Guided Fly Fishing Adventures in Montana
GUIDED FLY FISHING IN MONTANA
Yellowstone River, private waters, and authentic ranch-based experiences.
Guided Fly Fishing Across Southwest Montana
Yellowstone River trips, private ranch waters, and limited-access spring creeks.
Guided Fly Fishing
Guided fly fishing experiences across YNP, Madison River, Private high mountain lakes, raft the Boulder River.
Our Waters
Float the Yellowstone River, fish quiet ranch waters, and access private spring creeks.
Lodging & Access
Ranch-style lodging in Paradise Valley with limited-access spring creek fishing.
Guided Fishing
Professionally guided fly fishing experiences across Montana, tailored to your skill level and the season.
Our Waters
Float the Yellowstone River, fish quiet ranch waters, and access exclusive spring creeks.
Lodging & Access
Ranch-style lodging in Paradise Valley with limited-access spring creek fishing.
The Nelson’s Difference
A Montana fly fishing experience shaped by local knowledge, limited access, and respect for the water.
Ranch-Based & Locally Guided
We live and guide on the land we fish, offering authentic Montana experiences rooted in ranch life and stewardship.
More Than One Fishery
From Yellowstone River float trips to private ranch waters and spring creeks, our trips go beyond a single style of fishing.
Small Groups, Limited Access
We guide on private water where the number of anglers is limited each day to preserve the experience, the water, and the quality of every trip.
Professional, Certified Guides
All of our highly experienced guides are certified in CPR and first aid, ensuring a safe and prepared day on the water.
The Yellowstone River
Montana’s most iconic river, guided by those who know it best.
Discover world-class guided fly fishing on the Yellowstone River — the longest freestone river in the United States. With its diverse waters, prolific hatches, and welcoming waters for anglers of all experience levels, our trips deliver unforgettable days on the river.
Fly Shop & Outfitting
Everything you need for a day on Montana’s waters, curated by the guides who fish them
Outfitted by Guides, Not Algorithms
Our on-site fly shop is stocked with the flies, gear, and essentials our guides trust every day on the Yellowstone River and surrounding waters. Located just 10 miles south of Livingston, MT, the shop is a convenient stop whether you’re joining us for a guided trip or gearing up on your own.
Operated by experienced guide Jacquie Nelson, who lives on Nelson’s Spring Creek, the shop offers unmatched local insight to help you match current conditions and fish with confidence.
- Custom spring creek fly selection you won’t find anywhere else
- Seasonal flies designed to match the hatch
- Leader, tippet, and premium terminal tackle
- High-quality rods, reels, and gear rentals
- Custom-branded gear and outfitting essentials
- Personalized recommendations based on local water conditions
Everything you need to set yourself up for a successful day on the water—right where your fishing begins.
Conveniently located 10 miles south of Livingston, MT—stop in before your next day on the river.
Spring Creeks
Private water. Technical fishing. A more refined experience.
Explore the legendary spring creeks of Nelson's Spring Creek, DePuy's Spring Creek, and Armstrong's Spring Creek — some of the most respected trout waters in Montana. These crystal-clear, spring-fed creeks offer a more technical and deliberate style of fly fishing, where presentation, patience, and precision make all the difference.
With limited access and carefully managed conditions, each day on the creek is quiet, focused, and highly rewarding for anglers who enjoy the challenge of selective trout and consistent water conditions.
Spring creek trips are available only to guided guests and are planned in advance based on availability and conditions.
Nelson’s Spring Creek Lodging
Stay where you fish, in the heart of Montana’s most storied waters
Our ranch-style lodge and cabins offer a comfortable home base along Nelson’s Spring Creek, located in Paradise Valley just minutes from Livingston, MT. Designed for anglers who want to slow down and settle into the rhythm of the water, this is more than a place to stay—it’s part of the experience.
With direct access to world-class spring creek fishing and close proximity to the Yellowstone River, guests can enjoy quiet mornings on the water and relaxed evenings back at the lodge. Whether you're here for guided trips or exploring on your own, everything is set up to make your time on the river seamless.
- Ranch-style lodge and private cabins on Nelson’s Spring Creek
- Peaceful setting in Paradise Valley near Livingston, MT
- Convenient access to both spring creek and river fishing
- Comfortable accommodations designed with anglers in mind
Rental Cars for Your Montana Trip
Land in Bozeman and hit the road with confidence
Flying into Bozeman? Skip the hassle of traditional rental counters and book directly with Nelson’s Guides & Flies through Turo. Our fleet of well-maintained, 4WD vehicles is parked right at BZN Airport and ready for pickup when you land—so you can head straight for the river.
By renting through us, you’re not only getting reliable transportation built for Montana conditions—you’re also supporting a local small business that knows the area inside and out.
6-vehicle fleet with a range of options
Vehicles equipped with 4WD for Montana terrain
Convenient pickup and drop-off at BZN
Easy booking through our Turo profile
From the Eyes of a Guide
Recent moments from the water, the shop, and life in Paradise Valley
Follow along for daily life on the river, guide days, and seasons on the ranch.
View this profile on InstagramNelson's Guides & Flies (@ nelsonsguidesandflies ) • Instagram photos and videos
Ready to Plan Your Montana Fly Fishing Trip?
Guided trips on Montana Rivers, private waters, and limited-access spring creeks
Whether you’re planning your first Montana fly fishing experience or returning for another season on the water, our guides are here to help you plan the right trip at the right time. Start with a booking request, and we’ll take it from there.
Questions before booking? Visit our Fly Shop or Contact Us.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Real experiences on the Yellowstone River and Montana’s premier waters
"Thank you so much for a fabulous two days of fly fishing on the Spring Creeks this past week. I can honestly say that it was the most memorable two days of fishing I have ever had. We caught a lot of fish and several were truly monster Trout. It was fun to catch all four types as well. I have watched the videos countless times and have yet to tire of them."
- Tom Moore
"I am so grateful that I got to fly fish at Nelson’s. I have fly fished all over the West for 30 years and this spring creek is truly amazing. Paradise Valley scenery is as good as it gets. I’ll cherish my photos for ever. Now my sister and her husband get to experience Nelson’s later in the summer. I’ll be back for sure and catch those beautiful Browns, Cutthroats, and Rainbows."
- Steve Beach
I have visited the Nelsons yearly since 2017…they are the best people and their creek is my favorite place on planet earth.
- William Williams
