spring Fishing Special

Come fish the off-season at a discounted rate: The months of March, April, and early May are an often-overlooked time of year. Enjoy less crowded rivers, great fishing, and springtime weather. Whether it’s chasing Sqwallas on the Big Hole or nymphing them up on the Beaverhead, grab your coat and fly rod, and let’s have some fun!! Rates are as follows and the promotion is from March 15th through May 5th.

About 6 hours on the water

Flies, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages included

Transportation to the river provided.

Beaverhead, Big Hole or Ruby depending on conditions.

Missouri or Yellowstone Rivers require a 2 day minimum

Unforgettable fly fishing excursions, on
some of the best waters in Montana

Join one of the largest permitted outfitters on the only restricted access rivers in SW Montana.

Our waters

At Backcountry Angler we take guiding and fishing seriously and have fun every minute doing it. Our guides are hand-picked to ensure the highest quality experience for each and every one of our anglers. They have years upon years of experience and most importantly that experience is on the rivers we fish every day, ensuring they know the conditions daily, what’s working, what’s not, where to go, and where not to go. Whether it’s a day or a week with us, we will leave you with an experience of a lifetime and will work the hardest we can to have fun and catch fish.

Costumer reviews

We stumbled on Tom Smith’s Backcountry Angler in 2007 when searching online for guided fishing in Montana, so we decided to give it a try. It seemed to be our kind of place – a full-service fly shop, guide service, and a lodge by the river, but without all the fancy amenities like fancy meals and afternoon cocktails. We go to Montana to fish! I’ve since bought rods, reels, flies, and fishing garments from the shop and have never been disappointed. They have a great selection, and with the rods, they bring several to the lodge so we can try before we buy. As a bonus we get lots of great advice on what will work best for us. And, if you need something from the shop when you’re not in Dillon, they will ship it to you for free!

Eastern Boys

I’ve fished with the crew at Backcountry Anglers annually for over 15 years. Why? First, their guides are a lot of fun to spend a day (or a week) with. Second, they are exceedingly patient with my errant casts and occasional “bird’s nests.” Third, they are great teachers—both for experienced casters, and first timers who’ve been invited on my annual trip. But most guides worth their salt check at least two of these boxes. What really differentiates the crew at Backcountry Anglers is how well they know their rivers—Montana restricts the number of days an outfitter can fish certain rivers, and Backcountry Angler has acquired more days than other outfitters in the area. As a result, they know where fish will hang out in Spring, Summer, and Fall (on the Big Hole, a freestone river, the river changes by the month, if not the week, as water levels and flows drop over the course of year). They know where and how deep the fish are, and what they’re eating. While all experienced fly fishermen can catch fish on a good river, the level of local knowledge of the Backcountry Anglers crew can turn a good day into an incredible day. It has for me, and the friends who’ve joined my annual trip and now beg to come back.

J. Heisse

When fishing new water, we always hire a guide. Sometimes we get a good one, sometimes not. But we scored with Andy from Back Country Angler. He knows his local water, always finds fish, and has a great sense of humor (which is often needed when fly fishing). We’ve become friends over the past ten years (he often shows up on our Christmas cards - Frank/Andy/fish), and we’ve booked him again for next year!

Katherine Paiva

I have been fishing with Andy since 2007. Whether it's dries, nymphs or streamers Andy always puts us in the best position to catch fish. His knowledge of the area, history, wildlife and fish is without equal. His coaching and instruction, over the years, have greatly increased my fly-fishing skill. Most of all he has become a great friend that I look forward to seeing each year.

B. Mcmillan

The first time my wife May and I fished with Backcountry Anglers we really didn't know what to expect. We both had a lot of experience in dry fly fishing but very little in nymph fishing.We started off for 2 days with one guide and finished our last 3 with another. They both were excellent in explaining everything and very patient with us. The fish we caught were awesome and the lunches were excellent, even for a picky guy like me.It was such a great experience that we have fished with them for 9 straight years and are going again this year. You don't get repeat customers unless you are doing things right, especially for someone hard to please like me. We would highly recommend them . Thanks Andy and crew for our great times.

D. Hoffman

My first float trip as a newbie fly fisher was with Andy from Back Country Angler. I was nervous - afraid I'd do something stupid and embarrassing - and I did. But Andy made it okay. "Everyone has a first day," is his motto. He is a kind and patient teacher, and extremely knowledgeable about local water. I even caught fish! Couldn't wait to book again for the next year.

KMP

Whenever you describe a great fishing guide, you are describing Andy Bennett. I have fished with him since 2007 and never plan to use anyone else in Montana. My buddy and I go every year, and each trip seems to be better than the last. Andy knows the rivers, the fish, and the bugs, and never disappoints. He can put us on fish in the unlikeliest looking places, yet he knows the fish are there. During our floats we have the chance to try all manner of fishing – dries, nymphs, and streamers – to guarantee success. And success is more than just a lot of big fish (which we do get!). With Andy we have lots of laughs, take in the scenery and wildlife, and just have a great time. If you’re looking to have a low-pressure, successful, enjoyable day fishing in Montana, Andy is the guy!

J. Kipp

Our Lodging

The River House

Conveniently located close to town but far enough away to feel secluded, come fish and stay with us at the River House. If the day on the river with our guides hasn’t worn you out enough, this house is located right on the Beaverhead River and a quarter mile from Dillon’s famous Poindexter Slough. The house has 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, a full kitchen, tv, internet, awesome large deck right on the river with a fire pit for telling fish stories while winding down for the next day's adventure. It is perfect for groups of 4 or more and can handle up to 8 comfortably. Book your next fishing getaway with us soon, this place books up fast.

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The Fly Shop Inn

The Fly shop inn is conveniently located right behind our fly shop and is close to town and its various restaurants. With two queen beds, a tv, internet, a small kitchen, and all the necessary amenities, the fly shop inn is perfect for couples or traveling buddies looking for a relaxing comfortable place to stay and fish.

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Unforgettable fly fishing excursions, on
some of the best waters in Montana

$595/2 people per day
$550 single per day

Guided Spring Fishing Special

About 6 hours on the water

Flies, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages included

Transportation to the river provided.

Beaverhead, Big Hole or Ruby depending on conditions.

Missouri or Yellowstone Rivers require a 2 day minimum