The Best Fly Rod for Fishing Montana

Montana is truly blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, particularly when it comes to its rivers, lakes and streams. Stretching across hundreds of miles, these waterways are the lifeblood of Montana. Choosing the perfect fly rod for trout fishing in these pristine waters can often prove to be a challenging decision. With such a vast array of options available it is essential to carefully consider several factors before making an investment.

What I look For in Fly Fishing Rod As A Guide

With limited room in boats I prefer not to bring more than four rods on guided trips. Most fly fishing guides lean toward rods that can used for a variety of disciplines and have quality components. Quality cork, stripping guides and action are key factors. The second thing I consider when looking for a new rod is warranty and customer service. As a fly fishing guide I tend to see a few broken rods each season. Whether from high sticking a fish or a clumsy step into a drift boat, broken rods are a part of fly fishing and having a good warranty is important. The last thing and probably the most important is how the rod feels in hand and the action. While I don’t believe in one size fits all, it’s hard to beat a premium 9′ 5 or 6 weight rod. Fly rods in these weights will cover most scenarios one may encounter on the river. 

The Best Technical Dry Fly Rod

Dry fly fishing Montana often involves delicate and accurate presentations. Pinpoint accuracy can make all the difference when targeting selectively feeding trout. An accurate rod helps with precise placement of your fly which can equal more fish to the net. This is where the Orvis Helios 4 comes in. Marketed as the most accurate rod in the industry. The Helios line of fly rods have a reputation for precision, quality and durability. My go to rod for serious dry fly fishing is hands down the the Orvis Helios F. The F in this rod series stands for finesse which is perfect for the technical dry fly fishing we see on the Missouri River. The 905F paired with a RIO Elite technical trout line is incredibly accurate and light in hand. Whether fishing small technical dry flies or punching a hopper dropper rig on windy day, the H4 gets it done!

Best Nymphing Fly Rods

Having a versatile fly rod that can handle a variety of nymphing situations is what we all look for. After testing and fishing a few different rods I decided on the Orvis 906 F and D. These rods would be my primary nymphing and do all rods. While the 10 foot rods are great for technical nymphing I settled on the 9 footers for client rods. These rods offer a lot of versatility should you want to cast small streamers or big dry flies. Paired with the Orvis hydros line the 906 F (finesse model) I found these rods to be very forgiving for newer casters. The soft tip aids in protecting lighter tippets while still having a solid backbone to handle heavier nymph rigs during our high water seasons. The Helios 4F in 6 weight has been my go to nymph rod but I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for for a small streamer rod.

Best Fly Rods For Streamer Fishing Montana

Unlike traditional dry fly or nymph fishing, streamer fishing involves casting large flies designed to imitate baitfish. Fast action rods are generally preferred due to their ability to generate high line speeds and deliver powerful, accurate casts. This is especially important when casting big wind-resistant streamers or when targeting structure along distant banks. A 6 to 8 weight streamer rod is ideal for most situations, although the specific weights will depend on size of the flies and the size of the fish in your local water. Here in Montana it’s hard to beat a 9 foot 7 weight as a dedicated streamer rod. Sinking fly lines or tips are not necessary but can help anglers present flies at different depths. If you like versatility in your streamer fishing I recommend the Rio trout Versi leaders. These interchangeable leaders can connect to your floating line making it a sink tip line with simple loop to loop connection. Being able to to change the depth of water your targeting offers a lots versatility in your streamer game. The streamer rods I use most is the Sage payload and the Orvis H4 D. Both these rods generate high line speed and are very powerful.

Personal Preference

Overall the best fly rod for Fishing Montana and its many rivers is what feels best to you. Whether your dry fly fishing spring creeks, nymphing a big river or chucking wooly buggers a 5/6 weight rod will get the job done. Go to your local fly shop and cast a few and see what may work for you and your fishing style. For me I have been very pleased with the quality, performance and warranty of Orvis fly rods. Floating down western rivers you’ll see a number of guide boats using these rods. The H4 has really become a guide favorite. click link for full HELIOS REVIEW.