I Watch the Weather So You Don’t Have To — Here’s How I Plan Around Rain

Fly fishing in Montana is more than just a trip—it’s an experience. And like anything outdoors, weather plays a big part. I get it. If you're coming all this way and spending good money, you want to know: what happens if it rains?

Well, let me walk you through exactly how I handle that. Because when you book a fly fishing tour with me, you're not just hiring someone to row a boat—you're hiring someone who knows how to read the skies and make the right calls so you get the most out of your Montana adventure.

Why Some Rain Can Actually Be Good

Yep, you read that right. Not all rain is bad for fly fishing. In fact, if we get a little drizzle or some cloudy skies, that can be fantastic. Fish tend to feel safer and feed more actively when the sun isn't blazing down on them.

For example, on rivers like the Missouri or the lower Clark Fork, a little weather can actually improve your chances. Some of my best days guiding guests have been under soft, gray skies. The fish are up, the bugs are active—it's a recipe for success.

When Weather Changes Can Hurt

Now, not all rain is created equal. There's a big difference between steady, gentle rain and a sudden, heavy downpour that lasts for hours. That kind of hard rain? Honestly, it's usually not worth pushing through. The water gets muddy, the fish hunker down, and you’re out there cold and frustrated.

And it’s not just the rain itself—it's the abrupt weather changes that can really mess things up. You know, sudden drops or spikes in barometric pressure. Abrupt shifts can shut fish down fast.

So when that happens, I’m honest about it. If I see a gnarly system moving in, I’ll recommend we postpone. After all, you came here to catch fish, not just to say you went fishing.

How I Plan Trips With You in Mind

If you book a fly fishing tour in Montana with me, especially if you're coming in for a few days, I make sure everything is lined up. I watch the long-term forecasts closely. But here's the thing—Montana weather can flip fast. If the day before your trip it looks like a serious storm is rolling in, I won’t just cross my fingers and hope for the best.

I’ll get in touch. We’ll talk it through. Can we shift the day? Should we hold off until conditions are better? I’m not just out here to fill the calendar—I’m here to make sure you have a shot at a great day on the water.

Putting Your Experience First

Look, at the end of the day, this isn’t about squeezing every dollar out of a booking. It’s about you. When you book a fly fishing tour guide in Montana, you deserve someone who cares about your trip as much as you do. That means sometimes saying "let's wait for better weather." That's just the honest truth.

My focus is always on your experience, not my paycheck. If that means rescheduling or pivoting plans, that’s what we’ll do.

Ready When You Are

So if you’re thinking about fly fishing in Montana and you want someone who not only knows the rivers but also knows how to work with (and around) the weather, I’m here for you. From fly fishing tours in Montana to full-on guided trips, I’ll keep an eye on the skies so you can focus on the fishing.

Because at the end of the day, my job isn’t just to guide—it’s to make sure you walk away smiling, rain or shine.

‍